Sri Lanka 12 Days Cultural Tour Package

You will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport today in accordance with your 12-day cultural tour. A representative of Pekoe Lanka Tours will warmly welcome you at the airport. You will then board your private vehicle and proceed to Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Spend the evening relaxing and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Colombo

After breakfast, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most significant temples in Colombo, blending traditional and contemporary architecture, situated on Beira Lake.

Next, proceed to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Kelaniya Temple), believed to have been sanctified by Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its reclining Buddha statue and exquisite paintings by Solias Mendis depicting important events in the Buddha’s life.

Continue to Balapitiya for a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Madu River, with its mangrove ecosystem and numerous islands. Then visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about sea turtle conservation efforts.

Evening arrival in Galle and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Galle

Morning visit to the historic Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living monument with beautiful colonial architecture.

Proceed to Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. Enjoy an exciting afternoon safari in the Ruhunu sector, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama

After breakfast, drive towards Ella, stopping at the scenic Ravana Falls (Ravana Ella). According to legend, King Ravana hid Princess Sita in a cave behind this waterfall.

Next, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era engineering marvel known as the “Bridge in the Sky,” surrounded by lush tea plantations.

Then hike the short trail to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views over tea estates and misty mountains.

Overnight: Ella

Enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in the world from Ella Railway Station to Nanu Oya Station. Marvel at the breathtaking views of tea plantations, mountains, valleys, and lush greenery.

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, visit Gregory Lake for a peaceful stroll or optional boat ride. Then see the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a charming Tudor-style red-brick building from the British era.

Continue to the Sita Amman Temple in Sita Eliya, an important Ramayana site dedicated to Goddess Sita.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Drive towards Kandy with stops at the impressive Ramboda Falls (109m / 358 ft), one of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfalls.

Visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, one of the oldest tea factories in Sri Lanka, for a factory tour and tea tasting.

End the day with a visit to the magnificent Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, spanning 147 acres with over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, palms, and spices.

Overnight: Kandy

Explore the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

Continue to Bahirawakanda Temple to see the giant Buddha statue overlooking the city. Enjoy panoramic views from the Kandy Viewpoint, and explore the local market for souvenirs and local products.

Overnight: Kandy

Travel to Sigiriya via Matale. Stop at the vibrant Muthumariamman Hindu Temple, famous for its chariot festival.

Visit a Spice Garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lankan spices and their uses.

Proceed to the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO), the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka with stunning murals and over 150 statues.

Climb or admire the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital, featuring well-preserved 12th-century ruins, palaces, temples, and Buddha statues.

In the afternoon, enjoy a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for large gatherings of elephants during the dry season.

On the way back, visit Hiriwadunna Village for an authentic rural experience — bullock cart ride, catamaran boat trip, and optional traditional village lunch.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Proceed to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the sacred Atamasthana (Eight Sacred Places) and other ancient ruins, stupas, monasteries, and reservoirs.

Overnight: Anuradhapura

Visit Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where Arahant Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa. Explore the ancient monastic complex with stunning views.

Return to Anuradhapura for a deeper exploration of the Atamasthana sites including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, and more.

Overnight: Anuradhapura

On the final day of your 12-day cultural tour, your driver will transfer you safely back to Bandaranaike International Airport or Colombo, concluding your memorable journey through Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.