ANCIENT KINGDOMS OF CEYLON
4 days & 3 nights
01.04.2026- 31.10.2026
Itinerary
DAY 01 – ANCIENT KINGDOMS & SACRED ANURADHAPURA JOURNEY
- Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
- Warm welcome and meet & greet by the Let’s See Asia representative at the arrival lobby
- Journey to the Ancient Capital – Anuradhapura
- Proceed to Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, dating back to 380 BC, and one of the island’s most sacred historical cities.
- En Route Historical & Cultural Exploration
- During the journey, visit several remarkable ancient heritage sites, including:
- Dambadeniya Raja Maha Vihara – a historic royal kingdom and Buddhist temple complex
- Panduwasnuwara Kingdom – an ancient royal city rich in archaeological significance and legends
- Yapahuwa Rock Fortress – a magnificent rock fortress known for its impressive stone stairway and royal heritage
- Evening Sacred Temple Experience
- Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, visit some of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including:
- Ruwanwelisaya – one of the most revered stupas in Sri Lanka
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – the sacred Bo tree,, believed to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world
- Check in at the hotel and relax
- Enjoy dinner at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Anuradhapura Hotel as selected
DAY 02 – SACRED ANURADHAPURA, AUKANA BUDDHA & ANCIENT POLONNARUWA
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
- Morning – Explore the Sacred City of Anuradhapura
- Continue exploring the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the birthplace of Buddhist civilization on the island.
- Visit additional sacred temples, ancient monasteries, magnificent stupas, and remarkable archaeological treasures while experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of this historic kingdom.
- En Route Visit – Aukana Buddha Statue
- Proceed towards Polonnaruwa.
- En route, visit the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue, an impressive ancient rock-carved standing Buddha statue renowned for its remarkable craftsmanship and serene spiritual presence.
- Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Upon arrival in Polonnaruwa, explore the island’s medieval capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with fascinating archaeological ruins, royal palaces, ancient temples, stone carvings, and beautifully preserved monuments reflecting the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.
- Check in at the hotel and relax
- Enjoy dinner at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa Hotel as selected
DAY 03 – SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS & CULTURAL KANDY EXPERIENCE
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
- Morning – Explore Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Proceed to visit the iconic Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as the “Lion Rock Fortress.”
- Climb through ancient royal gardens, mirror walls, frescoes, and breathtaking viewpoints while discovering the fascinating history of King Kashyapa’s legendary palace built atop the massive rock fortress.
- Journey to Kandy
- After exploring Sigiriya, continue the journey to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
- En Route Spice Garden Experience
- On the way, visit a traditional spice garden where you can gain fascinating knowledge about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices and Ayurvedic herbs, including cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Evening Spiritual & Cultural Experience
- Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
- Later, enjoy a vibrant traditional cultural dance performance featuring spectacular Kandyan drumming, fire walking, and traditional upcountry dances.
- Check in at the hotel in Kandy as selected
- Enjoy dinner at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Kandy
DAY 04 – KANDY HERITAGE TEMPLES & DEPARTURE JOURNEY
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
- Continue Exploring Kandy
- After breakfast, continue the sightseeing tour of Kandy while enjoying the scenic beauty, cultural atmosphere, and historical charm of Sri Lanka’s hill capital.
- Visit Embekke & Gadaladeniya Temples
- Later, visit two of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable ancient temple sites:
- Embekka Devalaya – renowned for its extraordinary wooden carvings and traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship
- Gadaladeniya Temple – an ancient Buddhist temple showcasing unique South Indian-influenced architecture and historical significance
- Transfer to Colombo & Departure
- After completing the visits, proceed to Colombo and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
- Drop off at the departure lounge
- End of the services
- The itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments depending on flight schedules and operational conditions.
5
CINNAMON LODGE HABARANA
5
MAHAWELI REACH -KANDY
5
FOREST ROCK GARDEN -ANURADHPURA
4
SOROWWA RESORT -HABARANA
4
RANDHOLI RESORT & SPA -KANDY
4
LAKE FOREST HOTEL- ANURADHAPURA
3
CASSANDRA CULTURE RESORT -SIGIRYA
3
MOUNT BLUE - KANDY
3
HERITAGE HOTEL -ANURADHAPURA
Overview
DAMBADENIYA
Dambadeniya is the third kingdom of Sri Lanka that became significant due to the Sacred Tooth Relic that was placed here during the rule of King Vijayabahu III in the 13th Century. It was initially used as a fortification, built on a rock, which was protected by a moat, marsh, ramparts and royal gardens. Vijayabahu’s successor was his son, King Parakramabahu the II who ruled till 1270. King Parakramabahu was known to be a genius and it was during his reign that the Dambadeniya Kingdom flourished.
PANDUWASNUWARA
Paduwasnuwara is one of the four centers of Wayamba Cultural quadrangle of the Central Cultural Fund. The history of the city runs back to 12th Century A.D. When the Indian invaders captured the temple of the tooth relic from the Yapahuwa Kingdom and took it to India. It was King Parakramabahu that fought for it and brought it back to Sri Lanka. The King decided to set up his temporary Kingdom in Panduwasnuwara which was around the 12th century. The Panduwasnuwara site is surrounded by ruins and buildings that covers over 20 hectares
YAPAHUWA
Yapahuwa was one of the ephemeral capitals of medieval Sri Lanka. The citadel of Yapahuwa lying midway between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura was built around a huge granite rock rising abruptly almost a hundred meters above the surrounding lowlands. In 1272, King Bhuvenakabahu transferred the capital from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in the face of Dravidian invasions from South India, bringing the Sacred Tooth Relic with him. Following the death of King Bhuvenakabahu in 1284, the Pandyans of South India invaded Sri Lanka once again, and succeeded in capturing Sacred Tooth Relic. Following its capture, Yapahuwa was largely abandoned and inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious ascetics
ANURADHAPURA
1st capital of Sri Lanka in 380BC .The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that’s a sharp contrast to the museum-like ambience at Polonnaruwa
AUKANA TEMPLE
One of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and elegant statues, the Aukana Buddha lies to the west of the large Kala Wewa tank near Anuradhapura. The creation of both the temple and the tank (reservoir) is attributed to King Dhatusena in the 5th century. The statue stands 12m-high and is completely free-standing, carved from a single rock.
POLONNARUWA
Built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, Polonnaruwa is a listed World Heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, and four statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock.
SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS
Sigiriya was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
KANDY /CULTURAL DANCE SHOW
Kandy is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
EMBEKKE TEMPLE
Embekka Devalaya was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era in Sri Lanka. The devalaya is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site
GADALADENIYA TEMPLE
Gadaladeniya Temple in Sri Lanka is an old monastery built over a rock in Diggala in the district of Kandy. According to an inscription carved into the walls the temple was built in 1344 AD by King Buwanekabahu the fourth. The temple was designed by the South Indian architect Ganesvarachchari in a design similar to South Indian architecture.
Quotation on request basis . Please fill the booking form and send us .
Inclusions for the rate
- Accommodation in standard rooms on half board basis at hotels specified or of similar standard.
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from pick up at airport to drop off Colombo.
- Entrance fees and visits as per the itinerary.
- Service of National Guide/Chauffer - Guide
Value added services
- Bottled water during the tour.
- 01 SIM Card on arrival with 2 GB data.
- ODEL shopping discount vouchers.
- Gift Souvenirs.
Exclusions for the rate
- Visa fees – US$ 45.00 apply
- Entrance fees to sites not specified above.
- “X mas” & “New Year” Gala Dinner Supplement
- Cost of beverage throughout the tour.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips and Porterage
- Any other services not specified above
- Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally.
- Visits to wild life parks will be at client's own risk.
- Jeeps available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).
Hotel rules & Regulations
The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1400hrs.
The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1200hrs.
