History And Culture Tour

Views Lanka tour team has arrange this cultural tour to take you through amazing engineering and architectural splendors, ancient ruins of royal palaces, temples and archeological discoveries dating back to the 2rd century BC. We will make sure that you ill get a good knowledge bout Sri Lankan culture and tradition. Not only that with this itinerary, you can visit Two National parks and two different beaches in this wonderful island.

Expectations of this itinerary ?

We have target to give a remarkable experience and good knowledge for visitors with a special interest in exploring the unique cultural aspects of Sri Lanka and have a desire to learn about the documented history of more than 2500 years. You will experience authentic Sri Lankan culture, dwellings and food. Visit and learn about some of the most celebrated historic cities and monuments, some dating back to more than 2500 years. You need not be an archeologist or a historian to enjoy this tour.

Location Covered
  • Negombo
  • Anuradhapura
  • Mihinthale
  • Ritigala
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Aukana
  • Sigiriya
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy
  • NuwaraEliya
  • Ella
  • Yala
  • Mulkirigala
  • Galle

Full Details of Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival and Transfer to Negombo

When you land to the island, you will get a higher welcome by our views lanka representative and will get a comfortable car or van with an experienced chauffer guide for your whole tour. According to this tour plan you will transfer to Negombo beach area. It’s about 15 Km away from Airport and it will take 30 minutes. According to your arrive time, if you prefer we can arrange a Negombo city tour, Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo and it is perfectly located within 15 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka, and no wonder the town is a gourmet food lover’s paradise with seafood available in plenty. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found within the township. The town has several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era. Attractions in the city include the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villages. The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective. Overnight you will satay at Negomo

Day 02 - Anuradhapura Viva wilpattu

After breakfast, you will Transfer From Negombo to Wilpattu is around 115 km journey and it will take two and half hours. You can take your lunch from leopard restaurant at wilpattu junction. After lunch, around 2.00 clock you can start the safai at Wilpattu National park. Wilpattu national park is the biggest national park in the sri lanka, The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is 1,317 square kilometers (131, 693 hectares) and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. A remote camera survey was conducted in Wilpattu from July to October 2015 by the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust. A sample of forty nine individual leopards were photo-captured in the surveyed area and the core area density was between that of Yala National Park's Block I and Horton Plains National Park. varying natural habitats; coastal belt, natural lakes (villus), rocky outcrops, scrublands, open grasslands and dense forest provide for numerous species of animals. Among the species are 31 mammals. The biggest draws in Wilpattu are Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus). Apart from those two mammals are Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer Wild Pig, Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Mugger Crocodiles After safari, you will transfer to Anuradhapura area and in evening hours you can stay leisurely with hotel swimming pool. Overnight at Anuradhapura

Day 03 - Anuradhapura

After breakfast, around 8.30 AM will start the tour to visit Anuradhapura world heritage site. Renowned as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world, Anuradhapura was founded in the year 380 BC and was the island’s first ancient capital. The ancient Sinhala civilisation’s irrigation and architectural expertise was the reason behind the thriving history of this kingdom while it was one of the foremost sacred cities of Buddhism making it an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for the “Atamasthana” which is venerated by many devotees throughout the year. The Eight Great Places of Veneration in Anuradhapura include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. There are many more structures such as the Queen’s Palace, Isurumuniya, Kuttam Pokuna etc which depict the greatness of the ancient Kingdom and its honour for Buddhism. To visit the whole site it will take at least seven hours. So during the visit you can get your lunch from simple local rice and curry restaurant. To visit this grate site you can go by your vehicle Overnight stay at Anuradhapura

Day 04 - Anuradhapura

Today morning you can climb Mihinthale rock and visit Buddhist monastery. Located 15 km East of the sacred city of Anuradhapura is referred by many as the “cradle of Buddhism” in Sri Lanka, as this is the very place where nearly 2,350 years ago, the great disciple of Lord Buddha, Arahath Mahinda Thero preached the Buddhist doctrine to the King “Dewanampiyatissa” of Sri Lanka. From then on the “mountain of Mahinda” is identified throughout the ages as a great monastic city for Buddhism. A flight of stairs consisting of 1840 steps will carry you to the summit of this sacred mountain with a breath taking site of the surrounding area on offer once on top. After the king embraced Buddhism, he declared the area where the saga took place a sanctuary, the first such historically recorded site in the world. The area is dotted with many ruins and caves which archaeologists believe were used to house the priests. Evening you can stay leisurely at hotel

Day 05 - Transfer to Habarana

After breakfast, you will transfer to Habaran, But on the way to Habarana, you can visit another wonderful ancient site of Ritigala Buddhist monastery. Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km (27 mi) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura. The ruins of Ritigala monastery are located on the eastern side of the mountain at the foot of the gorge which separates the main peak from the northern ridge of the range. The ruins cover an area of 24 hectares (59 acres). The monastery precinct begins at the office of the on-site branch of Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka close to the foot of the reservoir named Banda Pokuna. The ancient man-made reservoir is a feat of engineering with a bund of polygonal plan completing a circumference of 366 meters. The construction of the reservoir is credited to King Pandukabhaya (437 -367 BC). The reservoir possibly served a ritual bathing purpose, with visitors bathing there before entering the monastery. The order of ritual bathing tank, ruins of entrance complex and a pedestrian path seem to indicate devotees in large numbers visiting the monastery the edge of the reservoir is followed in a clockwise direction to arrive at the other bank, and cross the bed of the stream feeding the reservoir. The steep steps here onwards lead up to a beautifully constructed pavement, a stone path 1.5 meters wide that meander upwards through the forest, linking the major buildings of the monastery. The stone cut path is laid with interlocking four-sided slabs of hewn stone. Three large circular platforms at intervals along the pavement allow for rest. After visit the site, you will transfer to Habarana and you can stay leisurely in evening hours at hotel swimming pool. Overnight will stay at Habarana.

Day 06 - Habarana

After breakfast, you can visit Polonnaruwa ancient city. First you can visit Polonnaruwa museum. If you comfortable to ride push bicycles, we can arrange it. Some Clients like to visit the site by Bicycles This city is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s Kingdoms while it was declared as the capital after defeating “Chola Invaders” in 1070. King Parakramabahu’s reign bought a new dawn to the island while far more superior irrigation systems than Anuradhapura were used for paddy cultivation. The ancient city boasts of many archaeological relics and monuments and is one of the best planned sites in the country. The city is also populated by ‘toque macaques’ which are a species of monkeys and has been used as the back drop of the nature documentary “Monkey Kingdom”. Some of the well-known attractions of this stately city include the Statue of King Parakramabahu, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, the Rankoth Vehera, the Gal Viharaya and its statues, the Sathmahal Prasada etc. After the site visit, you can get your lunch from a local rice and curry restaurant. It is the most famous resturent in polonnaruwa area which has a beautiful view in middle of the rice paddies. Then you can visit another wonderful cultural site, Aukana Buddha’s statue. The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction. Overnight you will stay at Habarana

Day 07 - Habarana

Early morning, around 7.00 Clock, you can climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then you can get some nice photos around the area with sun rise on eastern sky. Famed as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya is located in the Matale District. This structure is a natural yet massive column of rock which is close to 200 meters in height. The site which was chosen by King Kasyapa (447 – 495 CE) now consists of the remains of his palace on the top of the rock while halfway up the rock is the gateway to higher ground through a structure depicting an enormous lion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is considered to be one of the best preserved examples for ancient urban planning. The Lion Rock is well known for its frescoes, the mirror wall, the Gardens (the water gardens, the boulder gardens and the terraced gardens) and its overall magnificence which is quite visible to the surrounding areas miles away. After come down from rock, you can attend to a village tour, to get a idea about sri Lankan traditional life and their life related with agricultural farming. With a farmer’s house you can get your lunch. with this activity you can go on a bull carta and boat ride on a lake and visit a vegetable gardens and rice fades. In evening you can get a hearable body massage from a most famous Ayurveda spa center, after that you will feel more relax and late evening, you can satay leisurely at swimming pool in your hotel. Overnight you will stay at Habarana.

Day 08 - Kandy

You will transfer from Habarana to Kandy will take 3 hr. 30 minutes. It’s about 110 Km journey. As first activity, you can visit Dambulla ancient cave temple. The site is well known to include the best preserved as well as the largest cave temple complex in the island. Known as the Dambulla Cave Temple, the rock towers 160 meters over the surrounding plains of the Matale District. So far, there are a number of 80 documented caves belonging to the network while the major attractions of the cave temple spread over 5 caves where devotees are allowed to visit. These caves boast of paintings and statues that depict Lord Buddha and his teachings. The murals cover an estimated area of 2100 Sq meters. You can get your lunch at New Ranweli restaurant in matale spice garden with sri Lankan traditional food buffet. Number of verities of food items and dessert items Sri lanka has always been renowned for its spices. Over 15 different spices call sri lanka, home and many of them are traded in the international spice market. Cinnamon especially is endemic to sri lanka and highest quality ‘true cinnamon’ can be obtained here. Visiting Sri lanka which is a land of spices, without seeing those spices being grown would indeed be a pity too. So you can visit a spice plantations and buy the best spices be done at the same time. After checking to the hotel with a little break you can get a body wash and change, then you can be relax with a world famous cultural dance show in kandy. After Dancing show, you can visit wonderful and most beautiful place in kandy. We recommend to dress white color or lite color to visit kandy tooth relic temple and also you should dress formally and ladies should cover their shoulders and until knee level Known as “Maha Nuwara”, Kandy is the second largest city next to Colombo. Surrounded by the Central highlands, Kandy lies within a plateau and is the religious and administrative capital of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Kandy is mainly known as the home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geographic location of the city has made it a major transportation hub of Central Sri Lanka while it is also known as the gateway to the Central Highlands. The city is served by road and rail. The Temple which is also known as the “Dalada Maligawa” is the main attraction of the city while is has been built on a base of granite. The richness and grandeur of the temple has been magnified by materials such as ivory, marble, limestone, sculpted wood etc. Kandy and its immediate vicinity is also known for the Royal Palace which now houses the National Museum of Kandy, Overnight stay at Kandy

Day 09 - Kandy

Today you can visit three famous Temples in Kandy area Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357 - 1374) in Sri Lanka. The devalaya is dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digge" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hevisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall that has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof It is said that some of the wood work utilized for the "Drummers' Hall" came from an abandoned "Royal Audience Hall" at Gampola. There is every possibility the hall has seen repairs during the reigns of the Sinhalese Kings of Kandy. The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada" (the entrance porch of the devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art. The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere. Gadaladenyia Vihara (also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built in 1344, under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D. by the Ven. Seelavamsa Dharmakirti. The architecture of the temple was designed following Hindu artistic styles by, Ganesvarachari, a South Indian architect. On the rock outcrop, upon which the temple stands Lankatilaka Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Udunuwara of Kandy, The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D. He entrusted the construction of this temple to his Chief Minister named Senalankadhikara, who successfully finished the works of this temple. The architecture of the temple was designed by a South Indian architect named Sathapati Rayar. Then you can visit Royal Botanic Gardens, attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli river (the longest in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. Overnight you will stay at Kandy

Day 10 - Transfer to Ella

Little bit early morning, we will leave from Kandy, on the way we can visit a beautiful waterfall. When you going through hill area you will wonder about everywhere tea plantations. You can get nice photos with this beautiful landscape. We will stop at a tea plantation to feel this nature, and you will get good idea about Sri Lankan tea industry. After that we will visit a world famous tea factory, after change the management, now its name “ Damro Tea factory” but earlier it was Labukelle tea factory. One of tea factory guide will guide you for free when you visit tea factory and finally you will get a free tea taste. If you need to by world famous Ceylon tea this is the best place which you can buy unblended pure tea. When you go through tea carpeted road you can visit a beautiful Ramboda waterfall, this Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass.[3] It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level. After lunch from simple sri Lankan restaurant, you can attend to the world famous train journey from Nanuoya to Ella. This is the most famous train path in sri lanka and if someone visit sri lanka, definitely they would like to go this train journey. The train will go slowly, through mountains, valleys, tea plantations. Overnight will stay at Ella

Day 11 - Ella

After breakfast, you can go to climb little Adam’s peak. “Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries. If you like to see Sun rise from top of the mountain, we can arrange this activity early morning around 5.00clock, it will be a grate memory in your life and you can get lot of nice photographs. Today lunch from famous one of Ella restaurant. After lunch you can visit Ella gap. Later will go to visit nine arch bridge. It has Built at 3100m above sea level, among the craggy peaks of the Central Highlands; the Nine Arches forms a viaduct between the Demodara and Ella Railway stations. Built entirely out of brick, rock and cement; without a single piece of steel; the bridge has stood solid from 1921, its time of creation. According to history, the bridge was built by the locals using such materials; when the construction came to a standstill from the lack of steel caused by World War I. But, in addition to this history; lore abounds the creation of the bridge. After visit Nine arch bridge, you will transfer to Thissamaharama area. The journey about 90 Km and it will take two hours. Overnight you will stay at Thissmaharamaya

Day 12 - Yala National park

Early morning around 5.00 clock you have to leave from your hotel to start the safari at Yala national park, hotel will prepared your breakfast as take a way. Views lanka team will arrange a well experienced safari jeep driver and 4 X4 jeep for the safari. Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. The park consists of five blocks, The park covers 979 square kilometres. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera National Park. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. After safari, you can checkout from your hotel and you will transfer to Galle beach area On the way to Galle, you can visit Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara (also known as Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara) is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mulkirigala, Sri lanka. It has been built on a 205 m (673 ft) high natural rock, surrounded with another four rocks known as Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala. Overnight you will stay at Galle.

Day 13 - Galle

After Breakfast, you can visit another world heritage site. That is world famous Galle Dutch fort. Spend a few interesting hours exploring beautiful Galle a coast city situated in the southwestern tip of the island. It boasts of being an important historical landmark with its fortified city, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later developed in the 17th century, during the Dutch Colonial period. The Dutch Fort in Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Take an exciting walk through this heritage site that boasts of a colorful history. Observe the many sites such as the Old Gate with the British Coat-of-Arms inscribed on it, the Old Dutch Hospital, the ramparts that run around the fortress with its excellent view of the ocean, the clock tower built in 1882, the light house built in 1939,the many bastions - each made for a specific purpose, Dutch colonial style houses with gables and verandahs, the Dutch Reformed Church built in 1640, the New Oriental Hotel, originally built in 1694, the National Maritime Museum and more. Next trek to the Galle Vegetable and Fish Market situated in the city center where vegetables of different shapes, sizes and colors, most native to Sri Lanka like the Banana Blossom, Breadfruit, Jak, Egg Plant, Drumsticks and Snake Gourd, a wide range of exotic fruits, along with plenty of native greens, herbs, spices all enticingly laid out in rows. Remember to talk to the vendors if you want to know more about the produce and learn the rule of thumb in choosing ‘just the right’ fruit or vegetable. Stop for a fresh drink at the King Coconut stand and buy some local sweetmeats to snack on the way. Next it’s the central fish market situated almost on the beach itself and if it’s an early morning expedition, then you can witness the fresh catch being brought in. Be awed by the vast variety of fish, crabs, lobsters, shrimp and even shark. Take your pick in any quantity you want, cleaned and sliced for convenience. During the visit you can get your lunch from famous restaurant in Galle fort , and after lunch you can enjoy with secret jungle beach, Swim, lay down on white sandy beach and sun bathing. Overnight you will stay at galle beach area

Day 14/15 - Beach stay and transfer to the Airport

With these days, you can stay leisurely on beautiful beach area. As your preference, we can arrange beach activities like Diving, Whale watching, and Snorkeling. You can be relax after long journey through the country side. Eating and drinking, swimming and sleeping, you can spend these days as a holiday in paradise. Finally, according to your Flight time, you will transfer to the Bandaranayake international Airport, the journey will take 3 hours and it’s about 150 km, but we can go through southern express way.

Want To Travel With
Us?