Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Discover the history of this fascinating country on a tour of its cultural triangle, from the dominating Sigiriya Rock Fortress to enchanting Gal Vihara.
Ruwanweliseya Temple, Anuradhapura
ZB696_PBR263DF.JPG "Sigiriya Rock Fortress")
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Frescoes at Sigiriya
King's Palace, Polonnaruwa
Gal Vihara
Previous
Next
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Colombo - Sigiriya.
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representative and transferred to Sigiriya. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town, founded around the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (or Lion Rock). (D)
DAY 3: Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya.
After breakfast, a short journey through lush Sri Lankan countryside takes you to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world and is surrounded by monasteries. Your city tour takes in the well-preserved ruins of this area and the Sri Maha Bodhi (or Bo Tree), the oldest tree in the world with a recorded planting date. This remarkable tree was a sapling taken from the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi tree in India, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. Later visit the pilgrimage site of Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya.
This morning visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a giant magma plug which has served both as a long-standing Buddhist monastery and a fortress. Surrounded by a network of gardens and moats, it is an historical, geological and anthropological landmark. The ancient ruins of the upper palace built by King Kasyapa can also be found on the summit, which at 656 feet above sea level affords magnificent views of the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside. On the way to the top, you will see the famous 'Cloud Maidens' frescoes painted on the rock wall. After lunch visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, where you will see the remains of the Royal Palace, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the Thuparama Image house, and the captivating Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara - a well-preserved and fine example of ancient rock cut sculpture. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Sigiriya - Beach resort.
Your fascinating cultural tour of Sri Lanka draws to a close today with a visit to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temples - five fantastically preserved caverns containing frescoes and statues of Buddha. Afterwards, transfer to your chosen beach resort. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 to 9: Beach resort.
Relax at your beach resort. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Beach resort - Colombo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Colombo: Ramada Colombo; Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
Visa Information
From 1st January 2012, tourists will have to purchase a visa online before travelling to Sri Lanka. The website and more information for the online form is at http://eta.gov.lk/visainfo. The cost of the visa is USD$20. Additional fees apply for the purchase of a visa on arrival.
Your Holiday Map
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
The Palms
Peace and relaxation reign at this delightful hotel. Surrounded by tropical trees and sitting next to a lovely sweep of golden sand, you'll find The Palms is a true oasis of tranquillity, the perfect escape for recharging your batteries.
Location: On the beach, 3 kilometres from Beruwela.
Facilities: Swimming pool; shops; hairdresser; restaurant; seafood restaurant; 24 hour coffee shop; beach bar; lobby bar; table tennis; fitness centre; Ayurvedic treatments; watersports including waterpolo and water volleyball; minibar and safety deposit box in bedroom.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities, air-conditioning; cable TV; hairdryer; tea/coffee-making facilities.
Options: Sole occupancy (on request).
Official category: 4 star.
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle 8 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle 9 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 1 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 1 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 1 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 22 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 22 Jul 2012 | Glasgow |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 22 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 22 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
|
Select | ||||||||
| 22 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
Departure Times
|
Select |
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Price from £1565.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Colombo - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 8 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by minibus
- English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday highlights
- Anuradhapura
- Mihintale
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara
- Dambulla Rock cave temple
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
01 Jul 2012 to 17 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.