The Ancient Kingdoms

A seven-day passage through Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya, Dambulla and sacred Kandy.

7 Days · 6 NightsEnquire to Book

Airport → Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa → Habarana → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy → Colombo

Tour Highlights

What makes this journey unforgettable.

Sri Lanka's first capital, where a sacred bo tree and white dagobas rise out of the dry-zone forest.

A 5th-century sky palace raised on a sheer granite outcrop, reached through the paws of a giant lion.

Five painted cave shrines under a granite overhang, holding more than 150 gilded Buddhas.

Sri Lanka's most sacred shrine, where the Buddha's tooth relic rests beside Kandy Lake.

The medieval capital, where royal palaces, shrines and four colossal Buddhas stand in parkland.

A working garden of cinnamon, cardamom and pepper, on the road between Kandy and Dambulla.

The itinerary, day by day.

Welcome on arrival and transfer to Anuradhapura, with time to relax and unwind.

Full day exploring the Anuradhapura Ancient City, Sri Lanka's first capital and a living pilgrimage site.

Discover the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, with its royal palaces, temples and giant Buddha statues, then continue to Habarana.

Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, and stop at a Matale spice garden en route to Kandy.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a Kandy city tour, and an evening cultural show.

Drive to Colombo for a city tour and shopping.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

What's in your journey.

Welcome and assistance on arrival and departure
Accommodation at 3, 4 or 5-star hotels
Half-board meal basis throughout stay at the hotels, can be changed to full-board, bed & breakfast or another meal plan. Just tell us when we plan your journey.
Transport in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the stay
Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide, travelling in another language? We can arrange a guide who speaks your language, just ask while planning.
02 bottles of mineral water (500ml) per day per person
All entrance tickets to sites
24/7 customer care & assistance throughout the tour

What's separate.

Air fares & visa fees to Sri Lanka (apply online at eta.gov.lk)
Extras of a personal nature: beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), laundry, drinking water, telephone calls
Photo & video camera permits at the sites

Let's craft your private version of The Ancient Kingdoms.

Every departure is tailored to your dates, pace and interests. Tell us how you'd like to travel and we'll shape the rest.