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An Amazing Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour
Are you looking for a unique and full-packed tour experience that showcases Sri Lanka’s UNESCO Heritage Sites? Look no further than the Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour! This tour offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and adventure. From the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, this tour allows for a comprehensive exploration of two of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites.
Here is a thorough guide on the Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour.
Overview
This private, three-day adventure offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s ancient cities and religious sites. Over the course of three days, participants will visit five separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — located in the cultural triangle at the center of Sri Lanka.
The tour begins in Sigiriya, a spectacular site of royal palaces, gardens and pavilions set atop a massive 200-meter-high rock fortress. After exploring the ruins, participants will make their way to Anuradhapura, where they can explore the city’s rich Buddhist history and architecture. The following day will include a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and its 12th century ruins.
After spending the day in Polonnaruwa, participants will wind their way to the sacred temple complex in Dambulla. Here they will get to see ornate statuary, golden-roofed stupas, and intricate frescoes painted on cave walls.
The tour will conclude in Kandy, where participants can explore more amazing sights such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Highlights
- Explore five separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just three days
- Admire the spectacular ruins at Sigiriya
- Take in the sacred temple complex at Dambulla
- Experience the rich architecture of Anuradhapura
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with its 12th century ruins
- Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist history
- Visit the beautiful Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
- Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and learn about their conservation efforts
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Sigiriya and Anuradhapura |
| Day 2 | Polonnaruwa and Dambulla |
| Day 3 | Kandy |
Day 1 – Sigiriya and Anuradhapura
This adventure starts early, with a pick-up at your accommodation at 7:00 am. You will then be taken to Sigiriya – also known as the Lion Rock – situated atop a giant plateau of 200 meters. This ancient city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. Here you will find royal palace ruins, gardens, pavilions and ponds that have survived throughout the centuries. Oftentimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this is an incredible site that was home to an ancient kingdom until its fall in 477 AD. Be sure to bring your camera for this incredible experience.
After visiting Sigiriya you make your way to Anuradhapura, a sacred city founded by King Pandukabhaya in 4th century BC. This beautiful city is known for its square ponds, carved pillars with mythical creatures, and its four great stupas that dominate its skyline. In addition to its marvelous stupas, there are many other archaeological sites including ancient monasteries and temples that swell with energy as thousands of devout Buddhists come to seek solace and find peace. Here you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist culture in an immersive experience you won’t forget.
Day 2 – Polonnaruwa and Dambulla
Day two will begin with an early morning rise. Your guide will take you to Polonnaruwa – a medieval capital in north central Sri Lanka situated between two large reservoirs – Parakrama Samudraya & Minneriya Tank. This experience is sure to be a highlight for history buffs. The ruins at Polonnaruwa date back to the 12th century, which saw great irrigation works put into place by Parakrama Bahu I, beautifying this city into one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Sri Lanka.
After touring the ruins including monuments and temples, you’ll take a break before pushing onward to Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. An important cultural center since at least 1st century BC, this site is home to an ornate statue of this area’s most infamous king – King Vattagamini Abaya. Once inside the temple complex – one of the largest frescoes collections in all of South Asia – visitors can admire hundreds of golden-roofed stupas, ornate statuary, and intricate frescoes painted on cave walls. This is sure to be an awe inspiring experience for any visitor!
Day 3 – Kandy
On day three your adventure continues toward Kandy – Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital located at the heart of the island. At Kandy you’ll get to experience a wide variety of cultural activities from temple visits to boat rides across tranquil lagoons and more! The main highlight of your visit here is, of course, viewing the Temple of the Tooth Relic which was built during the reign of King Vijaya Bahu I in the 16th century. This temple complex has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site due to its immense following among locals who flock here annually to pay homage to Lord Buddha’s sacred Tooth relic. In addition to this iconic spot you can visit Duke Square or take a boat ride on Kandy Lake while soaking up all that this spiritual center has to offer – truly a unique experience not to be missed!
To top off this final day your guide will also take you to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is home to over sixty elephants! During their visit participants will get a chance to learn about conservation efforts for these fascinating creatures as well as grab some awesome pictures of these majestic animals living in their natural habitats!
In Summary
The Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour offers so much more than just sightseeing! If you’re looking for an amazing travel adventure that combines history, culture, stunning vistas and outdoor exploration – then this package is for you! From adventurous treks to historic temples and more – this action-packed itinerary is sure to deliver an awe-inspiring experience like no other! So why wait? Check out all the exciting tours available through GetYourGuide today here..
