How to Plan Your Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

If you’re looking to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, this 3-day tour is the perfect way to go! The Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour offers a complete exploration of the iconic landmarks of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Boasting an array of historical and spiritual sites across five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this tour is a must-visit for any traveler who loves ancient history, culture, and heritage.

Experience

The Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour takes you on an exciting and rare journey through Sri Lanka’s holiest cities, with a private guide to lead the way. This tour explores the most important historical monuments in Sri Lanka, from ancient Buddhist temples and museums to palaces, gardens, Buddha statues, and many more.

Highlights

Here are some of the tour’s highlights: – Complete cultural triangle tour with 5 most important historical cities – Discover historical Tooth Relic Temple and Dambulla Golden Temple – Visit the third biggest ancient building in the world, the tallest Buddhist stupa from the 2nd century AD – Explore the proposed 8th world wonder and one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world – Add on a wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park to discover the unique flora and fauna of Sri Lanka

Full Description

Day 1

The journey starts as soon as you get picked up in Colombo! You will start your journey to the city of Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka, where you will visit the sacred site of Sri Maha Bodhi, Sri Lanka’s most revered sacred site. From there, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the city’s UNESCO-listed ruins, including the ancient city, temples, palaces, and monasteries. The highlights of Anuradhapura include the Isurumuniya Temple, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya Stupa, and the Jethawanaramaya. Later in the afternoon, you’ll be taken to the hotel in Sigiriya where you can relax and rest before the exciting day ahead.

Day 2

On the second day of the tour, get your walking boots on, after breakfast, and prepare to climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an enormous rock plateau that juts out from the landscape. Here you can explore the iconography and ruins of the ancient palace or simply admire the stunning surroundings before heading on to explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, a series of cave shrines that are filled with stunning statues and art. After a busy day of exploration, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 3

On your final day, head to the iconic city of Kandy, the sacred city and former capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you’ll stroll through the bustling market streets and visit the famous Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Lanka’s holiest site for Buddhists. The temple is believed to contain the sacred tooth of Buddha. Later in the day, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanical Gardens, a paradise for nature lovers that’s home to thousands of varieties of flora and fauna. After a full day of exploration, it’s time to bring the tour to an end, and you’ll be transferred back to Colombo with unforgettable memories and stories to tell.

Booking

Book the tour here: GetYourGuide. To sum it up, the Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour is a must-visit for history and heritage lovers. With world-class sites, expert guides, and comfortable transportation, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience on this tour!

Frequently Asked Questions about Colombo

If you’re planning a trip to Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka, you’re bound to have many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Colombo, answered.

1. What is Colombo known for?

Colombo is known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, which is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and bustling markets.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Colombo?

The best time of year to visit Colombo is from January to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. It’s also a great time to explore the city’s many cultural sites and outdoor attractions, such as the Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park.

3. How do I get around in Colombo?

The most convenient way to get around Colombo is by taxi or tuk-tuk. These can be easily found on the streets or booked through ride-hailing apps like Uber or PickMe. Public buses and trains are also available, though they can be crowded and uncomfortable.

4. What are the top attractions to visit in Colombo?

Some of the top attractions to visit in Colombo include the following:

• The National Museum of Colombo
• The Gangaramaya Temple
• The Beira Lake
• The Old Dutch Hospital
• The Independence Memorial Hall

5. What should I know about the local culture in Colombo?

The local culture in Colombo is a blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim traditions, which is evident in its festivals, customs, and cuisine. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

6. What are some popular dishes to try in Colombo?

Some popular dishes to try in Colombo include the following:

• Kottu Roti – a famous Sri Lankan street food made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood
• Hoppers – a type of Sri Lankan pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk
• Curd and Treacle – a sweet dessert made with buffalo curd and palm treacle
• Lamprais – a Dutch-inspired dish made with rice, meat, and spices wrapped in a banana leaf and baked

7. What are some popular shopping areas in Colombo?

Some popular shopping areas in Colombo include the following:

• Pettah Market – a bustling outdoor market selling everything from clothing to electronics
• ODEL – a high-end department store with a wide range of international and local brands
• Crescat Boulevard – a modern shopping mall with a mix of local and global brands
• Colombo City Centre – a luxury shopping mall with a mix of retail and entertainment options

8. What are some popular day trips from Colombo?

Some popular day trips from Colombo include the following:

• Kandy – a cultural city known for the Temple of the Tooth and scenic surroundings
• Galle – a UNESCO-listed fortified city with a mix of colonial architecture and stunning beaches
• Negombo – a coastal town with a mix of Dutch and Portuguese architecture and a bustling fish market
• Kitulgala – a scenic destination known for its white water rafting and outdoor adventures

9. What is the currency used in Colombo?

The currency used in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee. Visitors can exchange their currency at banks, hotels, or currency exchange centers.

10. What is the language spoken in Colombo?

The official language of Colombo and Sri Lanka is Sinhalese, though English is widely spoken throughout the city as well. Visitors should have no trouble communicating with locals in English.

Book Your Tour Now

Colombo is a vibrant and fascinating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. By keeping these frequently asked questions in mind, visitors can make the most of their trip to this exciting destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Colombo

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a popular tourist destination with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse culture. Whether you are visiting for a short time or planning a longer stay, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. Here, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit to Colombo.

1. Visit the National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is one of the largest museums in Sri Lanka and is a must-visit for tourists. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including weapons, jewelry, and artwork, that tell the story of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

What you’ll see:

• Prehistoric artifacts
• Buddhist artifacts
• Exhibits on the colonial period
• Antique furniture and weaponry

2. Walk around the Old Fort and Colombo Lighthouse

The Old Fort and Colombo Lighthouse are situated in the heart of Colombo and are popular tourist attractions. The Old Fort area has a mix of old and new colonial buildings and is a great place to take a walk and explore the local architecture.

Things to do:

• Take a walk around the fort and enjoy the beautiful architecture
• Visit the Colombo Lighthouse for great views of the city and the Indian Ocean
• Explore the nearby Galle Face Green park and enjoy some local street food

3. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The temple has a beautiful design and is home to a large collection of Buddhist relics and artifacts.

Things to see:

• The stunning architecture
• A large collection of Buddha statues and other religious artifacts
• The temple museum, which has a collection of rare manuscripts and other historical items
• The beautiful Bodhi tree, which is more than 100 years old

4. Visit the Independence Memorial Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall is a popular tourist attraction in Colombo and is a great place to learn about Sri Lanka’s struggle for independence from colonial rule. The Hall has a striking design and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Things to do:

• Learn about the history of Sri Lanka’s independence
• Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the Hall
• Visit the Independence Museum, which has a collection of photographs and other exhibits related to Sri Lanka’s independence

5. Explore the Pettah Market

The Pettah Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Colombo and is a great place to get a taste of local life. The market has a vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to shop for souvenirs and try some local street food.

Things to do:

• Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and spices
• Try some local street food
• Explore the local culture and interact with locals

6. Go on a Food Tour

Sri Lankan cuisine is diverse and delicious, and going on a food tour is a great way to try some of the local specialties. Many tour operators in Colombo offer food tours that take you to some of the best local restaurants and markets.

What to expect:

• Tasty and spicy food
• A variety of local foods, such as kottu, hoppers, and string hoppers
• Insight into the local food culture and cuisine

7. Visit the Viharamahadevi Park

The Viharamahadevi Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Colombo and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. The park has a large pond, a playground for children, and several walking trails.

Things to do:

• Relax and enjoy the natural surroundings
• Take a walk around the park’s walking trails
• Visit the park’s famous statue of Queen Viharamahadevi
• Explore the park’s beautiful greenery and plants

Book Your Tour Now

Colombo is a beautiful and diverse city with a wealth of cultural and historical attractions to explore. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or food, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today and get ready to experience the wonders of Colombo firsthand!