Ancient Kingdoms (6 Days)
Tour Overview
Journey through 2,500 years of history with our “Ancient Kingdoms” tour. This 6-day expedition takes you to the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, exploring the rise and fall of great dynasties. From the colossal stupas of the first capital, Anuradhapura, to the intricate stone carvings of Polonnaruwa and the fortress in the sky at Sigiriya, you will walk where kings once ruled. This tour is a deep dive into the engineering marvels, spiritual heritage, and architectural grandeur of ancient Lanka.
Route Map
Highlights
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (Oldest tree in recorded history)
- Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
- Mihintale Monastery
- Ritigala Forest Monastery
- Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara
- Parakrama Samudra (Ancient Reservoir)
- Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Daily Itinerary
The First Capital Route
Route: Airport ➔ Puttalam ➔ AnuradhapuraArrive at the Airport and travel directly to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital which ruled for over a millennium. In the evening, visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest living human-planted tree in the world) and witness the serene white dome of the Ruwanwelisaya stupa illuminated at sunset. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
The Cradle of Buddhism Route
Route: Anuradhapura ➔ Mihintale ➔ Ritigala ➔ SigiriyaMorning visit to Mihintale, the mountain peak where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 247 BC. Climb the 1,840 granite steps to the summit. Afterwards, explore the mysterious Ritigala Forest Monastery, an ancient meditation site hidden deep in the jungle with unique paved stone paths. Proceed to Sigiriya. Overnight in Sigiriya.
The Medieval City Route
Route: Sigiriya ➔ Polonnaruwa ➔ Minneriya ➔ SigiriyaExplore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City (the second capital) by bicycle or car. Marvel at the Gal Vihara, featuring four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face. In the afternoon, take a Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park to see “The Gathering”—the largest meeting of Asian elephants near an ancient man-made tank. Overnight in Sigiriya.
The Fortress in the Sky Route
Route: Sigiriya ➔ Dambulla ➔ KandyEarly morning climb to the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (5th Century AD), famous for its frescoes and the Mirror Wall. On the way to Kandy, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, containing over 150 Buddha statues. Overnight in Kandy.
The Last Kingdom Route
Kandy Hotel ➔ Temple of the Tooth ➔ Bahirawakanda ➔ Kandy LakeExplore Kandy, the last royal capital. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during the morning ceremony. Walk around Kandy Lake and visit the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.
Heritage to Modernity Route
Route: Kandy ➔ Peradeniya ➔ AirportVisit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which dates back to the era of Kandyan kings. Afterwards, descend from the hills directly to the Airport via the highway for your departure flight, ending a journey through centuries of history.
What’s Included
Includes
- 5 Nights in heritage hotels
- Private AC Vehicle with knowledgeable driver
- Bicycle rental fees for Polonnaruwa
- Daily Breakfast
- Private Jeep for Minneriya Safari
Excludes
- Round-trip Airfare and Visa
- Entrance Fees (Central Cultural Fund Ticket)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Camera permits where applicable
- Tips and Gratuities
Frequent Questions
Can we cycle in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa?
Yes! Polonnaruwa is perfect for cycling as the ruins are close together. Anuradhapura is much larger, so we recommend using the car for the main distances and walking or cycling only within specific zones.
What is the “Cultural Triangle” ticket?
It is a round ticket issued by the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) that covers entry to most major sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura. Buying this is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Is it difficult to climb Mihintale?
There are about 1,840 steps. It is not as steep as Sigiriya but is a longer walk. However, the steps are wide and shaded by Frangipani trees, making it a pleasant climb for most people with average fitness.
Why visit Ritigala?
Ritigala is different from other sites; it has no stupas or idols. It is a strict meditation monastery with a unique serene atmosphere and “Indiana Jones” style ruins in a deep forest. It’s a hidden gem often missed by standard tours.
Are there dress codes for ruins?
Yes. Even though they are ruins, sites like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are still considered sacred. You must remove hats and cover your shoulders and knees when entering the stupa areas.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it involves a lot of walking and history. To make it fun for kids, we included the Elephant Safari on Day 3 and the Monkey Kingdom interactions often seen at the ruin sites.
