From $1,190 per person
Cultural Triangle Explorer
Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Kandy — the four jewels of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, with a resident historian-guide.
View itineraryHeritage · December – March
Ancient Cities of the North
Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Polonnaruwa — two thousand years of kingdoms, stupas and sacred bodhi trees, at a contemplative pace.
The journey
The deep north is where Sri Lanka's story begins. Anuradhapura's colossal white stupas under monsoon clouds, the cave temples of Mihintale where Buddhism first arrived, and the brick-and-moonstone poetry of Polonnaruwa. This is a journey for those who want history told properly — slowly, and with respect.
Highlights
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa at golden hour — the world's largest brick monument
- Sunrise blessing under the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- Mihintale's 1,840 steps and mountain-top dagobas
- Polonnaruwa's Gal Viharaya rock Buddhas at first light
- Wild elephant sightings on the Minneriya reservoir drive
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival
Transfer from the airport to your heritage hotel in the Cultural Triangle.
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Day 2
Anuradhapura I
Ruwanweli Maha Seya, the sacred bodhi tree and the Brazen Palace. Evening at the Thuparama dagoba.
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Day 3
Anuradhapura II
The Jetavana and Abhayagiri monasteries, museum walk, and a sunset climb of a restored dagoba.
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Day 4
Mihintale
The birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism — the 1,840 steps, meditation caves and mountain-top views.
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Day 5
Minneriya Drive
A safari jeep along the Minneriya reservoir where elephant herds gather in the dry season.
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Day 6
Polonnaruwa
The royal city by bicycle: Gal Viharaya, the palace and the lotus baths.
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Day 7
Polonnaruwa II
The temples of the southern quarter and the great statue of King Parakramabahu.
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Day 8
Dambulla & Sigiriya
The painted caves at Dambulla and a late-afternoon climb of the Lion Rock.
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Day 9
Departure
Transfer to the coast or the airport, carrying two thousand years of stories.
What's included
- All accommodation (heritage hotels)
- Breakfast daily, 8 dinners & 6 lunches
- Private air-conditioned vehicle & safari jeep
- Historian-guide throughout
- All monument & museum tickets
- 24/7 in-trip support
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (we can arrange it)
- Optional elephant-back & personal spending
Base region: Anuradhapura Sacred City — North Central. The cradle of Sinhalese civilisation — colossal stupas like Ruwanweli Maha Seya, the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and monastic cities that once hosted thousands of monks.
Keep exploring
More of ancient Ceylon.
From $790 per person
Sacred Kandy Retreat
A slow four days in Sri Lanka's sacred capital — the Temple of the Tooth, meditation at a mountain hermitage and the gardens of Peradeniya.
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