3 Days Ancient Capital Cities Tour from Colombo

Day 1: COLOMBO – POLONNARUWA

1. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
2. Dagoba of Thuparama
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed in the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa
3. Gal Vihara
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   The Gal Vihara, also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu
4. Colombo
   Pass by
   Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on old east-west exchange courses, administered progressively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That legacy is reflected in its engineering, blending pilgrim structures in with elevated structures and shopping centers. The monumental Colombo National Museum, committed to Sri Lankan history, outskirts rambling Viharamahadevi Park and its mammoth Buddha.

Day 2: POLONNARUWA – ANURADHAPURA - SIGIRIYA

1. Mihintale
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
2. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. It was planted in 288 BCF and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven. Sanghamitta Therini, a sister of Arhant Mahinda – who introduced the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.
3. Ruwanweli Maha Seya
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   As the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya is considered to be an icon of architectural glory in ancient Sri Lanka. Ruwanwelisaya, rising with its glory in the city of Anuradhapura, tops the list among Buddhists’ sacred places. Ruwenwelisaya bears witness for his incomparable service to revive Buddhism in the country. It is located just a short walk away from Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. The stupa is one of the eight places of veneration situated in Anuradhapura which are places believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka.
4. Abayagiriya Stupa
   10m · Admission ticket not included
   Jethawana Stupa is the largest stupa in the Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind in the world.
5. Tissa Wewa
   Pass by
   Tissa Wewa is an ancient irrigation tank was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC). Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are considered to be older than Tissa Wewa. The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. The width of the top of the reservoir was found to be 12 feet to 18 feet. The base of the embankment is 160 feet. Tissa Wewa has an area of approximately 550 acres.
6. Anuradhapura
   3h
   Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and strict capital that thrived for a long time, was relinquished after an intrusion in 993. Shrouded away in thick wilderness for a long time, the wonderful site, with its royal residences, cloisters, and landmarks, is currently open by and by.

Day 3: SIGIRIYA – PIDURANGALA - DAMBULLA – COLOMBO

1. Sigiriya Lion Rock
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Sigiriya is the most exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art, architecture and landscaping. Built over 1,600 years ago, the now sinister-looking 600 ft high black rock once appeared like a massive dazzling white cloud floating above the surrounding forests. Its sides were painted with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. A large gatehouse in the form of a lion guarded the entrance to the innermost sanctum of the city – the Sky Palace on top of the rock. Sigiriya burst briefly into pre-eminence and was then abandoned and lay hidden in the forests for nearly 1,500 years. The climb to the top is strenuous but it is worth it. Definitely a must visit site!
2. Pidurangala Rock
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fort Sigiriya
3. Dambulla Cave Temple
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres east of Colombo and 72 kilometres north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
4. Dambulla
   2h
   Dambulla's celebrated stone cavern sanctuary is a notorious Sri Lankan picture – you'll be acquainted with its marvelous Buddha-filled inside some time before you show up around. In spite of its somewhat business air, this remaining parts a significant blessed spot and ought not to be missed.

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
• All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to remove footwear and hats. Also shoulders and knees should be covered
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
• Mandatory to complete 14 days of quarantine for unvaccinated passengers before starting the tour.
• Vaccinated passengers should stay in Level 1 hotel once arrived in Sri Lanka and obtain negative PCR report, in order to start the tour. (14 Days of quarantine is not required).