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10 Best Cultural Places in Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka Cultural Tour

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Sri Lanka, the pearls of the Indian Ocean, is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking historical sites. From ancient cities to sacred temples, this tropical paradise offers visitors a unique glimpse into its fascinating past and vibrant present. This comprehensive guide, “10 Best Cultural Places in Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka Cultural Tour,” will take you on a virtual tour of the top 10 cultural destinations in Sri Lanka, providing insider tips and valuable insights to help you plan your ultimate Sri Lankan adventure. Venturing on a Sri Lanka culture tour is the best way to explore the rich historical past of Sri Lanka.  In this article, we highlight the 10 best places to explore during a Sri Lanka cultural tour.

Table of Contents

Why should I take a Sri Lankan cultural tour?

Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle tour allows you to witness evidence of one of the world’s oldest and most prosperous ancient cultures. The cultural triangle tour focuses primarily on the ancient and historical monuments in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Sri Lanka’s culture also includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour includes important historical sites, and the travelers explore four major cities: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy.

“The Evolution of Sri Lankan Culture in the Dry Zone”

During the king’s reign, political and dynastic unrest invited foreign rulers to intervene in Sri Lanka’s internal political affairs, leading to a fundamental transformation in Sinhalese culture. While rice cultivation continued to be the cornerstone of agriculture, it was no longer dependent on an intricate irrigation network. In the wet zone, extensive regulatory participation was not as crucial as it had been in the past. Foreign trade became very important to the Sinhalese kings. Specifically, cinnamon—overwhelmingly popular with Europeans—turned into a great commodity. Because of the high value of cinnamon, the city of Kotte on the west coast (close to present-day Colombo) became the nominal capital of the Sinhalese Kings during the fifteenth century. In any case, the Sinhalese kingdom remained separated into various small territories.

Sri Lankan irrigation system

The development of the dry-zone irrigation system presupposes a high level of organisation and an enormous workforce to build and maintain the works. The failure of these public works reflected the breakdown in social order. Another component that appears to have retarded the resettlement of the dry zone was the rapid spread of malaria in the thirteenth century. The mosquitoes found very suitable breeding places in the dilapidated tanks and canals. Malaria fever frequently follows the destruction of water management systems in various parts of Asia. Indeed, all attempts at large-scale resettlement of the dry zone in Sri Lanka proved futile until the introduction of current pesticides.

Sri Lankan culture and customs

The culture of Sri Lanka blends present-day components with traditional aspects and has a unique diversity within the region. Theravada Buddhism, which originated in India, has had a significant influence on Sri Lankan culture for a very long time, and the island’s southern and central regions are particularly representative of the religion’s heritage. South Indian social impacts are particularly visible. The historical backdrop of colonial occupation has likewise left an imprint on Sri Lankan life, with Portuguese, Dutch, and British elements mixed with different traditional features of Sri Lankan culture. Additionally, Indonesian culture has influenced some aspects of Sri Lankan culture. Socially, Sri Lanka has solid connections to India and Southeast Asia.

Influence of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka culture

The islanders highly appreciate cultural traditions and practices. Over the past 2,000 years, Buddha’s teachings have had an influence on the lives of Sri Lankans. Theravada Buddhism is the main branch of Buddhism, and Sri Lanka is a leading country with Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism has influenced people’s lives, traditions, customs, and rituals. The Sinhalese people, primarily concentrated in the south, west, and central parts of the country, primarily practice Buddhism as their main religion. More than 70% of the population adheres to Buddhism. Buddhism is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture and tradition.

Most Sri Lanka cultural tour packages include Buddhist temples, particularly if you opt for a multi-day tour itinerary such as a 7-day Sri Lanka cultural trip or a 10-day Sri Lanka cultural tour. For some, visiting a Buddhist temple can be a bit complicated because visitors must adhere to the temple’s rules and regulations. The rules govern the visitors’ dress code when taking photos of the statues, as well as greeting the monks. Never touch or pat the Buddha statues. Never take photos at the temple while standing with your backside to the Buddha statue.

Arts and crafts in Sri Lanka

The nation has a rich artistic background and tradition, with particularly inventive structures that revolve around music, dance, and the visual arts. Cricket, a unique food, a native holistic medicine practice, strict iconography like the Buddhist flag, and commodities like tea, cinnamon, and gemstones, along with a robust travel industry, connect Sri Lankan culture globally. From ancient times, Sri Lanka has maintained long-standing ties with the Indian subcontinent. Sri Lanka’s populace is mainly Sinhalese, with sizable Sri Lankan Tamil, Sri Lankan Muslim, Indian Tamil, Sri Lankan Malay, and Burgher minorities.

What are the top 10 cultural cities included in the Sri Lanka culture tour?

Sri Lanka has a large number of temples, stupas, dagobas, shrines, forts, palaces, museums, gardens, and many other cultural and historical monuments. Several parts of Sri Lanka are home to these cultural and historical sites. However, most Sri Lanka cultural tour packages include the most popular tourist attractions in the cultural triangle due to their convenience, historical significance, and cultural value. Our author has chosen the below-mentioned 7 cities as the top places for the Sri Lanka culture tour package by considering their importance and adaptability as tourist attractions to the Sri Lanka tour package.

Sri Lanka is a popular Buddhist country, with a majority of the population believing in the teachings of Buddha; therefore, Sri Lanka attracts a large number of Buddhist pilgrims every year. Sri Lanka is an attractive destination for Buddhist travelers from many countries, such as Thailand, China, Japan, and Myanmar. Travelers who are interested in history, culture, and Buddhism should start their Sri Lanka cultural tour in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is home to numerous ancient monuments and Buddhist religious sites.

According to legend, Buddha himself appeared on the island in the 6th century BC. At Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, Adam’s Peak, travelers can make an arduous yet interesting tour on foot to witness one of the oldest temples on earth. The travelers should climb the 2243-meter-tall mountain and reach the temple on the summit, where they can witness the footprint of Buddha engraved on a granite rock. According to legend, Buddha visited the temple at God Saman’s invitation.

  1. Anuradhapura
  2. Polonnaruwa
  3. Colombo
  4. Sigiriya
  5. Dambulla
  6. Kandy
  7. Nuwara Eliya

What are the 10 best cultural places in Sri Lanka?

By exploring these ten cultural treasures, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich history and vibrant traditions. From ancient cities to sacred mountain peaks, each destination offers a unique window into the island’s fascinating past and dynamic present. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of Sri Lanka!

1. Anuradhapura: The Sacred City of Kings

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapura stands as a testament to the island’s ancient civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom and boasts an impressive array of architectural marvels.

Key attractions:

  • Sri Maha Bodhi: The oldest documented tree in the world, believed to be a sapling from the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • Ruwanwelisaya: A magnificent white dagoba built in the 2nd century BC.
  • Jetavanaramaya: Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world, standing at 122 meters.

Pro tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the vast archaeological park at your own pace. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water!

2. Polonnaruwa: Medieval Splendor

After the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa rose to prominence as the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. This well-preserved city offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s golden age of architecture and engineering.

Must-see sights:

  • Gal Vihara: A rock temple featuring four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single granite wall.
  • The Royal Palace: Once a massive seven-story structure, now partially restored.
  • Parakrama Samudra: An ancient man-made reservoir that still serves the local community.

According to recent data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Polonnaruwa attracted over 500,000 visitors in 2023, making it one of the most popular cultural sites in the country.

3. Sigiriya: The Lion Rock Fortress

Rising dramatically from the central plains, Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural landmark. This ancient rock fortress, built in the 5th century AD, is a marvel of urban planning, architecture, and engineering.

Highlights:

  • The Lion’s Paw Entrance: A massive gateway carved in the shape of a lion’s paws.
  • Frescoes: Well-preserved ancient paintings adorning the rock face.
  • Water Gardens: Sophisticated hydraulic systems that continue to function to this day.

Did you know? Sigiriya is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.

4. Kandy: The Last Royal Capital

Nestled in the central highlands, Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. This picturesque city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites.

Key experiences:

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic: Housing a tooth of Buddha, this temple complex is a must-visit for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
  • Kandy Lake: A serene artificial lake perfect for evening strolls.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens: Home to over 4,000 species of plants, including a renowned orchid collection.

Don’t miss the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession featuring dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants. This spectacular event usually takes place in July or August, according to the Official Website of Sri Lanka Tourism.

5. Dambulla: The Golden Cave Temple

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the Dambulla Cave Temple complex is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts five caves filled with stunning murals and statues.

Notable features:

  • Cave of the Divine King: The largest and most impressive of the five caves.
  • Golden Temple: A modern addition featuring a giant golden Buddha statue.
  • Panoramic views: The climb to the caves offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Fun fact: The caves have been a sacred pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries, making it the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

6. Galle: Colonial Charm on the Coast

Galle, a fortified city on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, offers a unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. The Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, is a prime example of colonial-era urban planning.

Don’t miss:

  • Galle Fort: Walk along the ramparts for stunning ocean views.
  • Dutch Reformed Church: A beautiful example of colonial architecture.
  • Maritime Museum: Learn about the city’s rich maritime history.

According to a recent study by the University of Colombo, Galle has seen a 30% increase in cultural tourism over the past five years, highlighting its growing popularity among history enthusiasts.

7. Mihintale: The Cradle of Buddhism

Often overlooked by tourists, Mihintale is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This sacred mountain peak is where Buddhism was first introduced to the island in 247 BC.

Key attractions:

  • Aradhana Gala: The rock where the first sermon was preached.
  • Ambasthala Dagoba: A small stupa marking the spot of a significant meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa.
  • Kaludiya Pokuna: A picturesque black water pond surrounded by rock carvings.

8. Yapahuwa: The Short-Lived Capital

Yapahuwa, a lesser-known gem in Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape, served as the capital of medieval Sri Lanka in the 13th century. This rock fortress offers a unique blend of military and religious architecture.

Highlights:

  • Ornate stairway: A beautifully carved stone staircase leading to the temple at the summit.
  • Chinese coins: Evidence of ancient trade links found at the site.
  • Panoramic views: The climb to the top rewards visitors with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

9. Embekke Devale: A Woodcarver’s Paradise

Located near Kandy, Embekke Devale is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans. This 14th-century shrine is renowned for its intricate wood carvings.

Notable features:

  • Drummers’ Hall: Features 128 unique carvings on its wooden pillars.
  • Vahalkada: The decorative entrance structure with elaborate carvings.
  • Daily rituals: Visitors can observe traditional Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies.

10. Buduruvagala: Ancient Rock Carvings

Tucked away in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Buduruvagala features seven colossal Buddha figures carved into a rock face. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Key attractions:

  • 51-foot Buddha statue: The central figure, believed to represent the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
  • Avalokiteśvara figure: A rare depiction of this Bodhisattva in Sri Lanka.
  • Scenic surroundings: The site is surrounded by lush jungle, providing a tranquil atmosphere.

What is the best itinerary for the Sri Lanka culture tour?

Sri Lanka 4 days cultural tour is planned to visit important historical, religious, and cultural monuments in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. The tour starts in Colombo or a selected beach hotel. The tour includes the below-mentioned historical monuments as well as many other interesting activities such as wildlife tours, village tours, shopping, and Ayurveda healing massages.

Sri Lanka: a 4-day cultural tour

Sri Lanka cultural triangle 4-day tour

Sri Lanka cultural triangle 4-day tour with Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Kandy

Sri Lanka 4 days cultural triangle itinerary

  1. Colombo >>Anuradhapura>>Sigiriya
  2. Sigiriya>>Polonnaruwa
  3. Polonaruwa>>Kandy
  4. Kandy>>Colombo

Important monuments included in the Sri Lanka cultural tour

  • Jetawanarama
  • Abhayagiri
  • Srimahabodhi
  • Ruwanweli Stupa
  • Kuttam Pokuna
  • Galvihara
  • Parakrama palace
  • Rankoth Vihara
  • Tooth relic temple
  • Dambulla golden temple

Venturing on a Sri Lanka culture tour to see cultural tourist attractions

The island of Sri Lanka is a land steeped in history and culture, from Anuradhapura in the cultural triangle, an ancient city with a history dating back to the 3rd century BC, to the 16th-century mediaeval city of Galle, with uninterrupted human habitation over the last many centuries in southern Sri Lanka, which is given the emblem of a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical and architectural importance. Attractions steeped in religion, heritage, and history can be witnessed in many parts of Sri Lanka, giving travellers the valuable opportunity to uncover the stories that have made the destination what it is today.

Sri Lanka is a country with one of the oldest cultures in the world. Most importantly, Sri Lankan culture has been uninterrupted for more than thousands of years, despite the South Indian and European invasions. Stone age people lived in Sri Lanka, believed to be the origin of Sri Lankan culture. These tribal folks are known as Yaksas and Nagas. Today, a small number of descendants of these folks are living in some parts of Sri Lanka; they are popularly known as the “Vedda community”.

Later, in the Stone Age, the people of Sri Lanka mingled with other cultures, creating a unique culture with many unique characteristics. Therefore, Sri Lanka has become the birthplace and cradle of one of the major cultures in the world.

The rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and more than half a dozen UNESCO world heritage sites allure travellers from all corners of the world. The Sri Lankan culture is spiced up with many cultures and traditions. A myriad number of places across the island, such as temples and churches, speak about the same.

Cultural tourism is an important part of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, and it takes visitors beyond palm-fringed beaches, the magical healing power of Ayurveda, green-capped mountains, and utmost lavishness. With a Sri Lanka cultural tour, travellers are exposed to some of the oldest cultural sites in the world, numerous art forms, and authentic food trails.

So, if you are a cultural buff and like to explore a few Sri Lankan cultural sites, here is a list of 10 cultural sites in Sri Lanka that are a testament to the awe-inspiring architecture and the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

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On this 7-day Sri Lanka private trip you will be visiting ancient monuments in the cultural triangle, tea country, Spice and herbal garden, wildlife reserve, botanic gardens, Idyllic west coast beaches, plus enjoy a breath-taking view on the hill country rail journey from Peradeniya to Nanuoya, learn to cook a Sri Lanka meal and many more. Towards the end of the trip, you will have time to relax on the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka’s west coast.

5 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in one day

12 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days

15 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 3 days

Places to visit in Sri Lanka in 4 days

22 places to visit in Sri Lanka in 5 days

What are the six best Sri Lanka culture tours?

  1. Sri Lanka culture tour with Colombo sightseeing tour, Gangarama and Wovendaal church
  2. Sri Lanka culture tour with Sigiriya-Dambulla-Polonnaruwa
  3. Sri Lanka culture tour with Sigiriya-Dambulla-Kandy
  4. Sri Lanka culture tour with Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa-Sigiriya-Dambulla-Kandy
  5. Sri Lanka culture tour with Glle
  6. A grand culture tour of Sri Lanka

5 alternative places for a Sri Lanka culture tour

  1. Tour to Adams peak
  2. Culture tour to Pidurangala cave temple
  3. Cultural tour of the Aukana Buddha statue
  4. Tour to Kataragama temple
  5. Cultural tour to Sita Amman temple

Sri Lanka cultural triangle

A Sri Lanka cultural tour is never complete without visiting the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is tucked away about 200 km from Colombo. Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle harbours a large number of stupas, dagoba, palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, statues, and many other ancient structures. Usually, the cultural tour of Sri Lanka starts with a visit to Anuradhapura, which is the oldest capital of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. According to historical facts, the city was founded during the reign of King Pandukabhaya. There were many thousands of people living in the city, which was one of the most advanced cities at the time.

Exploring Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage beyond the cultural triangle

Visiting Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is very important to travellers with an interest in history, culture, and religious history in Sri Lanka. But for a special Sri Lanka cultural trip, it is important to explore heritage across Sri Lanka. As an experienced tour operator, we suggest our customers combine their cultural triangle tour with the southern Sri Lanka tour and also visit the western coast of Sri Lanka, giving them the opportunity to embark on a cultural tour of southern Sri Lanka, a wildlife tour, a city break, and a top coastal spot in the same visit. On Sri Lanka’s south coast, we recommend travellers get their bearings by exploring the Galle Fort, which is one of the very few living ancient cities in the world dating back to the 15th century AD. The city has 52 acres of land, and its walls are enormous and magnificent. These more than 500-year-old structures make up an example of a completely intact walled city in Sri Lanka and are some of the finest in the world.

1. Sri Lanka culture tour to Anuradhapura

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour is 200 km
The duration of the trip to the cultural city of Anuradhapura from the airport is 5 hours

Anuradhapura marks the northernmost city of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, which is one of the most important cultural places in Sri Lanka and also the most ancient city on the island, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982.

Anuradhapura hides hundreds of temples, palaces, stone sculptures, and many valuable monuments; therefore, Anuradhapura is a part of most Sri Lanka cultural tours. The first king of Sri Lanka, Walagambahu, founded the city in the central province’s dry zone.

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10 days Sri Lanka Buddhist tour includes the major Buddhist religious sites on the island, that you do not encounter on most trips. The tour covers some of the major temples such as Somawathiya, Mahiyangana, Girihandu seya, Seruwila raja maha vihara, Kiri vehera, Tissamaharama raja maha vihara, etc. Most temples that you encounter on this trip are not included in popular Sri Lanka trips. This trip is specially designed for Buddhist devotees. This is a private trip that can be customized to meet your specific requirement. The trip includes all entrance fees, Accommodation in luxury hotels, a luxury vehicle, a live guide, daily breakfast and dinner as well as all taxes.

Cultural and historical facts of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka until the 10th century AD, and more than 100 Sri Lankan kings ruled the island from Anuradhapura. Due to the South Indian invasions, the Sri Lankan kings largely neglected the city. However, it had been a flourishing city for more than a thousand years and had been a well-planned city with temples, palaces, lakes, parks, and a road network.

According to historians, the city was planned in such a way that the inner city was in the middle of the city, with the king’s palace and temples. The immediate outer layer consisted of houses for the general public, and the next outer layer was farmlands such as rice paddies and vegetable plots. The outermost circles were the lakes and jungle. 

Important historical places in Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi (ficus religiosa), Jetawanarama Dagoba, Abhayagiriya, and Ruwanweli Dagoba are the most prominent sites to visit in Anuradhapura.

How to explore Anuradhapura historical site: Apart from the places mentioned above, this historical city hosts a large number of other crumbling monuments. There are many other historical monuments, Buddha statues, stone sculptures, Dagobas (dorm-shaped structures found in Buddhist temples), museums, and many other monuments that make Anuradhapura one of the best historical sites to experience Sri Lankan culture and heritage.

Ruwanweli Seya, Isurumuniya, Thuparama, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiriya, Samadhi Buddha Statue, and Twin Pond are the most visited places in Anuradhapura. A walk through the archaeological museum of Anuradhapura provides an enriching experience of the rich historical past history of Anuradhapura.

Food in Anuradhapura: the cultural heritage of Anuradhapura is remarkable, but your historical tour to Anuradhapura should not be restricted to the archaeological site; there is authentic Sri Lankan cuisine that can’t be missed in Anuradhapura.

How to reach Anuradhapura

  • By Air: Major cities like Colombo and Kandy are easily accessible by air from Anuradhapura. The domestic airport of Colombo is within easy reach of the Anuradhapura historical site. There are daily flights from Colombo to Anuradhapura. 
  • Train: The train is the most popular way of reaching Anuradhapura from Colombo. There is a railway track connecting Anuradhapura and Colombo, and a few express trains run between the two cities every day. Travelling by train is cheap and convenient, and it saves time too.
  • By road: Most foreign tourists book package tours (Sri Lanka cultural tours), using road transport to travel to Anuradhapura. Because they are provided with a car, van, or coach to travel during their trip. However, using public buses to travel can be very inconvenient. Travelling by public bus is cheap, but it sucks your time.

There are few other places to experience Sri Lankan culture and heritage in Anuradhapura

Yapahuwa: Yapahuwa is another historical city of Sri Lanka but quite unknown to most travellers. Therefore, the tourist traffic heading to Yapahuwa is minimal. Yapahuwa was the capital of Sri Lanka for a brief period in the 13th century, but later it was abandoned due to the South Indian invasions. Yapahuwa had been a fortress resembling Sigiriya, and a ring of walls and ditches surrounded it.

Kala wewa: Kala wewa is a reservoir that provided water to the ancient city of Anuradhapura during its heyday. The lake is still one of the most important resources for water and stores a large amount of rainwater during the monsoon. Kalawewa was the largest irrigation work that originated during the Anuradhapura period. Kalawewa was built in the 5th century AD, under the reign of King Dhatusena. 

Sandungira Raja Maha Vihara: According to history, this ancient temple was built under the guidance of King Saddatissa, during the Anuradhapura period (4th-century BC-11th century AD). Sandungira temple is mostly visited by local travellers and devotees, and it is not included in most Sri Lanka cultural tours, that are crafted for foreign travellers.

Historical Ayurved hospital: The ruins of an ancient Ayurveda hospital were discovered within the archaeological site of Anuradhapura. The Ayurveda hospital is believed to date back from 898 AD to 914 AD. The hospital served the monks who lived in the Thuparama temple complex.

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Ultimate 2 days trip to Sri Lanka cultural triangle

2. Sri Lanka culture tour to Polonnaruwa

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour is 230 km
The duration of the trip to the cultural city of Anuradhapura from the airport is 5 hours

Cultural and historical facts about Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, the second most historical capital of Sri Lanka, is ranked high among the cultural places in Sri Lanka to experience Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982. Polonnaruwa dates back to the 10th century AD and was ruled by 3 important kings, King Parakramabahu, Vijayabahu the great and Nissankamalla.

The city boasts a distinctive culture owing to the amalgamation of Hindu & Buddhist cultures. Furthermore, during the reign of Parakramabahu many important achievements were been reached in the areas of religion, culture, water management, agriculture, and literature. During this period many important literary works were carried out by local scholars such as Dipawamsa, Thupawamsa. Many dozens of important irrigation projects were carried out during this period, including Parakaramasamudra.

Important historical places in Polonnaruwa: Parakrama Samudra, Parakrama palace, Gal Viharaya, Ruwanweli dagoba, and Alahana Pirivena complex are the most popular tourist places in Polonnaruwa.

Exploring the historical places of Polonnaruwa: Polonnaruwa archaeological site is a UNESCO world heritage site and it houses a large number of ancient structures such as temples, audience halls, and palaces. There had been 3 major Kings, who contributed to the development of the city: Vijayabahu the great, Parakramabahu and Nissankamalla.

Parakramabahu statue, Parakramasamudra and the historical museum of Polonnaruwa are also among the important sites in Polonnaruwa and are located outside of the ancient city.

Usually, most Sri Lanka cultural tours include Polonnaruwa due to its historical and cultural value. Cycle through the city is one of the most popular ways of exploring the city while others are using vehicles to travel between monuments.  

Food specialities Even though Polonnaruwa is not popular for its own food varieties Polonnaruwa produces a large amount of fruit and vegetables on the island. There are few cooking classes in Polonnaruwa and they are specially served for foreign travellers.  

How to reach Polonnaruwa

Colombo city tour

3. Sri Lanka culture tour Colombo

The city of Colombo lies about 30 km south of Colombo international airport
The duration of the trip to Colombo from the airport is 1 hour

Colombo – Colombo is one of the places that are very popular for Sri Lanka day outings. The cosmopolitan & commercial capital city of Sri Lanka – has been strongly influenced by many cultures and religions. Colombo was visited by foreign merchants way back in the 6th century AD and many ships from Greek, Mesopotamia, Asia, China, India and many other countries called on the harbour in order to sell their goods and collect essential items required for their journey.

Colombo was also under the strong influence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Colombo was used as the main port and trade emporium during the colonial period of Sri Lanka from 1505 to 1948. Those colonial rulers left behind a part of themselves in the form of Palaces, monuments, parks, artefacts, literary works, customs, festivals, and more.

Today Colombo is a cultural melting pot with a dozen ethnic and religious groups.

What’s special: Kaiman gate, Wolvendaal Church, Old Fort, Parliament and Gangarama temple are the most prominent tourist sites in Colombo.

For a walk through the city’s culture: venturing on a Colombo walking tour is the best way of exploring the city of Colombo. Usually, most Historical tours of Sri Lanka include Colombo and travellers visit places such as Gangarama temple, Fort, Pettah, Parliament, Viharamahadevi and town hall. A large number of museums, galleries, cultural centres, theatres and various food outlets together make Colombo one of the best places to see Sri Lankan cultural heritage.

How to reach

  • By Air: Colombo international airport is well connected with all major cities around the world. Ratmalana domestic airport near the city center, provides a convenient way of reaching all major cities of Sri Lanka by air.
  • By Ship: Colombo harbour is the biggest harbour in Sri Lanka and welcomes hundreds of cruises every year. 
BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE TOURS IN SRI LANKA
This 3-day Sri Lanka tour includes important cultural and historical monuments such as Sigiriya rock, Dambulla golden temple, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. The tour also includes wildlife tours, a spice/herbal garden, Peradeniya botanical garden, and many other places.

4. Sri Lanka culture tour to Sigiriya

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour is 177 km
The duration of the trip to the cultural site of Sigiriya from the airport is 4 hours

By far Sigiriya is the most popular iconic tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, Every Sri Lanka cultural tour covers this UNESCO world heritage site, therefore, don’t miss it if you plan a trip to Sri Lanka. The grandeur of Sigiriya surpasses all other tourist hotspots in a cultural triangle when it comes to history and heritage.

As the name suggests, Sigiriya is a natural rock tucked away 160 from Colombo. The rock rises up to 500 meters from the sea level. And his gigantic granite rock is one of the most popular tourist attractions today. 

Cultural and historical facts of Sigiriya

Sigiriya rock Fortress dates back to the 5th century AD and it is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, surrounded by walls and moats. The Fort of Sigiriya inherits an advanced water management system with fountains, an underground drainage system, and swimming pools.

King Kashyapa built the inaccessible stronghold of Sigiriya rock fortress in the 5th century AD, in order to hide from the wrath of his half-brother Moggalana. The king lived in the fort for 18 years, until the return of Moggalana with his army and kill him in a battle. 

The world-renowned Sigiriya fresco paintings are to be found in the rock fortress of Sigiriya. The fresco paintings that depict figures of ladies are believed to be as old as the fort (1500 years). According to the estimates, there had been 500 such figures painted on the surface of the rock fort. However, most of them are diminished over the century and a small pocket of frescoes with 28 figures remains. However, the remaining paintings are well protected and under the supervision of the archaeological department. The figures are in very good shape and the natural colours of the paintings are still very bright. 

What’s special: The swimming pool in the terraced garden, Fresco pocket, pleasure garden, miniature water garden, the fountain garden, and Octagonal pond are some of the important palaces in Sigiriya. The fresco paintings are well protected; however, the visitors are not allowed to flash in front of the paintings as it could harm them.

Importance of Sigiriya as a historical place

Sigiriya is not only important as a historical and cultural site, but it most importantly shows the advanced knowledge of ancient engineers. Sigiriya rock fortress suggests that ancient engineers had a thorough grasp of trigonometry and hydraulic principles.

Climbing the historical site of Sigiriya

Sigiriya rock climb can be a daunting task for old people, and people with back problems and knee injuries. Climbing to the summit of the rock is the expectation of every visitor. The breathtaking view from the summit over the surrounding area is a reward for the untiring effort. Sometimes there are many ruins to see on top of the rock, such as a swimming pool, remnants of many buildings and a granite throng. It is believed that King Kshayapa lived in a palace, which was built on top of a rock.  

How to reach Sigiriya:

  • By Road: Road transport is the most popular way of reaching the Sigiriya rock fortress. Sigiriya is well connected with the nearby major city of Dambulla. All travelers who use public transport should first travel to Dambulla city and then take a Sigiriya-bound bus.
  • By Air: Air transportation is also a viable option to reach Sigiriya rock. There are direct flights from Colombo to Sigiriya on a daily basis for passengers, who are interested in saving time on travel
One day tour to see Sigiriya frescoes paintings, visit off the beaten track tourist places sri lanka, Sigiriya rock fortress, places to visit in sigiriya, 5 Most important cities in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Sigiriya Polonnaruwa tour in a nutshell
Sigiriya-Dambulla’s day tour starts from Colombo and other major tourist resorts on the west coast. The tour takes you to 2 major historical places in Sri Lanka Sigiriya rock fortress and Dambulla golden temple. The private tour includes entire ground transportation, a live guide, all entrance fees, and all taxes.

5. Sri Lanka culture tour to Dambulla cave temple

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour is 160 km
The duration of the trip to Dambulla from the airport is 4 hours

Buddhist temples are very important cultural places in Sri Lanka. Visiting Buddhist temples is a very important activity for travellers to learn about the culture of Sri Lanka. Temple is the best place to feel the culture and tradition of Sri Lanka. This chapter is dedicated to one of the cultural hot spots on the island namely the Dambulla golden cave temple.  cultural places in Sri Lanka 

Importance of the Dambulla historical site

Dambulla is popular in the world as one of the oldest cave temples in the world and it has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991. The Dambulla golden cave temple dates back to the 1st century BC and is one of the oldest cave temples in the world. Dambulla is also a very popular tourist attraction and is included in most Sri Lanka cultural tours. This duo Sigiriya and Dambulla, is part of every Sri Lanka cultural tour and they are the most visited sites in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. 

Countless Buddha statues, god figures, statues of kings & paintings depicting various scenes of the life of Buddha can be seen in the temples of Dambulla. The perfect amalgamation of Buddhism and Hinduism in its culture and heritage makes Dambulla one of the must-visit cultural sites in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Dambulla golden cave temple hides hundreds of Buddha statues. There are many thousands of square meters of wall and ceiling paintings to be found in the caves, all depicting various scenes from the life of Buddha. The paintings and statues originated in the past under the reign of Sri Lankan kings. The temple is a classic example of the artistic capabilities of Sri Lankan ancient artisans.

What’s special: Temple is hidden from the busy town of Dambulla and resides on the western slope of Dambulla rock. The Buddha statues and paintings are placed in 5 natural caves, they are well protected by the heat of the sun and rain. However, the accumulation of humidity has caused some damage to the paintings over the last several decades.

Visiting temples needs to be done with care if you are not familiar with visiting Buddhist religious sites. The dress should be suitable to visit a temple, and there are several other rules to follow when you visit a Buddhist temple. Click here to read more about things you need to know before visiting a Buddhist temple.

For a walk-through of the Dambulla cave temple: the hike at Dambulla is very easy compared to the hike at Sigiriya. You have to climb 120 steps in Sigiriya and they are narrow and irregular in height. However, the steps at Dambulla are newly created and you need to have only about a 10-minute hike to reach the temple.

How to reach the Dambulla cave temple:

  • By Road: Road transport is the most popular way of reaching the Dambulla golden cave temple. Dambulla is well connected with all corners of the island and there are direct buses to Dambulla from major cities such as Kandy, Jaffna and Colombo.
  • By Air: Air transportation is also a viable option to reach Dambulla golden cave temple. There are direct flights from Colombo to Dambulla on a daily basis for passengers, who are interested in saving time on travel.
Kandy one day tour

6. Sri Lanka culture tour to Kandy

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour is 115 km
The duration of the trip to Kandy from the airport is 3 hours

The mountainous terrain in the middle of the island passed on from the hands of the Sri Lanka monarchy to those of the representatives of the British East India Company, is often tagged as the cultural centre of Sri Lanka.

Historical facts about Kandy

Kandy is among the most important cultural places in Sri Lanka and Kandy houses the most sacred Buddhist temple on the island, popularly known as the tooth relic temple, where the left-eye tooth Buddha resides. The history of temples goes back to a monarchy, and it was the last kingdom of the Sri Lankan monarchy, Kandy was founded by King Vikrama Bahu 3 (1267–1301 AD) and it remained the capital of Sri Lanka until 1815 AD.

Sri Lanka mountain is nestled in the middle of the island and rises up to 2524 meters above sea level. A beautiful tea plantation and misty hills surround the city of Kandy. The city itself boasts a large extent of green cover with Udawattakele sanctuary. Kandy lake is a striking feature of Kandy, and it adds beauty to the city while protecting the city from floodwater. A boat tour at Kandy Lake allows you to spot many avian fauna species as well as animals such as monitors and tortoises.  

Kandy is included in most Sri Lankan cultural tours as it is an important cultural city. Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities with many important tourist attractions within its borders, apart from cultural heritage.

Important places in Kandy: Kandyan cultural show, Tea museum, Buddhist international museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are some of the most prominent tourist places in Kandy.

Important cultural places in Kandy: Natha Devala, Pattini temple, Kandy lake, tooth relic temple museum, Udawattakele sanctuary, Kandyan cultural show and Royal botanical garden are some of the other places to visit in Kandy that speak volumes about the city’s rich culture & heritage. Rankoth Viharaya, Gadaladeniya temple, and Embekke temple are some of the other religious places to visit in Kandy, however, these temples are located a few kilometres away from the city.

How to reach Kandy

  • By Air: Kandy can be conveniently reached by domestic plains from Colombo and other major cities. There is a regular seaplane service from Colombo to Kandy with daily planes.
  • By Rail: Kandy is also well connected with Kandy by the upcountry railway track. The railway track was laid out by the British east Indian company and it is well-functioning today. Train believes to be one of the best ways of reaching Kandy from Colombo, it is convenient and it is cheap.
  • By Road: Kandy is the hub of the road network of Sri Lanka, due to its location in the middle of the island. Kandy is well connected with all corners of the island with well-maintained modern roads.
one-day trips from Colombo

Sri Lanka 3-day tour with Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya

8. Sri Lanka culture tour to Nuwara Eliya

The distance to cover on this Sri Lanka cultural tour from the airport is 173 km
The duration of the trip to the cultural city of Nuwara Eliya from the airport is 4 hours

Tea plantations and mountains with green summits surround Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is very rich in nature and offers breathtaking scenery across its green-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, rivers, tea gardens, vegetable plots and patches of forests. Therefore, Nuwara Eliya is popular as a place to enjoy nature.

Nuwara Eliya became a prominent holiday spot during British rule, and the British governor developed it as a holiday destination due to its healing climate, which was very appealing to wealthy British planters. Nuwara Eliya records the lowest temperature on the island, with the occasional temperature dropping up to -2C degrees after the sunset.

Historical Facts about Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is among the important cultural places in Sri Lanka due to its close connection with Ramayana. The history of Nuwara Eliya goes back to about 7000 years and the city plays a big role in the Ramayana story. Nuwara Eliya is given a prominent place in Hinduism as the place where King Ravana lived. According to Hindu mythology, Kin Ravana abducted Queen Sita (wife of Rama) and was held captive in Nuwara Eliya.

Important cultural sites in Nuwara Eliya: Sita Amman temple, Ashok Vatika, and Hanuman Temple are the most popular tourist places in Nuwara Eliya that are closely connected to Ramayana.

For a walk through the city’s cultural attractions: Nuwara Eliya is more popular for nature holidays than cultural tours. However, Nuwara Eliya attracts many travellers from India, who are arriving in Sri Lanka to witness the places mentioned in Ramayana, such as Ashok Vatika and Sita Amman temple.

How to reach Nuwara Eliya

  • By Air: The domestic seaplane service is available to Nuwara Eliya from major cities such as Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
  • Train: Train is considered the best way to travelling from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya. The train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
  • By Road: Nuwara Eliya is easily accessible by road and connected to the majority of Sri Lanka’s major cities.

Tooth relic temple

The tooth relic temple is another major tourist attraction on the island due to its historical and religious importance. The temple of the tooth relic is the most important tourist attraction on the island and is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist temple on the island. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of local devotees every day. You will be visiting the temple during the evening ceremony.

spice garden

Spices are a major export product of the country and it is one of the most important foreign exchange earners for the economy. The spice of Sri Lanka is exported to many countries around the world. At the spice garden, the visitors are able to see a large number of plants and trees that produces spices, At the same time, they are educated about the economic benefits of spices and how they are been used in the preparation of Ayurveda medicine along with other herbs.

  1. Grand Sri Lanka cultural tour, 3 days
  2. Mini Sri Lanka cultural tour, 3 days
  3. Sri Lanka 2-day cultura tour
  4. Sigiriya and Dambulla tour
  5. Kandy one day tour

Grand Sri Lanka cultural tour, 3 days

Sri Lanka grand cultural tour is a 3 days tour starting from Colombo. The tour starts early morning (06.30) from Colombo and therefore we encourage you to arrive one day ahead of the trip, thereby allowing you are able to start the trip early morning as planned. The tour can be started on the same day of your arrival, in case your land early morning at Colombo airport. This 3 days cultural tour includes all major tourist attractions in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka namely Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy.

What are the places included in the grand Sri Lanka culture tour?

What is the duration of the grand Sri Lanka cultural tour?

The grand cultural tour is also a 3-day tour but it includes all major historical places of the cultural triangle.

What is the cost of a grand Sri Lanka cultural tour?

The cost of a Sri Lanka grand-cultural tour is US$ 450 per person on twin sharing double.

What is the grand Sri Lanka cultural tour?

  • Day 1 Colombo-Anuradhapura-Dambulla-Sigiriya
  • Day 2 Sigiriya-Polonnaruwa-Minneriya
  • Day 3 Kandy-Pinnawala-Colombo

Day 1 of Grand Sri Lanka cultural tour

On the first day of Sri Lanka, on 3 days tour, you will leave for Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, the distance from Colombo to Anuradhapura is 200 km and the time taken for the journey is roughly 4 hours and half. After the Anuradhapura, the sightseeing tour proceeds to the hotel in Sigiriya and, en route, visits Dambulla golden temple. The distance to cover this leg is 70 km, and the time taken for the journey is 1 hour. overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 2 of the grand Sri Lanka cultural tour

On the next day of the tour, you will be visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress in the morning and Polonnaruwa ancient city in the afternoon, Later in the day, you will go on an optional jeep safari at Minneriya national park, All major attractions that you visit today are located near the hotel and it takes 30 minutes maximum, to reach any of the places (Sigiriya rock, Dambulla golden cave temple, Minneriya national park) from the hotel. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 3 of the grand Sri Lanka cultural tour

On the last day of the tour, proceed to Kandy after breakfast and, en route, visit the temple of the tooth relic and Pinnawala elephant orphanage. The distance from Sigiriya to Kandy is 90 km and it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Kandy.  Afterwards, the drive to Pinnawala elephant orphanage, which is located on the way to Colombo from Kandy, is short; however, there is a small detour that lasts about 15 minutes as the orphanage is located away from the main road. After visiting the Pinnawala orphanage, leave for Colombo, and you will reach the city in 3 hours’ time.

A mini cultural tour of Sri Lanka

Start and end in Colombo! However, the pick-up location and endpoint can be varied depending on the client’s requirements. Please write to us if you need to change the pick-up and drop-off locations. During these 3 days in the Sri Lanka tour, you can visit 3 major tourist attractions, namely the Kandy tooth relic temple, Dambulla golden cave temple, Sigiriya rock fortress, Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Tea Gardens, and Kandyan cultural show. The package includes accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, transport, and more.

What are the places included in the Sri Lanka mini-cultural tour?

  • Sigiriya rock fortress
  • Dambulla cave temple
  • Pinnawala elephant orphanage
  • Tooth relic temple
  • Pinnawala elephant orphanage
  • Spice garden
  • Minneriya national park

What is the duration of the Sri Lanka mini-cultural tour?

Sri Lanka mini cultural tour is a 3-day tour, however, it can be customized to meet the specific requirement of the travellers. This is a private Sri Lanka tour with a dedicated vehicle and driver guide.

What is the itinerary for Sri Lanka mini-cultural tour, in a nutshell?

  • Day 1: Meet and greet by Serendipity tour representative and drive to hotel in Kandy; en route, visit Pinawata elephant orphanage in the afternoon Kandy sightseeing tour.
  • Day 2: Visit Dambulla Golden temple, spice/herbal garden, in the afternoon, Mineriya safari
  • Day 3: Trek to the Sigiriya rock fortress and return journey to Colombo

Day 1 of 3-day Sri Lanka cultural tour

On the first day of the trip, you will be visiting the Pinnawala elephant orphanage and tea garden as you drive to Kandy. Later in the day, visit the tooth relic temple and Kandyan cultural show, and overnight stay in Kandy. The first day of this Sri Lanka 3-day tour takes place in the direction of the central mountain range and the distance to cover is 115 km. The journey takes around 3 hours, including the visit to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage. The Pinnawala elephant orphanage is located about halfway down the journey and is the only major place to stop on the journey. The afternoon sightseeing tour of Kandy includes many interesting places to visit, such as the tooth relic temple, Kandy market, Kandyan cultural show, etc.

Day 2 of the Sri Lanka 3-day tour

The second day of the tour starts after breakfast, and you leave for Sigiriya via Dambulla. En route, you visit the Spice Garden, the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, an optional safari at Minneriya, and an overnight stay in Sigiriya. Today you drive deep into the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and visit another two major UNESCO world heritage sites on the island, namely Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple. The distance from Kandy to Dambulla and Sigiriya is 90 km, and the journey lasts around 2 hours.

Day 3 of the Sri Lanka cultural tour

The last day of the tour starts after breakfast and visits Sigiriya Rock Fortress, later proceeding to the hotel in Colombo via Kurunegala. The journey lasts around 5 hours.

Sri Lanka 2-day cultura tour

Sri Lanka 2-day cultural tour is another popular activity among the foreign travellers and it enables the travellers to explore many important historical, cultural and religious sites in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Major cultural places included in this trip are Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Kandy.

What is the cost of a Sri Lankan mini-cultural tour?

The cost of a Sri Lanka mini-cultural tour differs based on the type of accommodation. Please get back to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com or call us/WhatsApp us on 0094-774440977.

How do I book a Sri Lanka mini-cultural tour or a grand Sri Lanka cultural tour?

Please write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com for more information and to book, or call us or WhatsApp us at 0094774440977.

All visitors to these sacred places are supposed to dress in a particular manner to uphold their religious values. There is a set of rules that every visitor to religious sites observes while visiting sacred places in Sri Lanka. If you are wondering what these rules are, check out this article “13 RULES TO OBSERVE WHILE VISITING SRI LANKA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, SRI LANKA TEMPLE DRESS CODE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH DRES’ CODE“.

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