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UNESCO World Heritage Tour

UNESCO World Heritage Tour

Sri Lanka, a lush island nation in South Asia, boasts a remarkable array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight its rich cultural and natural heritage. These sites encompass ancient cities, sacred temples, stunning landscapes, and historic fortresses, reflecting the island's diverse history and exceptional biodiversity.

Sri Lanka's historical and cultural sites include ancient cities like Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, sacred Buddhist cities like Anuradhapura and Kandy, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Old Town of Galle, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Central Highlands, showcasing the country's natural wonders.

This tour not only highlights Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but also emphasizes the importance of preserving these cultural and natural treasures for future generations.

Travel itinerary[ 13 nights and 14 days ]

Day 01

Day
01

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Your arrival

30 mins (15Km)

Airport

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Negombo

  • Straight to your accommodation

    Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, a guide will greet you and welcome you to this marvelous island. Then you will be accompanied to your accommodation at Negombo where you can relax and recharge for your journey in Sri Lanka.

Negombo Boats by TravelPlanner
Negombo Beach by TravelPlanner
Negombo Beach by TravelPlanner

Day 02

Day
02

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The historic city of Anuradhapura

3 hours 30 mins (170Km)

Negombo

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Anuradhapura

2 hours 10 mins (105Km)

Anuradhapura

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Polonnaruwa

  • Heading towards Polonnaruwa

    Your journey begins with a tour of the majestic city of Polonnaruwa. Departing from your accommodation in Negombo, you will enjoy a scenic view along the way to Polonnaruwa.

  • The kingdom of Anuradhapura

    While on your journey, you will explore the historical city of Anuradhapura. Here, you'll visit significant landmarks such as the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree believed to be the oldest living tree planted by human hands, and the majestic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, a monumental stupa with rich history and impressive architecture. This experience will allow you to immerse yourself deeply in the cultural heritage and historical significance of Anuradhapura.

  • A leisurely evening

    Afterward, savor a delightful local lunch before making your way to Polonnaruwa. Once you arrive, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Sri Maha Bodi at Anuradhapura by TravelPlanner
Anuradhapura Ruwanweliseya by TravelPlanner
Anuradhapura Kuttam Pokuna by TravelPlanner

Day 03

Day
03

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The Majestic Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

2 hours (50Km)

Polonnaruwa

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Heritage Site

  • Historical Explore at Polonnaruwa

    Discover Sri Lanka's heritage by visiting Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes you back in time. Once this city held the distinction of being the nation's second capital. Admirable sights to see include historic mansions, intricately sculpted sculptures, and significant structures. These resemble ephemeral glimpses into the inventiveness and intelligence of those bygone eras. It's similar to traveling through time and learning the mysteries of a once-vibrant society.

    Return to your accommodation after your exploration of Polonnaruwa, and then spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Vatadage in Polonnaruwa by TravelPlanner
Samadhi Statue in Polonnaruwa by TravelPlanner
Parakramabahu Statue in Polonnaruwa by TravelPlanner

Day 04

Day
04

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Towards Sigiriya and Dambulla

1 hour 15 mins (60Km)

Polonnaruwa

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Sigiriya

30 mins (20Km)

Sigiriya

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Dambulla

  • Sigiriya, the Rock Marvel

    Your first stop for the day will be the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya. Often referred to as the 'Lion Rock', Sigiriya is a true gem that combines nature and history in an exceptional way. Rising above verdant surroundings is a historic rock fortification that is part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient frescoes that provide you with a window into the past can be found on the granite walls as you ascend. The ancient backdrop is given a serene touch by the gardens encircling the rock. Even if it is a little worn out, the Lion's Paw entryway still captures the beauty of the original building. As you approach the summit, the expansive vistas that display Sri Lanka's natural splendor are truly mesmerizing.

  • The Golden Temple at Dambulla

    Next, you will travel to Dambulla, one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and historical sites. A visit to the well-known Dambulla Cave Temple, sometimes referred to as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, will immerse you in a picturesque experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well known for its magnificent cave complex, which has more than 150 Buddha sculptures and vast cave murals that illustrate different events in the life of the Buddha. Discover centuries of commitment and craftsmanship in the detailed frescoes and striking statues found in the five main caverns. The calming ambiance and the amazing vistas of the surrounding landscape from the temple's viewpoint enhance the allure.

Sigiriya by TravelPlanner
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple by TravelPlanner
Dambulla Paintings by TravelPlanner

Day 05

Day
05

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Journey Through Matale to the Tranquil Charm of Kandy

2 hours (75Km)

Dambulla

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Kandy

  • Heading to Kandy

    Your destination for today will be the historic city of Kandy. All through the way, you will experience the stunning landmarks and will have the opportunity to stop at several sites for some exciting explorations.

  • Spice Gardens, Matale

    Visit the Spice Garden at Matale to explore the wide range of spices and plants that Sri Lanka has to offer. Experience the garden through your senses as trained guides show you around and introduce you to a variety of aromatic plants, including nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Discover how to grow, harvest, and use these spices for therapeutic purposes. You may even have the opportunity to experience some freshly made medicinal products.

  • Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka

    Later, take a fascinating city tour in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital. Take in the distinct charm and energy of the city as you stroll through the busy streets adorned with buildings from the colonial era and lively marketplaces. A visit to the well-known sites like the Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the lively Kandy Market, where you may peruse local handicrafts and souvenirs, will be a mesmerizing moment of your tour

  • The Temple of the Tooth

    Explore Kandy's rich history in the afternoon by visiting one of Sri Lanka's finest locations, the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This venerable temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world because it is home to the holy tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Discover the temple complex's prominence in Buddhist culture and history while admiring its exquisite architecture and decorations.

  • Sri Lankan Cultural Event

    Take enjoyment of the lively rhythms and exquisite motions of traditional Sri Lankan dance during a dazzling cultural performance as the day gives way to night. Discover the captivating rhythms of the drummers and the graceful movements of the dancers as they use their artistic talent to bring historical stories and legends to life. You shouldn't miss this cultural spectacle while visiting Kandy.

Kandy Lake by TravelPlanner
Temple of the Tooth by TravelPlanner
Queens Hotel Kandy by TravelPlanner

Day 06

Day
06

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Embark on a journey to the serene hillside

1 hour 50 mins (40Km)

Kandy

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Knuckles

1 hour 50 mins (40Km)

Knuckles

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Kandy

  • The Knuckles Mountain Range

    Take a trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning scenery and biodiversity, to experience the tranquility and peace of nature. Embark on a guided exploring journey over foggy mountain slopes, gushing waterfalls, and lush woods to fully immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this area. As you travel, look for unusual plants and animals, take in the clean mountain air, and take in expansive vistas of the neighboring peaks and valleys.

  • Leisurely afternoon

    If you would rather take it at your own pace, you can choose to relax in the peaceful surroundings of your lodging and spend the day at your leisure. Use this downtime to unwind by the pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or just take a leisurely stroll through the well-kept hotel gardens. In this beautiful alpine paradise, the day is yours to spend at your leisure, whether you choose adventure or rest.

Reverston at knuckles by TravelPlanner
Lakegala at knuckles by TravelPlanner
Reverston at knuckles by TravelPlanner

Day 07

Day
07

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Fascinating Hill Country

2 hours 30 mins (80Km)

Kandy

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Nuwara Eliya

  • Along the way to Nuwara Eliya

    Set out on an enthralling journey to the charming town of Nuwara Eliya through Sri Lanka's stunning hill highlands. En route, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Ramboda Waterfall, a tumbling natural wonder surrounded by misty mountains and lush vegetation. Take a moment to capture this magnificent scene on camera, allowing the cool mist of water to caress your skin.

  • An educational visit to Pedro Tea Factory

    Travel to Pedro Tea Factory, where a guided tour of the facility will give you an in-depth understanding of the craft of producing tea. Explore the various steps involved in manufacturing tea, from picking the little leaves to rolling, drying, and packing. Take part in a tea-picking excursion by dressing traditionally and going into the verdant tea fields to gather fresh tea leaves by hand with local laborers. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a hot cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea and enjoy its strong flavor and fragrant aroma.

  • Your accommodation for the day

    After touring the factory's high viewpoint, which offers expansive views of the surrounding tea estates, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Here you'll settle into your lodging and unwind in the fresh mountain air and picturesque surroundings of this quaint hill station.

Nuwara Eliya post office by TravelPlanner
Tea Factory at Nuwara Eliya by TravelPlanner
Tea Factory at Nuwara Eliya by TravelPlanner

Day 08

Day
08

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Heading to Horton Plains

1 hour (25Km)

Nuwara Eliya

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Horton Plains

1 hour (25Km)

Horton Plains

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Nuwara Eliya

  • The stunning Horton Plains

    Set out on an exciting journey from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains and back, promising a day filled with breathtaking scenery. Renowned for its remarkable landscapes , indigenous vegetation, and exceptional biodiversity, Horton Plains is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque route offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and mist-kissed hills as you travel from Nuwara Eliya.

  • Sightseeing at Horton Plains

    When you arrive at Horton Plains, visit the famous sites like Baker's Falls and World's End, which offer expansive views of the lowlands below. Return to Nuwara Eliya after taking in the natural wonders of Horton Plains and relishing the memories of a day well spent among Sri Lanka's unspoiled beauty.

Horton Plains by TravelPlanner
Baker's Falls by TravelPlanner
Horton Plains by TravelPlanner

Day 09

Day
09

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Towards the charming city of Ella

20 mins (10Km)

Nuwara Eliya

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Nanuoya Station

2 hours (65Km)

Nanuoya Station

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Demodara Station

30 mins (10Km)

Demodara Station

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Nine Arch Bridge

15 mins (5Km)

Nine Arch Bridge

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Ella

  • A mesmerizing train ride

    You have the opportunity to embark on a scenic train ride today . from Nuwara Eliya to Nanu Oya Station, a journey renowned for its breathtaking scenery as the train winds past verdant hills and tea plantations. Nanu Oya Station serves as the gateway to the captivating Demodara Station.

  • The Nine Arch Bridge

    Enjoy the singular experience of traveling across the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural wonder set against the gorgeous surroundings, when you arrive at Demodara. Constructed in the British colonial era, this viaduct offers a breathtaking backdrop for photos because it is surrounded by rich greenery.

  • The breathtaking Ella City

    Afterward, proceed on to Ella, a quaint village tucked away in the hills. A charming ambiance is created by the stunning views of tea estates and valleys along the journey to Ella. Experience Ella's tranquil atmosphere upon arrival and discover why this place is so popular with tourists.

Ella train by TravelPlanner
Ella train by TravelPlanner
Nanu oya Station by TravelPlanner

Day 10

Day
10

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Exploring the wilderness

2 hours (90Km)

Ella

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Udawalawe

  • Elephant Transit Home

    Check out of your accommodation after breakfast and have a fantastic day at Udawalawe.Begin your visit at the Elephant Transit Home first to observe elephants up close and learn about their protection. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH), also known as the orphanage, serves as a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants. Established in 1995 by the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation, it nurtures these animals until they are independent enough to be released back into the wild. Despite initial doubts from conservationists, the public has shown strong support for this initiative, highlighting the importance of rehabilitating and releasing orphaned elephants back into their natural habitat.

  • Safari Adventure at Udawalawe.

    Once you've seen the magnificent mammals, your trip to Udawalawe National Park will be an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience as dawn turns into dusk . Giant squirrels, sambars, spotted deer, untamed herds of elephants, and wild buffalos are just a few of the magnificent wildlife examples that illustrate why this tour is a fantastic way to spend your day on this wonderful island.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home by TravelPlanner
Udawalawe Safari by TravelPlanner
Leopards at Udawalawe by TravelPlanner

Day 11

Day
11

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Exploring a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka

2 hours 45 mins (85Km)

Udawalawe

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Sinharaja

  • The Breathtaking Sinharaja

    Your adventure for today includes a guided tour of the Sinharaja rainforest by an experienced naturalist. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the abundant biodiversity and fascinating ecosystems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prepare for a guided walk along pathways through lush jungle, where you will encounter a wide variety of indigenous plants and animals. As your guide points out uncommon bird species, unique flora, and elusive wildlife concealed among the deep forest, keep your senses peeled. Get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring one of Sri Lanka's last remaining rainforests, where each step unveils a new natural wonder.

Sinharaja forest by TravelPlanner
Sinharaja forest inside by TravelPlanner
Sinharaja forest animals by TravelPlanner

Day 12

Day
12

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The Wonders of Down South

3 hours (100Km)

Sinharaja

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Galle

  • The marvelous city of Galle

    We'll travel from Sinharaja to Galle, where you can explore the old Dutch fort and the quaint village that surrounds it. Prepare to step back in time as we wander through the fortress walls and cobblestone alleyways of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the rich history and culture of Galle by taking in the colonial buildings, visiting charming shops and cafes, and getting lost in the city's atmosphere. Don't miss this ideal blend of seaside beauty and old-world charm.

Galle Dutch Fort by TravelPlanner
Lighthouse at Galle by TravelPlanner
Lighthouse at Galle by TravelPlanner

Day 13

Day
13

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Continuing your stay at Galle

  • Exploring the Galle city

    Today will be devoted to discovering the dynamic city of Galle. Enjoy the colonial architecture as you wander through the old streets of the Dutch Fort and uncover the site's hidden treasures. The Dutch Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle provides plenty of options for an unforgettable day, whether you're strolling about the ramparts, perusing the local markets, or just lounging at a coastal cafe. Relax and take in the charm and beauty of this seaside town during a relaxing stay in Galle after a day of exploring.

Galle Dutch fort by TravelPlanner
Galle beach by TravelPlanner
Galle Drone view by TravelPlanner

Day 14

Day
14

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Departing from Sri Lanka

1 hour 15 mins (75Km)

Galle

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Bentota

1 hour 50 mins (110Km)

Bentota

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Airport

  • A stop at Stunning Bentota

    Today, You'll transfer to Bentota to explore the renowned Bawa Gardens and enjoy a spectacular boat excursion. Discover Bentota’s stunning surroundings as you embark on a picturesque cruise along the canals.

  • Masterpieces by Geoffrey Bawa

    Next, immerse yourself in the breathtaking splendor of the Bawa Gardens, designed by the acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Don’t miss this tranquil haven, which boasts gorgeous architecture, calm water features, and an abundance of flora. Prepare yourself for a day full of breathtaking architecture and natural beauty.

  • Bidding farewell to Sri Lanka

    Once you've had time to explore Bentota, we'll head to the airport to bid you farewell. As you depart for the airport, it's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka's stunning scenery and treasured memories. Happy travels! Until we meet again!

Geoffrey Bawa Gardens by TravelPlanner
Bentota drone image by TravelPlanner
Airport Colombo by TravelPlanner

End of the Itinerary

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