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Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of history and culture with our curated experiences that take you on a journey through time. Wander through the colonial heritage of Colombo, where every corner tells a story, from the bustling bazaars of Pettah to the serene Independence Square. Discover ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where stupas and ruins echo the grandeur of a bygone era. Climb sacred mountains and explore ancient cave temples that have witnessed centuries of devotion and spirituality. Each step you take unveils layers of Sri Lanka’s multifaceted past, offering a deep connection to the island’s unique blend of traditions, religions, and architectural wonders.
Enjoy a walk along the promenade of the Galle Face Green overlooking the Indian Ocean. Continue past the Dutch Hospital complex dating back to the Dutch colonial era, now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct. Experience hustle and bustle of the commercial area of the Fort. Drive past the noisy bazaar area of Pettah or “Pitakotuwa” as the locals calls it. Visit the Fort Railway station opened in 1917 and to-date functions as the central station for Colombo. Drive past Slave Island, the Beira Lake in the heart of the city, Viharamahadevi Park, the Town hall and Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo’s residential area. Conclude your tour at the Independence Square, a monument built at the location where the ceremony marking the end of British rule in Ceylon took place on 4th February 1948.
Take a leisurely walk that takes you through the city’s commercial heritage in terms of reflecting to the times and the ways of the Portuguese, Dutch and English, which in turn, gives these citizens a unique accent, a way of conducting their day-to-day business and unique palette. The main focus however, is that this walk takes you through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17thcentury to the 90’s that were erected mainly during the Dutch & British rule. Nothing of the Portuguese rule remains, sadly. With the dawn of the post-conflict times, we see the tremendous effort being put into this area to refurbish and bring these buildings to their hay-day wondrous state.
This amazing Archeological site is about 200 acres and has about 102 natural caves and dripstones located in Gampaha. In addition, there are large number of natural ponds, tunnels and other heritage buildings and mural paintings which have an archaeological value and it is also the largest cave complex which found in the western part of Sri Lanka. You’ll be accompanied by ‘Prathini’, a heritage interpreter and freelance researcher specialized in Geography, who can assist with any in depth information and learning of evolution of Ceylon Buddhist temple culture and slice of Sri Lanka’s monastic architectural basement through cave complex. Feel the calmness of the forest on entire silent path of the tour while passing around 25 caves which resided by the Buddhist monks in early period, image house, the old Buildings, wooden bridge, Palanquin which used in 18th century, colonial era hermitages as well as many bird species.
Meet “Rashika”, championing the strength of Sri Lankan woman to embark on “Colombo Chronicles” enriched through stories of community and creativity. From Colombo City Centre’s trading and dealing to Slave Island’s Basin Wells, each step unveils stories of the entrepreneurial zeal of the city. Walk through women led markets, where you amidst cultural diversity. A testament to Islamic traditions, hear the serene call to prayer at Wekanda Jumma Mosque. When you walk further, witness vivid murals depicting multicultural heritage and visit artisans preserving traditional crafts. Stopping at Slave Island’s Murugan kovil and Buddhist temple is a must to admire diverse expressions of faith. Before stopping to savour street food culinary magic at a local home, visit the Infant Jesus Church calmly standing among the noisy city. Move on to explore the blend of past and present at Slave Island and Fort Railway Station. Then visit Pettah Bazaar’s bustling trade and Colombo Fort’s Gold Market, and the symbols of Colombo’s enduring spirit, historic Clock Tower and Galbokka Lighthouse. Conclude the experience at Port City with refreshments while calling off the day.
Anuradhapura is the ancient city that marks the golden period of Sri Lankan history, being the first capital of Sri Lanka, from 4 BC to 11 AD and now a UNESCO world Heritage site. With the pinnacles of the stupas rising tall above the trees, this city packed with monuments from temple, stupas, tanks, and monasteries. A tour of the Sacred City includes places of veneration such as gigantic Stupas and the sacred Bo tree or the Sri Maha Bodhi as it is known to the Buddhists. It is said to be the oldest documented tree on earth. Stroll past the ruins of ancient palaces, administrative buildings, a hospital, and ancient bathing tanks with ingenious filtering systems and some of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world. The evening tour not only shelters you from the sun but also creates a tranquil setting, allowing for deeper appreciation of these historic marvels.
Mihintale, translates as Mahinda’s Mountain; It was on the summit of this mountain that the great Sinhalese king Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism by Arahat Mahinda, the son of the last Buddhist emperor of India. The best time to climb the mountain is early morning or late afternoon when it is not so hot. A climb of 1840 small steps will take you to the summit of the sacred mountain. Along the way you will meet monkeys, vendors selling ornaments, fruit, drinks and various spices and herbs and you will also find the occasional old woman or man asking for alms.
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, believed locally to be the 8th world wonder, is a fortress built atop a rock with masterful architecture, engineering and landscaping in the 5th century AD found on the summit of the rock. The Rock fortress of Sigiriya rises almost 370 metres above sea and 1200 steps take you to the top of Sigiriya but the climb is broken up by terraces at regular intervals. Half way up another flight of stairs takes you to the paintings of the Sigiriya maidens. You will also see the mirror wall with its ancient and barely decipherable graffiti. The climb from the Lions Paw to the top of the rock is along a narrow metal stairway with railings but is worth it because of the spectacular views from the summit.
Atop 364 steps lie an ancient cave complex with breath taking vistas. Completely adorned with paintings and lined with statues, these caves were converted to a Buddhist temple and maintained so for centuries with artistic influences from many different periods. During an invasion from South India in the 1st century BC, the Sinhalese king Walagambahu took refuge in the caves at Dambulla and through meditation gained the strength to drive the invaders away. As a token of gratitude, he declared the caves as a sacred area and built the first cave shrine. The rock cave temples of Dambulla consists of 5 caves which have been converted to shrines. Since then, 4 more caves were converted into shrines and are today an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.
Polonnaruwa is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka after the falling of Anuradhapura. While the ruins of its predecessor are mainly Buddhist religious sites, Polonnaruwa exhibit the life style of the royals and the Hindu influence after the invasion of the Cholas. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa will include the statue of the great Sinhalese King Parakramabahu who was responsible for building the Parakrama Samudra, a large reservoir that is still in use, the ancient ruins including the area known as the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Image House, the Gal Vihara with fine detailed granite sculptures of the Lord Buddha, the Lankathilaka and the 12th century Lotus bath to name a few.
Ritigala is a strict nature reserve and an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 1st century BC. The road leading up to the ruins of the monastery is in a poor condition; however, it is a bumpy but exciting drive through lush tropical forest, with monkeys swinging on the branches of tall trees, and teeming with a large variety of birdlife and butterfly species. When you reach the ruins, which is about an hour’s walk from the entrance, through the forest you get a real sense of the peaceful, tranquil surroundings of the ancient monastery.
The Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple in the Matale district. The original site of the temple is considered the geographical centre or the central point of Sri Lanka. Nalanda Gedige demonstrates a mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. The main hall, and the God Kuvera (God of wealth) statue on the south side of the tympanum are examples of Hindu influence. The architectural uniqueness of the Nalanda Gedige is intriguing. The promenade that leads you to the shrine is shrouded with foliage and trees. The temple site is nestled in a secluded arboreal village surrounded by a reservoir. The stone pillars on either side of the path will lead you to the sight of a massive “Vimana” – a vault with intricate stone carvings. It has a charm of its own that should be witnessed by anyone who has a curiosity for mystery and history.
The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. Aluvihare Rock Temple was the historic location where the oral teachings of Buddhism, Tripitaka (philosophical doctrines of Buddhism), were written into Pali on palm leaves for the preservation and for the use of future generations. The entire transcription was done in books made of ola leaves, locally known as puskola poth. These books were made up from thick strips created from the leaves of either the palmyra or talipot palm and the doctrines were written down in Pali language. A metal stylus was used to inscribe the characters on the ola leaves. The old library at Aluvihare Rock Temple, which had safely housed the volumes of this transcribed manuscripts for so many centuries, was totally destroyed during the Matale Rebellion in 1848. Aluvihare Rock temple has many caves with ancient inscriptions. These caves enclose comparatively modern wall and ceiling paintings of interest, and impressive statues and images of Lord Buddha. Be sure to read as much as you can about the history of this temple before you visit it so you will be able to enjoy a meaningful experience.
A unique creation by an unknown sculptor, what may be called one of the wonders of the world is the tall, standing statue of the Buddha at Aukana, another architectural marvel of the ancient Sinhalese. The rock cut statue which stands 39 feet above its decorated lotus plinth and 10 feet across the shoulders, belongs to the period of King Dhatusena (459-477 AD), the builder of the great reservoir Kalawewa. It has been very well preserved over the years and is a joy for anyone to see and appreciate.
Hidden in the Anuradhapura District, Thanthirimale is a treasure trove of ancient history and spirituality. This revered site boasts a striking rock temple and remnants of a 2,000-year-old monastery. Believed to house a sacred relic of the Buddha, it draws pilgrims and history buffs eager to connect with its profound past. Surrounded by verdant landscapes and tranquil settings, Thanthirimale offers a serene retreat and an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry. Ideal for those seeking both spiritual solace and historical wonder.
It is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara goes back beyond to the first and second century BC. From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery but became a prominent place during the reign of King Kashyapa. Located right adjacent to Sigiriya rock, it provides equally breathtaking views of the surrounding area, a historic cave complex of its own, a tenth of the crowds, and the most incredible view overlooking the famous Sigiriya rock. There is no need to choose between the two. Halfway through the hike, you will reach the Pidurangala Temple, which takes you back in time although not quite rivalling the history of Sigiriya Rock.
The highlights of your tour include a visit to Fort Fredrick, the famous the Koneswaram temple and the seven hot springs at Kanniyai. Fort Fredrick was built in 1624 and remains formidable to this day. It is currently used as an army garrison. Koneswaram Temple situated on top of Swami Rock is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and is believed that this Kovil has been in existence for 2500 years. The temple is also worthwhile visiting for its gorgeous views of the natural harbour and the Indian Ocean. The seven hot wells in Kanniyai is a compound on which visitors would find seven wells that contains water with different temperatures varying from cool to hot and very hot. The hot wells are visited by both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims in the early morning to bathe themselves with the water prior to paying a visit to the Koneswaram temple.
Thiriyaya is a small village north of Trincomalee home to the Girihandu Seya temple claimed to have been built by the merchant brothers Thapassu and Bhalluka, housing hair relics of the Buddha. You will have a chance to see a vatadage which is a stone enclosure built around the stupa along with ancient stone pillars. Being atop a hill, the temple offers beautiful views of the valley below.
Explore the history and religions of Batticaloa which spans 450 years and 4 colonial powers. You will be guided into the cultural and religious diversity of the local communities there by visiting worshipping places of 4 different faiths and insights into the Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture. During lunch, you will dine with a local family where you’ll get a flavour of traditional Batticaloa food, and interest with your host family. Afterwards, get a glimpse of the scars of the recent war and tsunami as well as visit the Heritage Museum of Kattankudy.
Join a local resident whose family has lived and worked in Galle for generations, on a guided walk-through Galle’s historic 17th Century Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wonder the maze of narrow cobblestone paved roadways lined with colonial period buildings still in use and old merchant houses where generations of Moorish families still live. Take a walk along the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea and visit colonial period churches, the lighthouse, and museums. Along the way, stop by for a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh king coconut. This fascinating excursion will give you a memorable glimpse into life within Galle Fort – one of the best-preserved Colonial Fort’s in Asia.
Visit Manthrimanai, the remains of the palace of King Sangilian the last King of Jaffna and the Cankilian thoppu, the façade of the Palace (Palace gates). Proceed to Point Pedro, named after a Dutch sailor who discovered that this was the northernmost point of the island. Continue your sightseeing to visit the Nelavarai bottomless well which is used for irrigation activities in the area. Continue your tour with a visit to the Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1618 which was badly damaged during the war. The famous Jaffna library, built in many stages starting from 1933 became a repository of archival material written in palm leaf manuscripts and historical documents and newspapers published hundreds of years ago in Jaffna.
More closely linked to southern India than Colombo, the Jaffna Peninsula is a fascinating mix of rural tradition, intoxicating landscapes, and a rich fusion of colonial and indigenous cultures. This full day tour begins at Point Pedro, Sri Lanka’s northernmost point, after which you’ll head into the sandy dunes at Manalkadu, a mini desert whose shimmering sands provide a stark contrast to the rest of the peninsula. Passing the half-buried ruins of St Anthony’s Church, we’ll then continue along the northern tip to Naguleswaram Temple and the Keerimala Springs, where you can take a dip in, what is said to be the therapeutic waters before moving on to Kandarodai, a fascinating archaeological site that is home to some 50 small stupas and relic houses, before heading back to the city of Jaffna.
The famous Sri Dalada Maligawa – Kandy’s revered Temple of the Tooth Relic was built within the royal palace complex and houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, which is venerated by Buddhists. The relic played an important role in local politics since ancient times. It is believed that whoever holds the Tooth relic, holds the governance of the country, which naturally caused the ancient kings to protect the Relic with great effort. Monks conduct daily ritual worship in the inner chamber of the Temple of the Tooth three times a day, at dawn, at noon and in the evening.
It is a rare opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion with a traditional Kandyan dancer whose family has been in the service of the Sacred Tooth Relic for over 450 years. The host will introduce himself, dancing, drumming and teach the clients a few steps and beats. The host himself or his children will do a demonstration after a tea break. 1.5 h experience before guest’s head to the Temple of the Tooth. If guests do the Kandy cultural show in the evening, they will now see it with a better understanding.
Witness the most ancient and interesting temples in the central highlands in Sri Lanka within a short distance of one another, southwest of Kandy. The Gadaladeniya temple built in 1344 is located in a small hilltop with views of the countryside. The temple consists of one large Dagoba surrounded by four smaller ones. The temple has some features of South Indian architecture. Lankatilaka temple also dates back to the 14th century and is built atop a natural rock. Among the buildings the image house possesses characteristically outstanding architectural features, embellished with traditional Sinhalese sculptures. Embekke is famous for the intricately carved wooden pillars of its digge, or drum hall. Each pillar has a different pattern carved into each of its four sides. Wrestlers, stick dancers, warriors, elephants, lions, peacocks and flowers.
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