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Ancient Kingdoms Explorer
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Ancient Kingdoms Explorer

Five UNESCO sites, 2,500 years of history — from the sacred bodhi tree at Anuradhapura to the mirror-walled Sky Fortress of Sigiriya.

5 days750 kmBest: Year-roundHistory lovers, culture seekers
Route

BIA → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → BIA

Highlights

  • Anuradhapura Sacred City (UNESCO)
  • Sigiriya Sky Fortress (UNESCO)
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth (UNESCO)

Day by day

Timings are flexible. We shape each day around your pace.

Day 1Anuradhapura

  • Drive to Anuradhapura (185 km)
  • Sri Maha Bodhi — world's oldest documented tree
  • Ruwanwelisaya Great Stupa · Thuparamaya · Abhayagiri complex
  • Evening at the sacred precinct at dusk
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 2Sigiriya & Dambulla

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress — 5th-century sky palace, frescoes & mirror wall
  • Pidurangala Rock sunrise alternative (less crowded)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple — 5 caves, 153 Buddha statues, 2,000-year murals
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 3Polonnaruwa

  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City — Gal Vihara rock Buddhas (12th century)
  • Lankatilaka Image House & Vatadage circular relic house
  • Explore by bicycle through the ruins (hire available)
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 4Kandy

  • Drive to Kandy (140 km)
  • Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens — 60-acre orchid paradise
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — attend evening puja ceremony
  • Kandy Lake evening stroll
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 5Kandy & Return

  • Kandyan Cultural Show — fire dances, acrobatics, traditional drums
  • Drive back to BIA via Kandy Expressway (100 km)
Open route on Google Maps ↗
IncludedPrivate driver · fuel · tolls · parking
Not includedHotels · meals · entrance fees (UNESCO sites)

🏨 Suggested stays: Anuradhapura · Habarana · Kandy

Choosing a vehicleThink about your head count and how much luggage you carry. Sedan suits small groups with light bags. Mini van and KDH van give more room for people and baggage. Not sure? We'll help you pick.

Good to know

  • This is an estimate. We give the exact price after we talk it through.
  • The price covers city-to-city travel only. Short side trips and nearby spots are not included, but you can add them. Just ask.
  • Hotels are not included. Book your own, or we can find and book them for you.

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