Buddhism and culture
From the murals of Dambulla to the relics of Kandy, an initiatory journey into the Buddhist soul of Sri Lanka.
Duration
6 days
From
€500/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
With this short 6-day circuit, let's discover the cultural face of Sri Lanka. Its 8 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage make Sri Lanka an outstanding cultural destination.
We will visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, in the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
Then we will blend themes with history at the "Lion's Rock" in Sigiriya, with botany at the Peradeniya gardens and a touch of modernity with the large city of Colombo.
This short stay in Sri Lanka will allow us to have an excellent overview of the cultural and natural wealth of the peninsula.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Dambulla and its Golden Temple
Our driver picks us up from our hotel.
Heading to: Dambulla in the famous Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.
Throughout our journey, the lush surrounding landscape dazzles us with its magnificence.
On arrival, we settle into our hotel and then venture out to visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, nestled at the top of a hill. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stands out for its eighty colored caves and its incredible viewpoint.
What else there is to see in this pagoda: its five caverns with their wall frescoes, their small Buddhist statues and their dagobas.
Anuradhapura and Mihintale
During the course of the morning, we head toward the northern site of the Cultural Triangle. Indeed, we set off to reach the remarkable holy city of Anuradhapura.
Over 50 km², royal ruins adorn the place. Several Buddhist temples still receive pilgrims from all over.
Also, you can admire the sacred tree Sri Maha Bodhi there. Accompanied by our driver-guide, we will see its majestic dagobas and we will listen to the history of this prosperous city for more than 10 centuries.
We have lunch and then we leave Anuradhapura.
15 kilometers from this sacred city lies our next destination: Mihintale.
This place is generally considered the entry point of Buddhism. An entry point since to reach it, you must climb 1,800 steps.
At the very top stands a small village where Mahinda, the disciple of Buddha, came to share the teachings of his master.
But the best attraction of this place remains its breathtaking panorama over the entire region.
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
At dawn, we undertake the climb and discovery of the "Lion Rock". It is an enormous block of stone topped with an old dilapidated castle at Sigirîya. From its height of 200 meters, the view over the surroundings is breathtaking.
Our guide shows us the best spots on the site: natural caves, the frescoes of the Maidens, the ruins of Kasyapa's palace and its idyllic gardens.
In the afternoon, we set off on an excursion to Polonnaruwa. It is at the heart of this former Sinhalese capital that we discover multiple historical remains.
Over about ten km² stand palace ruins, temples and the Kalu Gal Vihara (4 Buddha statues carved in granite).
If we wish, we can take a lovely romantic boat ride on the Parakrama Samudra Lake.
Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
Today's program is dedicated to Kandy. In the morning, we hit the road for this last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
On our route, we stop at the spice garden of Matale. We visit the site and learn about the various virtues of plants, vegetables and local fruits. We also find out about their cultivation methods and their uses in traditional cuisine and body therapies.
We could also make a second stop at Nalanda Gedige. This Hindu and Buddhist pagoda stands out for its typical Dravidian architecture and its vimana.
As we continue along our route, we finally reach the heart of the largest site of the Cultural Triangle of the peninsula: Kandy.
After dropping off our luggage at our hotel, we set out to discover the city on foot.
We will pass by its famous sacred monastery: the Temple of the Tooth. This Buddhist pagoda impresses with the diversity of its decorative elements and the relic it houses (the canine of Buddha).
If we have enough time, we will wander 4 kilometers around the lake and towards its invigorating vegetable market.
Early in the evening, we will enjoy a traditional show of Kandyan dances.
Elephants and Botanical Garden
This morning, we have a one-on-one encounter with Asian elephants, the emblematic animal of the continent. To see them, we have a choice between two centres in Kegalle:
the orphanage at Pinnawela: this facility is home to dozens of individuals. Many tourists come here to witness the bathing of the baby elephants. A truly magical moment when you see these little pachyderms playing with each other in the river.
the Millennium Elephant Foundation: we particularly recommend this place for its more intimate setting. It cares for only 8 elephants. But you can easily approach them and assist one during its daily bath. You also have the opportunity to accompany them on a short walk around the area.
Dinner at a local home (included)
Our afternoon programme will focus more on flora than fauna with The Royal Botanic Garden of Peradeniya. This large green space extends over 60 hectares and is bordered by the Mahaweli River.
The interest of this natural corner lies in the beauty of its avenue of royal palms, its cannonball trees, its flower beds and its extremely rare orchids. We will wander there for two long hours.
Discovery of Colombo
Our driver picks us up at the train station in Colombo and takes us straight away to visit this great metropolis.
We will pass through the district of Pettah to admire its mosque and its market. Then we will continue through the City Hall district embellished by the charm of its colonial buildings.
We could then take a walk around Beira Lake and end up at Gangaramaya Temple. We will not hesitate to do some souvenir shopping in the meantime.
After breakfast, we end our trip to Sri Lanka with a train journey. Our destination: Colombo, which remains the largest maritime city of Sri Lanka.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Visits and activities not mentioned in the "included" section
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Supplements during high season
- Lunches except as mentioned in the "included" section
- Beverages During Meals
Included
- Private vehicle transport with air conditioning and English-speaking driver guide
- Parking fees, fuel and tolls; driver's accommodation and meal expenses
- Surprise gift upon arrival from fair trade
- Government taxes
- 24/7 team support
- Hotels in double rooms
- 4-star hotels
- Meal plan with half-board (breakfasts and dinners at hotels)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Sri Lanka for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization) before arriving in Sri Lanka. There is no visa exemption on arrival for a tourist stay.
The ETA can be obtained online via the official Sri Lankan government portal and allows a tourist stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending your stay in the country up to a maximum of 90 days with the Sri Lankan Immigration Department.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Before your arrival, you must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
This electronic visa must be requested online on the official Sri Lankan government website. Required information includes:
passport information
flight and itinerary details
address of your first accommodation in Sri Lanka
personal information and contact details
The ETA is generally issued within a few hours to a few days. It is recommended to submit your application at least 48 hours before departure. The digital confirmation must be presented to immigration on arrival.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Sri Lanka from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities, particularly against:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of risk activities or extended stay in rural areas).
Precautions against malaria and dengue may be recommended depending on the regions you visit. Consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ETA.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, a territorial exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should check with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the proper procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required and must be obtained online before departure (approximately 50 USD, valid for 30 days). A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. Processing is typically fast (within 72 hours). Please verify current requirements on the official Sri Lankan portal.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, budget between 130 and 210 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1,100 euros return) are additional. Sri Lanka combines beaches, culture, nature and tea in a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Cultural Triangle
Itinerary Designer in the Heart of Sri Lanka, based in Colombo
Sri Lanka is a country that constantly shifts in scenery and atmosphere. You can go from tea plantations to temples, then to the ocean, while always keeping that sense of gentleness in your journey.
— Catherine
