Sri Lanka 3-Day Private Tour Temples, Wildlife, Hill Country

Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders come alive in this 3-day private tour. Travelers will enjoy the country’s rich heritage, exploring ancient cities, majestic temples, and lush hill country. From the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress to the sacred Kandy Temple of the Tooth, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. But the real highlight? A thrilling wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, where the chance to spot elephants in their natural habitat awaits.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3-day private tour exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites and a wildlife safari.
Highlights include the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya rock fortress, as well as the Dambulla Golden Temple and Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Priced from $299 per person, with hotel pickups from Colombo and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Itinerary includes a hop-on hop-off city tour of Anuradhapura, a climb to the summit of Sigiriya, and an evening wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park.
Tour concludes with a visit to a spice and herbal garden in Matale and the Dambulla Golden Temple before returning to Colombo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day private tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and beyond.

Priced from $299 per person, the tour includes pickups from Colombo hotels, guided visits to five UNESCO sites, a wildlife safari, and more. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary covers Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Dambulla, giving guests a comprehensive Sri Lankan experience.

Important information includes dress code for temples, no photos of Buddha statues, and maintaining silence at sacred sites.

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Itinerary Highlights

The 3-day private tour begins with visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy.

A 3-day private tour exploring five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Guests will explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, starting with a hop-on hop-off city tour of Anuradhapura’s major Buddhist sites.

The next day, they’ll climb Sigiriya’s rock fortress and tour ancient Polonnaruwa. An evening wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park is also included.

On the final day, the tour visits Dambulla’s Golden Temple and Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before returning to Colombo.

Day 1: Anuradhapura and Sigiriya

The tour begins with a pickup from the guest’s Colombo hotel, traveling to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

There, guests will hop on and off a city tour, visiting the Atamasthana (eight sacred Buddhist sites), the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya (sacred Bo tree), the Ruwanwelisaya (great stupa), and the Thuparamaya (ancient dagoba).

After exploring Anuradhapura, the group will continue on to Sigiriya, home to the iconic rock fortress.

Guests will have the opportunity to climb to the summit, admiring the ancient landscaped gardens and the remains of the King’s palace and throne along the way.

The day ends with an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 2: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

On the second day, guests will begin with a morning visit to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. This ancient palace and fortress, built atop a 200-meter-high rock, offers breathtaking views.

Visitors can:

Climb the 1,200 steps to the summit for a panoramic perspective of the surrounding landscape
Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the remnants of landscaped gardens, cisterns, and the King’s palace
Marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the rock’s western face

In the afternoon, the tour continues to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, featuring numerous temples, Buddha statues, and other archaeological wonders.

The day concludes with an evening wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park.

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Day 3: Kandy and Return to Colombo

Departing Sigiriya, the tour heads towards Colombo, making a stop in Kandy along the way.

First, the group visits a spice and herbal garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka’s renowned spices.

Visitors explore a spice and herbal garden in Matale, discovering Sri Lanka’s renowned spices.

Next, they explore the Dambulla Golden Temple, a UNESCO site with over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals.

In Kandy, they visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Finally, the tour returns to Colombo, completing this comprehensive three-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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Inclusions and Important Information

Standard hotel accommodations with breakfast are included in the tour package.

Transport is provided via air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide. Key site tours and entrance fees are all covered.

Important information to note:

Visitors must remove shoes and hats when entering temples
No photography is allowed of Buddha statues or frescoes
Silence must be maintained while inside temples
Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited within temple premises

Accommodation and Transport

The tour package includes hotel accommodations with breakfast at standard properties throughout the journey.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver and guide. This ensures a comfortable and seamless experience as they explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites, wildlife parks, and scenic hill country.

The transportation is inclusive, providing pickup from Colombo hotels at the start of the tour. With all logistics handled, guests can fully enjoy the rich cultural and natural wonders of Sri Lanka during this 3-day private excursion.

Guided Tours and Entrance Fees

Throughout the 3-day tour, visitors enjoy guided experiences at each of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The itinerary includes:

Hop-on hop-off city tours of Anuradhapura, covering major archaeological sites like the Atamasthana and Ruwanwelisaya.
An in-depth exploration of the Sigiriya rock fortress, including a climb to the summit for panoramic views.
A tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, showcasing its well-preserved temples and Buddha statues.
A visit to the Dambulla Golden Temple, home to over 150 Buddha statues and impressive murals.

All entrance fees for these sites are included in the tour price.

Common Questions

Can I Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, you can extend or customize the tour itinerary. The tour provider offers flexibility to personalize the trip based on your interests and schedule. Additional time and activities can be arranged for an extra charge.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour has no minimum group size. It’s designed for solo travelers or small groups to enjoy a tailored experience. Guests can book the tour for themselves or travel with family and friends.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Food and Activities?

The tour package includes accommodation with breakfast, transportation, guided tours, and entrance fees. However, it does not cover the cost of other meals and optional activities. Travelers should budget for additional food and activity expenses during the 3-day tour.

Can I Bring Children on the Tour, and What Are the Policies?

Yes, children can join the tour. Policies include adult admission fees for children aged 12 and above, while those under 12 get a discounted rate. The tour operator can accommodate families and provide child-friendly activities upon request.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Sri Lanka for This Tour?

Yes, most visitors to Sri Lanka will need a visa. However, many nationalities can obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Travelers should check Sri Lanka’s visa requirements for their specific nationality before booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This 3-day private tour of Sri Lanka offers an immersive experience, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Visitors will explore five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient cities, a majestic rock fortress, and a sacred temple, while enjoying a thrilling safari in Minneriya National Park. This comprehensive itinerary provides a well-rounded introduction to the enchanting beauty and vibrant essence of Sri Lanka.