Sri Lanka Private 3-Day Cultural Tour, 5 UNESCO Sites

Set out on a captivating 3-day cultural exploration of Sri Lanka, delving into five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This private tour immerses you in the island’s rich heritage, from the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. Experience guided visits to sacred temples, historical landmarks, and a thrilling jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Uncover the stories that define Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures, aided by knowledgeable insights from your English-speaking guide. Prepare to be captivated by this journey through the heart of the island nation.

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Key Points

This 3-day private cultural tour explores five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy.
The tour is priced from $490 per person and includes visits to Aukana Buddha, Pidurangala, and Mihintale, as well as a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park.
The tour is fully guided in English with hotel pickup from Colombo, focusing on historical and cultural attractions for an immersive experience.
The itinerary includes a visit to Sigiriya rock fortress, Polonnaruwa ancient city, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Entrance fees to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy are not included, and the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sri Lanka Private 3-Day Cultural Tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy.

Priced from $490 per person, the tour also includes visits to the Aukana Buddha, Pidurangala, and Mihintale.

Highlights include a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park and a fully guided tour in English with hotel pickup from Colombo.

The 3-day itinerary covers key historical and cultural attractions, providing an immersive experience for travelers interested in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

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Day 1 Itinerary

On the first day, travelers are picked up from their Colombo accommodations and embark on the journey to Sigiriya.

The tour begins with a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers explore the Atamasthana, the eight sacred places, and other historical sites within the city.

After the tour, they check into their hotel in Sigiriya, where they’ll spend the night.

Travelers check into their Sigiriya hotel after exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, setting the stage for the culture ahead.

This initial day sets the stage for the culture that awaits in the following days of the Sri Lanka private tour.

Day 2 Itinerary

Guests begin the second day with a morning visit to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’ll explore the historic ruins and climb to the summit, marveling at the ancient engineering and panoramic views. After Sigiriya, the tour moves on to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site. Here, guests discover the well-preserved ancient city, admiring its temples, statues, and monuments. In the afternoon, they embark on a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, where they may spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife. The day ends with an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

| Site Visited | Description |

| — | — |

| Sigiriya Rock Fortress | UNESCO World Heritage Site; historic ruins; summit offers panoramic views |

| Polonnaruwa | UNESCO World Heritage Site; well-preserved ancient city; temples, statues, monuments |

| Minneriya National Park | Jeep safari; opportunity to see elephants, deer, and other wildlife |

Day 3 Itinerary

After an overnight stay in Sigiriya, the tour departs for Colombo, making a stop along the way at a spice and herbal garden. Here, travelers can learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of Sri Lanka’s diverse flora.

The next stop is the Dambulla Golden Temple, a vast cave complex with impressive Buddhist murals and statues.

The tour then visits the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, a sacred site that houses what’s believed to be a tooth of the Buddha.

Finally, the tour returns to Colombo, concluding this comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

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Included and Excluded Features

The tour includes a 2-night standard hotel accommodation, 2 breakfasts, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver/guide. However, the tour excludes entrance fees for Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla Golden Temple, Tooth Relic Temple, and Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as lunch, dinner, and drinks. Plus, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| 2-night accommodation | Entrance fees |

| 2 breakfasts | Meals & drinks |

| Hotel transfer | Not wheelchair-friendly |

| Air-conditioned vehicle | |

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Important Considerations

When visiting the cultural sites in Sri Lanka, travelers should keep in mind a few important considerations. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential for navigating the various historical locations.

Appropriate attire is required, with no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed in temples. Travelers must remove their shoes and hats before entering religious sites.

Photography is restricted in certain areas, and silence must be maintained in temples. Plus, the Minneriya safari is subject to availability.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed feedback on the Sri Lanka 3-Day Cultural Tour.

The overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 11 reviews reflects a range of opinions.

Positive remarks highlight the quality of transportation and tour guide services.

However, some travelers have criticized the tour’s lunch options as overly tourist-centric and found the entrance fees to be higher than expected.

While the tour covers an impressive array of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the customer reviews suggest room for improvement in certain areas of the experience.

Booking Information

One can book the Sri Lanka Private 3-Day Cultural Tour through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their sales team directly.

The tour is priced from $490 per person and includes 2-night accommodation, transportation, a driver/guide, and tours of the UNESCO sites.

However, entrance fees to select attractions, meals, and drinks are excluded.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and appropriate attire, as photography restrictions and dress codes apply at certain religious sites.

Common Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional activities. The tour provider offers flexibility to personalize the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and preferences.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age or fitness requirements. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the tour involves walking at historical sites.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Hotel Accommodations?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the hotel accommodations. Customers can choose to stay in higher-end hotels for an additional cost. The tour operator offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include More Days?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include more days. The tour operator offers flexible itineraries, and customers can customize the tour to suit their preferences and travel needs for an additional cost.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour company offers discounts for group bookings, though the specific discount amount isn’t provided. Customers should inquire about group pricing when making their reservation to see if they qualify for any savings.

The Sum Up

This private 3-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka offers an immersive experience, exploring five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors will uncover the country’s rich heritage through guided visits to sacred temples and historical landmarks, complemented by a thrilling jeep safari. With comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable insights from an English-speaking guide, this journey provides an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures.