Short Tour 3 nights

Day 1

You will be met & assisted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by our Aitken Spence Travels Representative, and will drive to Kandalama (approx. 5 hrs by road).

Check in at Heritance Kandalama with the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama

Day 2

After breakfast this morning you will climb Sigiriya Rock.

The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site, Sigiriya, represents a chief example, not only of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and supreme urban planning, but also of Sri Lankan art and culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below, to bask in the splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the Lion Rock, resembling the mythological 'City of Gods', is coated by frescoes that exhibit Gupta style paintings alike those found in the Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya adorned with ancient artworks. Wander into the museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears and education on the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that characterise this masterpiece of urban engineering.

In the afternoon, you will go on an exciting game drive of Minneriya National Park in a 4x4.

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park in 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. This protects the catchment of Minneriya tank, a reservoir built by King Mahasen in the third century AD, and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The park is a dry season feeding ground, and scene of ‘The Gathering’ for large numbers of the wild elephant population dwelling in the forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts.

Return to Heritance Kandalama for the evening.

Day 3

After breakfast proceed to Dambulla (approx. 45 minutes by road).

In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in 5 magnificently located caves flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe exquisite cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of the Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

Transfer to Kandy (approx. 2.5hrs by road), perhaps stopping to pick up some spices en route in Matale.

Take and afternoon tour of Kandy with your guide.

Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy is a World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. The city crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.

A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum and lapidary, and taking in the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

In the evening, witness a colourful and energetic cultural show.

Check in at the gorgeously boutique Kandy House.

Day 4

After breakfast, depart for Colombo by road.

If time permits, perhaps stop at one of the many road-side stalls to pick up souvenirs, spices or a fresh fruit snack.

Return to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure to your next destination.