Sri Lanka History & Culture

Welcome to Sri Lanka! When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, your private driver guide will be waiting for you outside the customs and transfer you to the hotel in Negombo which is closer to the airport by a 30-minute drive. The rest of the day is free for you.

➤ SIM Card & Money Exchange
It’s recommended to purchase a SIM card and exchange some money in the airport. You may choose a card from Dialog with a travel plan that is valid for 30 days. The money exchange counters are open 24 hours a day with relatively good exchange rate. Remember to exchange some small bills to pay for small items or meals.

➤ Ride-hailing
Convenient ways of transportation in Sri Lanka are taxi and tuk-tuk. Taxis are metered but only available in Colombo and most of them require a phone booking. Tuk-tuk, which is a kind of three-wheeled motorcycle, is the most recommended way. You could flag down a tuk-tuk in most areas of Sri Lanka, but remember to haggle over the price before you take one. Also you can use the mobile-phone app PickMe to book a tuk-tuk ride at a reasonable price.

➤ Recommendations for Early Arrival in Negombo
Your hotel is located near Negombo Beach and offers a good view of the Indian Ocean. You may have a good rest at the hotel while enjoying the scenery, or you can step out to explore the surroundings. You could enjoy your dinner at Salt Restaurant (11/A St. Jude Lane Ettukala Rd, Negombo 11500), which is a 5-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Have a taste of the local seafood dishes and Asian food, especially the restaurant’s specialty - curry crab. The average cost per person is about USD 12.

Accommodation: Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we will first head to Negombo Fish Market. Negombo has long been famous for its fishing industry, abounding with seafood as well as prawns and crabs from Negombo Lagoon. At about 5 o’clock in the morning from Monday to Friday, fishing boats with their new catch return from the sea. The beach near the fish market becomes bustling at the break of day, with fishermen dragging the fish and trading and women sun-drying or processing small fish. Also there are some greedy crows trying to steal a fish for breakfast. Although it smells quite fishy in the market, it’s a unique experience for you to get close to the local life and see almost every kind of fish including pomfret, swordfish, mackerel and even shark. The best time to visit Negombo Fish Market is from 5 to 7 am, and after 10 there will be less vendors and visitors. Then, visit the nearby Lellama Fishing Village, where local fishermen have lived for generations. Sri Lanka’s GDP per capita is just over $3,000, and the income of the villagers is usually lower than that of city people. Every day, fishermen paddle their oruvas (a kind of canoe) to catch fish at sea. Years of exposure to the sun and wind have tanned their skin. Although people here are struggling for a living, most of them live a peaceful and optimistic life. Dried fish and seafood are dumped on the ground, waiting for chefs or wholesalers to buy. Fishermen often repair nets or clean boats when they don’t go to sea.

Next, proceed to visit the Dutch Canal. Negombo and Colombo are both coastal cities and were important ports during the colonial period. The canal, built by the Dutch, played an important role in the trade of spices and fishing in the past. Today, the canal is not as busy as it used to be, but it has been integrated into the life of Negombo.

➤ Special Experience: Stay in a Forest Hotel near the Ancient City
Say goodbye to Negombo and we will set out for Sigiriya. If you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of city life, just indulge yourself in the serene and relaxing vibe in jungles. Your hotel is surrounded by nature, full of green trees both inside and outside. Say hi to lovely animals you meet around the hotel. Also you could try dining at a treetop restaurant and get immersed in the tranquility and peace of nature.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we will drive northwards for 1.5 hours to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, which was the first capital of Sri Lanka with a history of over 2,500 years. One of the must-see sites in the ancient city is Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a 2,600-year-old tree which is the oldest planted tree in the world. It’s the second national treasure only to the tooth relic in Kandy. Many locals dressed in white come to worship the holy tree. Also don’t forget to see the brick red Jetavanarama Stupa (Jetavanaramaya). Originally standing 122 meters tall (400 ft.) when it was constructed in the 3rd century, it is one of the highest monuments in the world, behind the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. Today, the remaining part of the stupa is about 70 meters (230 ft.) and is still a magnificent architecture in the city. In addition, you would see many other pagodas and religious buildings, such as Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Thuparama Dagaba, Abhayagiriya Monastery and the 75-meter tall (246 ft.) Abhayagiri Dagoba.

Then, we will proceed to visit Mihintale. Looking like an ordinary little town, Mihintale plays an irreplaceable role in Sri Lanka because it is the birthplace of the development of Buddhism in this country. Over 2,000 years ago, a descendant of Indian Emperor Ashoka named Mahinda came here to spread Buddhism. The ruins of the stupa where Mahinda and the king of Sri Lanka met can still be seen in Mihintale now. To visit the historical sites in Mihintale, you need to climb up about 1,800 steps. Along the path you could admire the ruins of the Monks’ Refectory & Relic House. At the top of the hill, enjoy the panoramic view of the town and the nearby white stupas. After that, we will return to Sigiriya.

➤ Tips: Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country and most religious sites require visitors to wear modest clothes and enter barefoot. You may want to take a pair of thick socks in case your feet get hurt or burnt by the ground. If you wish to take photos during your visit, please note that it’s not polite to take a photo with your back to the Buddha statues.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, the guide will accompany you to visit one of the world’s great wonders, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is hidden on a boulder in the jungles and has been standing there for more than 1,500 years. In Sinhalese, “Sigiriya” is literally “Lion Rock”. Lion is considered a symbol of bravery in Sri Lankan culture. When the rock fortress was first built, a colossal lion was carved on it to drive away evil. The steps to the top of the 200-meter high (650 ft.) rock start from two giant lion paws. Some of the steps are very steep, so please pay attention to safety during your climb. Walking up the steps, you could see vivid frescoes of females on the wall. These women look tan or dark-skinned, and some are concubines or handmaidens of the king. The Mirror Wall is another awe-inspiring site during your climb. The golden wall was once polished like a mirror, and in the following centuries after the fortress was abandoned, monks, literati, and devotees came and impromptu wrote as many as 658 poems and comments on the walls. Atop the rock, you could appreciate the ruins of the ancient palaces, gardens and pools. Some of the old masonry foundations, steps and columns can still be seen.

➤ Tips:
1. There might be some locals offering to help you or explain the history of the fortress as you approach the rock. They usually ask for a tip after that, so please refuse them directly.
2. It might be windy at the top of the rock, so please pay attention to your belongings especially hat in case it is blown away.

Then, let’s head to Ancient City of Polonnaruwa which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. You will see a number of royal palaces, sacrificial altar ruins, and other historical relics spreading out on either side of the central axis. Once the second kingdom of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was very prosperous and had reached a high level of architectural skills. The complex covers a large area, so we will drive you to tour the city to protect you from the burning sun. The Sacred Quadrangle, or Dalada Maluwa in local language, is a must-visit spot in the city. Inside it there is a beautiful building called Circular Relic House (Atadage), housing a small stupa which was once the home of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Marvel at the well-preserved stone columns with lotus flower and lion carvings on them. Also, don’t miss the Lankatilaka Temple, which is one of the tallest and most magnificent buildings in the ancient city, standing about 5 stories high. The 14-meter-high (46 ft.) headless standing Buddha statue is an impressive sight in it and could bring you strong visual impact. Feel the weight of the history and find your inner peace through the faded brick walls and eroded statues. After the visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars) or similar

Today, we will head for another historic city in Sri Lanka: Kandy. On the way, we will first visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple. Located on a rock mountain, the caves of Dambulla were once a previous king’s refuge from his enemies when he was exiled from Anuradapura. To show his gratitude to the monks who helped him, the king constructed the cave temple complex in Dambulla. Only 5 of over 80 caves were preserved, with about 150 prominent and majestic Buddha statues and large areas of incredible murals in them. Amaze at these centuries-old artworks, especially the 14-meter-long (46 ft.) reclining Buddha carved from an entire piece of rock. Then, visit a Spice Garden. As one of the most popular export products in Sri Lanka, spices can be used not only as food ingredients, but also for perfume manufacture. Cinnamon and cardamom are both native to Sri Lanka. In the garden, you’ll have a chance to understand how these plants are processed and classified.

Upon arrival in Kandy, you’ll be accompanied to visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, aka Sri Dalada Maligawa. With a history of nearly 500 years, the temple was listed as a World Heritage site in 1988 for housing the precious tooth relic of the Buddha. The white temple buildings are in traditional Sri Lankan style, with double-layered foundation and walls carved with lotus flowers, indicating holiness and purity. The tooth relic is enshrined on the second floor of the temple’s main shrine and is seldom displayed to the public. Every year in July or August, during “The Festival of the Tooth”, the tooth in a golden casket will be carried by adorned elephants in a grand procession. Next, watch a traditional Culture Dance Show, covering various aspects of ancient religious activities and local daily life. Some dances tell historical stories, and some show high dance skills. The performers’ magnificent costumes and flexible movements could bring you a strong sense of life and power. After that, you will be sent back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars) or similar

★ Travel Different with Us: Sri Lankan Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class

Today, get ready to wear an apron and step into a Sri Lankan kitchen to attend a cooking class and touch the soul of the nation’s flavors and cooking. You may learn about the features and uses of different spices like curry, and get the knowledge of the skills of cutting, seasoning, frying or braising the ingredients you choose under the guidance of your cooking teacher. Get involved and enjoy your self-made lunch, and bring this memorable recipe back home.

In the afternoon, let’s visit Embekke Devalaya, aka Embekke Temple. Although small in size, this temple houses both Buddhist statues and Hindu Mahasen statues, showing the coexistence of Buddhism and Hinduism in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the wood columns, leading to the long corridor in the courtyard, are carved with lifelike soldiers, dancers, plants, animals, and so on. The vivid wooden carvings could bring you an enjoyment of different charm of ancient Sinhalese art. After that, we will escort you back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you.

➤ Free Time Recommendations in Kandy
Kandy has rich cultural heritages and many interesting places to explore. You may go to Batik Factory to gain some knowledge about the old wax printing technology. If you want to have a look at the elaborate gems, you may visit the Gem Museum & Lapidary to learn about the mining history, processing, and classification of gemstones. But it’s better not to buy one since there might be synthetic gems. In the evening, you could take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake and enjoy a dinner at Hideout Lounge (52 Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy 20000). The top picks of this restaurant are curry pork, pumpkin salad, and brownie. The second floor offers a great view of the lake and the surrounding hills. The cost per person is about USD 10.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we will first visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, which is a green oasis in Kandy with Mahaweli River on three sides. It is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and also a popular chill-out spot for locals. There are more than 4,000 kinds of plants including a number of rare species of orchid. The mild natural environment also attracts monkeys, bats and deer to live here.

Next, move on to Giragama Tea Plantation & Tea Factory. The best Ceylon black tea in the world is planted here, as well as white tea and green tea. You may know something about different grades of black tea, such as Orange Pekoe which is suitable for brewing, Broken Orange Pekoe for milk tea or tea bags and Flowery Orange Pekoe with soft and floral flavor. Try to learn how to pick up tea leaves and boil tea, and enjoy a cup of your own black tea. Finally, we’ll drive 3 hours to Colombo and check into the hotel.

➤ Free Time Recommendations in Colombo
Upon arrival, you are free to explore the city by yourself. As the capital city and a port, Colombo has not only busy downtown areas but also bustling markets and seaside parks. Pettah Market, located in the old town of Colombo, is one of the liveliest places in the city. Stalls of clothes, shoes, hats, kitchen things and other daily necessities are easy to find, and even second-hand mobile phones, books, magazines and other items are sold in the market. It might be noisy and crowded, but could also give you a glimpse of the local life. Near the market there is a beautiful mosque called Jami Ul-Alfar which is worth visiting as well. The distinctive exterior walls with red and white stripes and checks are great for taking pictures. In the evening, you may experience a traditional Sri Lankan oil massage at Spa Ceylon Urban Spa & Boutique - Bambalapitiya (740 Galle Rd, Colombo 4), which can help you recover from travel fatigue.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Colombo (4 stars) or similar

This is the last day of your Sri Lanka family holiday. Your private driver guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a safe trip and look forward to seeing you again one day!

➤ Recommendation for Late Departure:
If you want to further explore the city before leaving, Colombo National Museum is a good choice for learning some history of Sri Lanka. As the largest and oldest museum in Sri Lanka, it houses cultural relics excavated from all over the country, including ancient coins, textiles, statues, and ceramics.

➤ If you want to stay one more night in Colombo, please let us know to make an extension of your hotel room. If you’d like to visit some other spots in Sri Lanka, such as Galle Dutch Fort or Bentota Beach, please feel free to contact our travel consultants to tailor an itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast