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WORLD
HERITAGE SITES IN SRI LANKA
A
World Heritage Sites Tour of Sri Lanka |
 |
An
Indian Ocean island going back to human history – almost
to the time when it all began. Rich both in culture and archaeology,
in scenic splendour and the very friendly people, Sri Lanka
has offered to the world a lot. UNESCO has recognized 7 World
Heritage Sites in this tiny island and in our 12days journey
we cover 6 of them. Travel through an island that is an eclectic
mix of its colonial history, religious traditions and South
Asian influence. Sri Lanka’s unique culture, which is
authentic to this island, brings together its pluralistic
identity. From the coasts of Colombo to the World Heritage
Sites in the Cultural Triangle, this tour takes you on a journey
through time, covering ancient civilizations, Buddhist era
and imperial rule. Sri Lanka is nothing short but an unforgettable
adventure!
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Colombo |
| 02 |
Colombo |
| 03 |
Colombo
/ Sigiriya / Dambulla |
| 04 |
Anuradhapura
& Aukana |
| 05 |
Polonnaruwa
& Habarana |
| 06 |
Dambulla
/ Matale / Kandy |
| 07 |
Kandy
|
| 08 |
Kandy
/ Nuwara Eliya |
| 09 |
Nuwara
Eliya |
| 10 |
Galle
/ Weligama |
| 11 |
Galle
/ Negombo |
| 12 |
Negombo
/ departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Turkey covered on this tour |
| Ancient
City of Anuradhapura (1982) |
Although
according to historical records the city was founded in the
5th century BC, the archaeological data put the date as far
back as the 10th century BC. Very little evidence was available
about the period before the 5th century BC (i.e. the protohistoric
period), though excavations have revealed information about
the earlier inhabitants of the city.
Further excavations in Anuradhapura have uncovered information
about the existence of a protohistoric habitation of humans
in the citadel. The protohistoric Iron Age which spans from
900 to 600 BC, marked the appearance of iron technology, pottery,
the horse, domestic cattle and paddy cultivation. In the time
period 700 to 600 BC the settlement in Anuradhapura had grown
over an area of at least 50 ha. The city was strategically situated
of major ports northwest and northeast, it was surrounded by
irrigable and fertile land. The city was also buried deep in
the jungle providing natural defence from invaders. |
| Ancient
City of Polonnaruwa (1982) |
Polonnaruwa
was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of
Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments
built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city
created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. |
| Ancient
City of Sigiriya (1982) |
The
ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I
(477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of
a granite peak standing some 370 m high (the 'Lion's Rock',
which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries
and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed
of bricks and plaster provide access to the site. |
| Sacred
City of Kandy (1988) |
This sacred Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura,
was the last capital of the Sinhala kings whose patronage enabled
the Dinahala culture to flourish for more than 2,500 years until
the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815. It is also
the site of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth
of the Buddha), which is a famous pilgrimage site. |
| Old
Town of Galle and its Fortifications (1988) |
Founded
in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height
of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of
the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built
by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction
between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. |
| Golden
Temple of Dambulla (1991) |
A sacred pilgrimage site for 22
centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is
the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka.
The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2)
are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Arrival Colombo
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! After completing immigration
and custom formalities we drive through the city of Colombo
en-route to our hotel.
Overnight: Cinnamon Grand Hotel (2 nights)
Day 02 Colombo
Welcome to Colombo! A busy, colourful and vibrant city, Colombo
is an urban metropolitan, surrounded by historic colonial buildings
and ancient ruins. Starring out of our window, we begin our
day with a drive through the Colombo’s commercial centre,
passing the local as they make their way to work Our tour of
the city takes us to the ancient grounds of Colombo’s
first colonial fort. Today, our feet walk the grounds that saw
construction, reconstruction and destruction of this colonial
fort. Having lived through Sri Lanka’s multiple imperial
settlement, fort lived its last days during the British rule,
where it was laid to rest to allow for the expansion of the
city. We continue our tour of Colombo with a walk down Sea Street,
the Goldsmith’s quarter in Pettah, the bazaar area, a
Hindu Temple, the historical Davatagaha Mosque, the Buddhist
Temple - Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara which is believed to be the
site visited by Lord Buddha 2500 years ago and the Colombo National
Museum. We also visit the beautiful Wolvendaal Church. Built
in the 18th C in the shape of a Greek Cross, this Dutch Church
shows evidence of some of the finest workmanship, with its elegantly
carved ebony chairs and stone floors that include elaborate
tombstones. (B, D)
Day 03 Colombo / Sigiriya / Dambulla
From the coast of Colombo, we travel inland and make our way
to the Cultural Triangle, home to many of Sri Lanka’s
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Situated in the centre of the Island,
the Cultural Triangle covers an area that includes the heritage
sites of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of
Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City
of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy. As the suns sets,
we climb some 200 metres and arrive at Sri Lanka’s most
important archeological legacies, Sigiriya. This ancient rock
formation became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Historical
records date Sigiriya back to the 5th C BC, where it served
as a Buddhist monastery. Other legends connect it the 5th C
AD where it served as a rock fortress and palace where King
Kassapa hosted several royal and military functions. The ruins
of the ancient castles are attractions that bring many pilgrims
and tourist to this historical site. At the mid level terrace
we see our reflection in the mirror wall, which protects a series
of exquisite frescoes of celestial maidens using natural pigments.
Overnight: Cultural Triangle, Kadalama (3 nights) (B,
D)
Day 04 Anuradhapura & Aukana
After breakfast, we leave for Anuradhapura, the 3rd C BC ancient
capital of Sri Lanka. Known for its well preserved ancient ruins
of civilizations past, Anuradhapura is a city of stupas and
monasteries, steeped in antiquity. Like places in Sri Lanka,
the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
(1982). Today, we visit the oldest living tree in the world.
In fact, it is the branch of this tree that belonged to the
original Bodhi fig tree where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Just a short distance away, stands the Brazen Palace. Once an
imposing structure, with a bronze roof, today we see the remains
of this 1600 column palace. In Anuradhapura we also visit the
twin ponds and the Queens’ Bath.
Next, we drive some 50 km west to Aukana. Home to the magnificent
39 foot rock-cut statue of Lord Buddha, this 5th C AD monument,
carved out of solid granite, is considered to be one of the
finest ancient stone sculptures in Asia. (B, D)
Day 05 Polonnaruwa & Habarana
We begin our day and drive north-east to Sri Lanka’s second
most ancient city, Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
(1982). With roots that date back more than 3000 years, the
ancient city is known to be one of the best planned archeological
sites in the country. Facing a cliff face of granite, we find
ourselves at the noted Gal Vihare, a historic wonder and depiction
of the country’s great craftsmanship. The Gal Vihare is
an ancient rock temple that is famously known for its colossal
statues of the Lord Buddha. We find ourselves blown away with
the monumental structures, one of which is standing on a carving
of a lotus in the blessing posture. We continue our site seeing
and visit the Tivanka Pilimage, an ancient building with evidence
of the era’s finest architecture, housing historical murals
in their original form. Polonnaruwa is also home to a man made
water body, Parakrama Samudra or Sea of Parakrama. The reservoir,
expanded by the King Parakrama in 12th C, is an amalgamation
of three individual reservoirs that have today resulted in prosperous
irrigation and increased settlement. In the afternoon, we enjoy
an elephant back safari in the Habarana jungles. (B,
D)
Day 06 Dambulla / Matale / Kandy
We begin our day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site
(1991) cave temples of Dambulla. We stare straight into the
sky, as we stand at the base of this 150 metre high rock that
consists of a series of 5 caves covered with intricate paintings.
Dating back to 1st BC, the natural folds of the rock have been
skillfully designed, giving the illusion of a cloth like texture.
The cave temples of Dambulla, now transformed into shrines,
house several carefully carved out statues of Buddha. We wave
goodbye to Dambulla through the windows of our vehicle, we make
our way to the historical and Sacred City of Kandy, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site (1988). En-route, we stop at Matale and
visit the Spice Gardens on our way to Kandy. Arriving into Kandy
in the early afternoon, we maximize the rest of the day and
begin a city tour. We drive around the beautiful lake, visit
the Arts and Crafts Centre, where we can buy Kandyan silver
and brass ware, metal work, lacquer work, wood and bone carvings,
pottery and hand woven fabrics.
Overnight: Mahewali Reach (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07 Kandy
From ancient ruins to animals of the wild, our next stop in
our Sri Lankan tour is at the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela.
In fear of extinction two decades after the British Raj, the
Sri Lankan government found an orphanage for elephants, making
it the largest heard of captive elephants in the world. Today,
the number has slowly risen to 3000, some 27000 less in the
early 1800s. Evening we visit the Lankatilaka Temple. Often
described as one of the most remarkable temples in all of the
island, Lankatilaka brings together Hindu and Buddhist traditions,
depicted in carvings of the structure. Its brick walls with
two polygonal piers that flank the entrance, give it a majestic
ambience. We continue to the 14th C Embekke Temples, with its
carved wooden pillars and intricate designs and the Gadaladeniya
temple with its South Asian flavour. Our tour of Kandy would
not be complete without a visit to the Temple of Tooth, which
houses the upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. Evening, we
sit back and enjoy a beautiful dance performance amazing fire
eating and walking rituals and applaud local talent. (B,
D)
Day 08 Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
Traveling back to the 18th C, we begin our day and explore the
Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, just as the Sinhala Queens
enjoyed 200 years ago. Conceived originally in the 14th C, the
gardens served as a warm and beautiful atmosphere to entertain
the royal visitors. Today, the Royal Botanical Gardens contains
over 4000 species of plants spread over 150 acres of green space.
We wave goodbye to Kandy and make our way to Nuwara Eliya. Founded
in the 19th C, the town is a replica of a little English village
reminiscent of the Lake District. Tour this unusual city and
en-route visit a tea factory where we see the intricacies that
go into the manufacture the world’s best loved brew.
Overnight: Grand Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 09: Nuwara Eliya
Today, we make our way to the shores of Galle, on the coast
line of the blue Indian Ocean. Prior to the western rule, Galle
served as a prominent sea port and saw Persians, Arabs, Greeks,
Romans, Malays and Indians, tradesman, merchants and travelers.
Its colonial history and influence from its prominent neighbour,
have given this strong fortified city a unique blend of European
and South Asian architecture. Galle received the status of a
UNESCO World Heritage city in 1988 for its old town and many
forts. (B, D)
Day10: Galle / Weligama
As the sun makes its way to the centre of the sky, we begin
our day with a visit to Galle’s natural harbour and historic
Dutch Fortress a UNESCO World Heritage site (1988). Still as
polished and new, the fortress holds more than 400 years of
history housing a museum, towering light house and imposing
ramparts. The real charm of Old Galle lies in the quiet back
streets and alleyways of the historic fort, which have changed
little--if at all -- since colonial times. We make our way to
Weligama, where we walk through a small and peaceful park to
a 3 metre rock structure, carefully carved out of the hillside.
Legend has it that the structure is of 8th or 9th C Leper King.
Other tales tell that the carving is of the Lord Buddha in a
pose of meditation.Our next stop takes us to the Purvarama Image
House. Walking under the coat of arm of Queen Victoria, we step
into this 13th C monastery with painted sculptures and murals.
Interspersed with images of the Lord Buddha, the monastery has
many paintings of Queen Victoria. Tonight, enjoy a quiet evening
at the hotel or dare and explore the seaside city of Galle by
night!
Overnight: Heritage Ahungalla (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Galle / Negombo
Making our way back to the capital city, we stop at a Mask Carving
Centre at Ambalangoda and the turtle hatcheries (optional) at
Balapitiya.
Arriving into Colombo, we have the afternoon to shop for Sri
Lankan treasures at the local handicrafts centre. (Optional)
In the evening, we arrive into a nearby fishing village, Negombo.
(Fishing Village near the airport).
Overnight: Blue Oceanic (1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Negombo / departure
We bid farewell and say ayubowan gehilla ennam (goodbye) to
Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality and for sharing her wonderful
heritage in our journey through time. We are transferred to
the airport for our flight home or to our next excursion.
(B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
2010
Daily
|
| Prices |
| Departure |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
|
2010 |
2575 |
525 |
| For
Christmas period 19 Dec 2010 – 31 Dec 2010, please add
US$ 300 per person |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 12
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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