This 3-day itinerary offers a quick but comprehensive immersion into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heart, optimized for travel during the pleasant weather of December. Designed to combine iconic historical sites, unique wildlife encounters, and authentic local experiences, the tour efficiently connects the island’s key highlights.
The journey begins in the hill city of Kandy, the last Sinhalese kingdom, where travelers can visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and see rehabilitated elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Day 2 ventures into the ancient cultural triangle, featuring two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the vibrant Dambulla Cave Temple and the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The trip concludes with the transfer back to Colombo, allowing for optional city exploration before departure. This condensed package provides a powerful and memorable introduction to the island’s diverse heritage.
Day 01: Arrival → Kandy
Morning: Arrival & Transfer to Kandy
Arrival: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo.
Meet & Greet: A Wavora Travels representative and chauffeur guide will welcome you at the arrival lounge.
Transfer: Begin your journey to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings.
En Route: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Location: Pinnawala, approximately 90 km from Colombo.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. elephantorphanagesrilanka.com
- Ticket Price: USD 15 per adult; USD 8 per child (3–12 years). elephantorphanagesrilanka.com
- Highlights:
- Observe the world’s largest captive herd of elephants.
- Participate in feeding sessions and watch elephants bathe in the river.
- Learn about conservation efforts and the history of the orphanage.
Afternoon: Arrival in Kandy
- Check-in: Arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant.
- Rest: Relax and refresh before evening activities.
Evening: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Location: Kandy City Centre.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Ticket Price: USD 10 per adult; USD 5 per child.
- Highlights:
- Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, housing a tooth relic of the Buddha.
- Experience the evening puja (ceremonial offering) with traditional drumming and rituals.
- Explore the museum showcasing artifacts related to the relic.
Post-Visit: Kandy Lake & City Walk
- Activity: Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and explore the local markets.
- Dinner: Dine at a restaurant overlooking the lake, offering local and international cuisines.
- Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Kandy.
Day 02: Kandy → Sigiriya via Dambulla
Morning: Departure to Dambulla
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure: Leave Kandy and head towards Dambulla.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Mid-Morning: Dambulla Cave Temple
- Location: Dambulla, Central Province.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Ticket Price: USD 10 per adult; USD 5 per child.
- Highlights:
- Explore five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals.
- Learn about the temple’s history dating back to the 1st century BCE.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the temple complex.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at a local restaurant in Dambulla.
Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Travel: Proceed to Sigiriya, approximately 30 minutes from Dambulla.
- Arrival: Check-in at your hotel in Sigiriya.
- Rest: Relax and prepare for the afternoon excursion.
Late Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Location: Sigiriya, Central Province.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Ticket Price: USD 35 per adult; USD 20 per child.
- Highlights:
- Climb the 200-meter high rock to reach the ancient citadel built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century.
- Admire the frescoes of celestial maidens and the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti.
- Explore the Lion’s Gate and the ruins of royal gardens.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and forests.
Evening: Leisure & Dinner
- Activity: Relax at your hotel or explore the local area.
- Dinner: Savor a delicious Sri Lankan dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.
- Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 03: Sigiriya → Colombo (Optional City Tour)
Morning: Departure to Colombo
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Check-out: Depart from Sigiriya and head towards Colombo.
- Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Midday: Arrival in Colombo
- Check-in: Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant offering a variety of cuisines.
Afternoon: Colombo City Tour
- Galle Face Green: Visit the ocean-side urban park, popular for evening walks and street food.
- Pettah Market: Explore the bustling market known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse goods.
- Viharamahadevi Park: Relax in Colombo’s oldest and largest park, featuring beautiful landscapes and a variety of flora.
- Colombo National Museum: Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage through extensive exhibits.
Evening: Departure
- Activity: Depending on your flight time, enjoy some leisure time or last-minute shopping.
- Transfer: Proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.
This action-packed 3-day itinerary efficiently captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s central cultural and historical sites, offering a memorable blend of wildlife, ancient history, and spiritual landmarks.
Iconic Ancient Sites and Heritage
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Conquer the ancient 5th-century citadel built atop a 200-meter-tall rock. This UNESCO World Heritage site features impressive architecture, ancient frescoes of celestial maidens, the iconic Lion’s Gate, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore a vast complex of five mystical caves adorned with over 150 Buddha images and vibrant ancient murals, offering deep insight into Sri Lankan Buddhist art and history.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world in Kandy. Experience the spiritual ambiance and the ceremonial evening puja (offering) with traditional drumming.
Wildlife and Natural Experiences
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Get up close with a large herd of captive Asian elephants. Witness their playful interactions during feeding sessions and daily river baths, learning about conservation efforts.
- Kandy Lake & City Exploration: Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake and explore the bustling streets and local markets of the island’s last royal capital.
Efficient and Engaging Travel
- Seamless Logistics: The itinerary uses a private car and guide for smooth transfers, maximizing sightseeing time even within a short duration.
- Flexible Departure: The final day offers optional exploration of the vibrant capital city of Colombo (including Galle Face Green and Pettah Market) if flight schedules permit, providing a final snapshot of urban Sri Lankan life.
1. What are the main attractions included in this 3-day trip?
This itinerary focuses on several key cultural and historical landmarks. Highlights include visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, exploring the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
2. How physically demanding is this itinerary?
The main physical challenge is climbing the 200-meter-tall Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which involves many stairs and can be strenuous in the afternoon heat. Visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and stay hydrated. The walks at the temples and orphanage are generally moderate.
3. What is the transport like between locations?
The tour uses a private car with a dedicated chauffeur guide. This ensures efficient and comfortable travel between Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Colombo, allowing all the major sites to be covered within the tight 3-day schedule.
4. What is the recommended dress code for this tour?
Modest attire is strictly required for visits to all religious sites (temples and kovils). This means shoulders and knees must be covered. It’s advisable to carry a shawl or sarong for these visits.
5. Is the December timing important, and how is the weather?
December is an excellent time for this trip as it falls within the dry season for the specific regions covered (Cultural Triangle and Kandy). This typically means pleasant, dry weather with good visibility for sightseeing and outdoor activities like climbing Sigiriya.
