Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
The first great capital, with giant white stupas and a sacred Bodhi tree still at its heart.
Sample itinerary
Sri Lanka Cultural Tour
A journey through Sri Lanka's heritage: the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, the Dambulla caves and Kandy. This is a suggested sample itinerary that can be extended or combined with other regions.
- 6 days
- Private vehicle & driver
- Sample itinerary
This is a suggested sample itinerary. We confirm the route, hotels and price in a personal quote.
Tour at a glance
- Length
- 6 days
- Type
- Sample itinerary, fully adjustable
- Starts from
- The airport or your hotel
- Places
- Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Price
- Personal quote based on dates, group size and hotels
Who it suits
- History and culture enthusiasts
- Travellers interested in Buddhism and architecture
- Anyone who wants a slower look at the Cultural Triangle
Day by day Sample
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The Cultural Triangle in depth
This route covers the heart of Sri Lanka's ancient civilisation. Anuradhapura was the first great capital, with its sacred Bodhi tree and vast stupas. Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, has the rock-cut Buddhas of the Gal Vihara. Sigiriya is the rock fortress, Dambulla the painted cave temple, and Kandy the last royal capital and home of the Temple of the Tooth.
Five of these places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Making the most of it
A licensed site guide can be arranged at the major sites to explain the history. We plan early starts and midday rests to avoid the heat. With more time, add Mihintale, the Ritigala forest monastery, a village cooking class or a Kandyan dance performance.
How private touring with us works
You travel in our own air-conditioned vehicle with one driver for the whole trip, so there is no sharing with strangers and no fixed schedule. Your driver collects you from the airport or your hotel, takes you between places, waits while you visit and helps with local advice along the way.
Before you travel, we agree the route and the hotels with you, and confirm what is included in writing. During the trip, small changes such as an extra stop, a slower morning or a different restaurant are easy to make.
What's usually included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- Route planning around your dates and interests
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights and Sri Lanka ETA / visa
- Entrance fees and safari jeep hire (paid locally or quoted separately)
- Accommodation and meals, unless agreed in your quote
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Getting there
Travel times and transport options for this trip:
Places on this route
Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya
A fifth-century palace on top of a granite rock, with frescoes, water gardens and a view across the forest.
Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa
A compact medieval capital of palaces, shrines and the serene rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara.
Cultural Triangle
Dambulla Cave Temple
Five painted cave shrines filled with Buddha statues, high on a rock above the plains.
Hill Country
Kandy
The last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Tooth and a lakeside town ringed by hills.
Frequently asked questions
Can we time this with a festival?
Yes, if dates allow. Festivals follow the lunar calendar, so we check confirmed dates before planning.
Will there be a guide at the sites?
Licensed site guides can be arranged at major heritage sites.
What should we wear?
Light clothing that covers shoulders and knees, plus socks for hot temple floors.
What is included?
Usually: private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver; route planning around your dates and interests; fuel, parking and highway tolls; airport pick-up and drop-off. Not included: international flights and Sri Lanka ETA / visa; entrance fees and safari jeep hire (paid locally or quoted separately); accommodation and meals, unless agreed in your quote; travel insurance and personal expenses. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It's just you and your travel companions with your own vehicle and driver, so timings and stops can be adjusted to suit you.
How much does this tour cost?
It depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the hotels you choose. Send us an enquiry and we'll reply with a written quote.
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Let's Plan Your Sri Lanka Journey
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.