Short Break Tours 6-Days / 5-Nights (Option 1)

Arrive in Sri Lanka in the comfort and style you deserve, where a warm welcome awaits you at the airport. Meet your friendly Ceylon Adviser representative at the arrival lounge, ready to begin your unforgettable journey across this beautiful island. We always recommend an early arrival so you can relax, settle in, and make the most of every moment on your Sri Lankan adventure! 🛬 Colombo Arrival & City Exploration Overview: Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the bustling commercial capital, Colombo. After settling in, your first day will be dedicated to a relaxed yet engaging tour of the city's key historical and cultural highlights, giving you a perfect introduction to the island's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Highlights of the Day: 🚖 Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in: Your chauffeur-guide will provide a comfortable transfer from BIA to your hotel in Dambulla. After checking in and taking a moment to refresh, you'll begin your city tour.

⛰️ Dambulla to Sigiriya: Sacred Caves & Lion Rock Citadel Overview: Start your day with a final, insightful exploration of Dambulla's ancient religious heritage. After breakfast, you will visit the majestic Dambulla Cave Temple before taking a short transfer to the area of Sigiriya. The afternoon is dedicated to conquering the legendary Lion Rock Fortress, a monumental column of rock that holds the ruins of an ancient palace, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Highlights of the Day: 🛕 Morning Exploration – Dambulla Cave Temple: After breakfast, you will first visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will climb the gentle ascent to explore the five sanctuaries, which house the largest and best-preserved complex of cave temples in Sri Lanka. Cave Marvels: Admire the intricate wall murals covering 2,100 square meters and the collection of over 150 stunning Buddha statues carved out of the rock. 🚗 Transfer & Sigiriya Approach: After the temple visit, you will check out of your Dambulla hotel and take a short drive to the Sigiriya area (approx. 30 minutes). You will check into your Sigiriya hotel and enjoy lunch before the main afternoon event. 🏰 Afternoon Climb – Sigiriya Rock Fortress: In the late afternoon, when the heat is more manageable, you will begin the climb up the iconic Lion Rock (Sigiriya), the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The ascent will take you past: The ancient Water Gardens at the base. The exquisite Sigiriya Frescoes of celestial nymphs. The preserved Mirror Wall. The colossal Lion Paw Terrace, before reaching the summit's palace ruins for a truly spectacular view. 🏨 Overnight Stay in Sigiriya: After an exhilarating day of climbing and historical discovery, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in your accommodation in the Sigiriya area.

🏛️ Sigiriya to Anuradhapura: Ancient Capitals & Sacred Sites Overview: Today you will travel north from the jungle-shrouded citadel of Sigiriya to the sprawling sacred city of Anuradhapura, the birthplace of Sinhala civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your hotel, you will spend the afternoon beginning your exploration of the vast ancient ruins, focusing on the most significant spiritual monuments. Highlights of the Day: 🚗 Morning Transfer to Anuradhapura: After breakfast, you will check out of your Sigiriya accommodation. Your chauffeur-guide will provide a comfortable private transfer to Anuradhapura (the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). 🏨 Hotel Check-in & Lunch: Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, you will check into your hotel. You'll then enjoy lunch and have some time to refresh before heading out to the massive Ancient City complex. 🌳 Afternoon Exploration – Sacred Maha Bodhi Tree: Begin your exploration at the spiritual heart of the city, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. This sacred fig tree is believed to be the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date (288 BC), grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Witness the piety and traditions of pilgrims gathered here. स्तूप Iconic Dagobas & Ruins: Continue your immersion in this vast UNESCO site by visiting some of the towering ancient stupas (dagobas): Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: Marvel at this magnificent, large white stupa, a major sacred site in Anuradhapura, surrounded by a wall of elephant figures. Jetavanaramaya Stupa: View the impressive remains of this colossal stupa, which was once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, showcasing remarkable early engineering feats. 🏨 Overnight Stay in Anuradhapura: After a full afternoon exploring the sprawling ancient city, you will return to your hotel in Anuradhapura for dinner and an overnight stay.

👑 Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa: Medieval Capital & Ancient Ruins Overview: Today you complete your journey through Sri Lanka's great ancient capitals. After breakfast, you will check out of your Anuradhapura hotel and transfer eastward to Polonnaruwa, the island's magnificent second royal capital. The day is dedicated to exploring the well-preserved medieval city ruins, known for their compact layout and incredible rock carvings. Highlights of the Day: 🚗 Morning Transfer to Polonnaruwa: After enjoying breakfast, your chauffeur-guide will provide a comfortable private transfer from Anuradhapura to the area of Polonnaruwa. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, offering scenic views of the flat, dry zone landscape and local villages. 🏨 Check-in & Lunch: Upon arrival, you will check into your Polonnaruwa accommodation and enjoy lunch, allowing time to relax during the hottest part of the day and prepare for the afternoon exploration. 🏛️ Afternoon Exploration – Polonnaruwa Ancient City: In the late afternoon, when the light is perfect and the temperatures are cooler, you will begin your tour of the vast Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This medieval city is easier to navigate than Anuradhapura and is best known for its monumental religious and secular structures. The Quadrangle: Visit the heart of the city, an impressive concentration of the best-preserved monuments like the Vatadage (circular relic house) and the Hatadage. Gal Vihara: Marvel at the site's most famous rock carvings: four colossal, exquisitely carved Buddha statues in standing, sitting, and reclining poses, showcasing the peak of ancient Sri Lankan art. Palace Complex: Explore the ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, which once had seven stories and a thousand chambers. 🏨 Overnight Stay in Polonnaruwa: After a fascinating day wandering through the ruins of this magnificent city, you will return to your hotel in Polonnaruwa for dinner and an overnight stay.

🏙️ Day 5: Polonnaruwa Completion & Transfer to Colombo Overview: Your final morning in the Cultural Triangle is dedicated to completing the ancient city's sights before embarking on a private transfer back to the West Coast. This long travel day culminates in the bustling modern capital, Colombo, where you will check in for your final night, focusing only on comfort and relaxation after the journey. Highlights of the Day: 🏛️ Morning – Completing Polonnaruwa: After an early breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and spend the early morning hours visiting any remaining important sites in the Polonnaruwa Ancient City complex. Polonnaruwa Museum: A quick stop at the museum offers a great historical context and displays artifacts recovered from the site, providing a final perspective on the medieval kingdom. Pothgul Vihara: Visit the unique circular library and the massive stone statue of a man, often identified as King Parakramabahu I or a sage. 🚗 Midday Transfer to Colombo: Once the exploration is complete, you will begin the journey back to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo. Distance & Time: The drive covers approximately 215 kilometers and is expected to take 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. The journey provides a scenic transition from the dry zone jungles to the lush, heavily populated urban areas. 🏨 Afternoon/Evening – Arrival and Check-in in Colombo: You will arrive in Colombo and check into your chosen accommodation. The primary focus is on immediate rest after the long transfer. 🧘 Evening – Relaxation and Dinner: The entire evening is at your leisure for necessary downtime. Unwind: Use the remaining evening hours to relax in your room, take advantage of any hotel amenities like the spa or pool (if available), or simply enjoy the comfort of your final night's accommodation. Dinner: Enjoy a comfortable and convenient dinner at your hotel's restaurant or opt for easy in-room dining (room service), allowing you to settle down quickly after the long drive. 🏨 Overnight Stay in Colombo: Your tour concludes with an overnight stay in the city of Colombo.

✈️ Colombo City Tour, Shopping & Departure Overview: On your final day in Sri Lanka, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Colombo, the island’s bustling commercial capital. Your morning is dedicated to a swift exploration of key highlights and last-minute souvenir shopping before your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for departure. Highlights of the Day: 🏙️ Morning City Tour: Begin your morning with a focused exploration of Colombo's cityscape, blending history and urban life (adjusted for time constraints). Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka: Start with a visit to this eclectic Buddhist temple and its tranquil floating counterpart on Beira Lake for a final taste of local culture and spirituality. Galle Face Green (Drive-by): Drive past this iconic ocean-side park, getting a quick view of the Presidential Secretariat and the historic coastal area. Independence Square: A brief photo stop at this significant national monument commemorating Sri Lanka's independence. 🛍️ Midday Shopping & Leisure: Enjoy dedicated time for last-minute shopping at popular stores offering local crafts, tea, gems, and souvenirs. Odel Department Store: A recommended stop for high-quality, modern Sri Lankan goods, including fashion, home goods, and souvenirs. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct: Visit this beautifully restored colonial building for boutique shopping, tea, and a final lunch before heading to the airport. ✈️ Airport Transfer: After your city tour and shopping, your chauffeur-guide will transfer you comfortably to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Important Note: You must depart from your hotel at least 4 hours before your scheduled international flight time to account for travel time and the mandatory 3-hour check-in requirement. 👋 Departure: Your journey concludes as your chauffeur-guide assists you with your luggage at the airport, marking the end of your memorable tour with Ceylon Adviser.