The Colonial Heritage Trail in Sri Lanka offers a fascinating journey through the island's rich colonial past, highlighting the enduring legacies of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. This trail weaves through historical sites such as the majestic Galle Fort with its impressive ramparts and colonial buildings, the bustling streets of Colombo showcasing grand British-era architecture, and the serene hill station of Nuwara Eliya, known for its charming British-style bungalows and lush tea plantations. The trail also includes Dambulla, with its ancient cave temples and colonial-era influences; Sigiriya, where the magnificent rock fortress meets colonial history; Kandy, with its blend of British colonial architecture and cultural heritage; Ella, famous for its stunning vistas and the iconic Nine Arches Bridge; and Bentota, offering pristine beaches alongside remnants of colonial villas and gardens. Each location on the trail tells a unique story of cultural fusion, architectural innovation, and historical significance, providing travelers with a deep and engaging exploration of Sri Lanka's colonial heritage.
Day 1 Arrival – Transfer to Dambulla
Day 2 Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Village Visit - Elephant Ride - Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park
Day 3 Dambulla Caves - Matale Spice Garden - Kandy City Tour
Day 4 Hill Country – Tea Experience - Nuwara eliya
Day 5 Ella - Yala
Day 6 Galle - Bentota (south coast)
Day 7 Benthota (south coast)
Day 8 Colombo – City Tour
Day 9 Transfer to airport
All Rates Are :
Round Tour Rates Includes:
Round Tour Packages Excludes:
Children Policy
25% of adults rate sharing a room with parents excluding extra bed
Please Note:
Other Conditions:
Cancellation charges (Sri Lanka):
Children Policy
Peak Period Supplement
Annual Kandy Esala Perahara Supplement
Hotel Rules & Regulations:
Tipping :
Arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Welcome by a Sunway Holidays representative, transfer to Dambulla (a country side green rich, village with rice fields and coconut plantations in the cultural triangle area, about 3 hours drive). Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel in Dambulla.
Breakfast at the hotel Optional - Visit the UNESCO-listed 5th century site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress build by the King Kashyapa. Climb the Pidurangala Rock. Make a visit to a new by village to see the village life and a local cookery demonstration. Optional - Enjoy a ride on an elephant to the nearby jungle. Optional - Make a Jeep Safari to see the elephants and wild life in the Minneriya National Park.
Recommended Activities: Experience Traditional Village Life Exploring Minneriya National Park Sigiriya Rock
Breakfast at the hotel;. Visit the Cave Temple in Dambulla. Later depart for Kandy via Matale visiting a Spice Garden to see how the local Spice including cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees grow, their numerous forms of use. Later, make a city tour of Kandy, the island’s cultural capital and the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy, Kandy is encircled by jungle-covered hills. Located in the refreshing highlands, Kandy is easy to fall in love with. Stop at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the island’s most revered Buddhist shrine. Proceed exploring Kandy’s colorful Bazar, Upper Lake, arts centers, etc. Later attend a cultural dance performance with fire dancing. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Recommended Activities: Dambulla Cave Temple Tour Of The Spice Garden The Temple Of The Tooth Relic, Kandy Kandy City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Kandy’s Royal Botanical Gardens famed for the world-class collection of orchids, palms and, the real showstopper, a giant Javan fig tree. Leave for Nuwara eliya, known as “Little England” of Sri Lanka. En route see the mountains covered with tea bushes and cascading waterfalls. The drive is scenic, nature rich, with mountains covered with tea bushes etc. Nuwara eliya is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea gardens, On the way make a visit to a tea factory to learn how the region’s most fragrant brews are produced. The Tea experience starts with a guided tour of a local tea factory, where you’ll be shown how the top best leaves are picked and processed. Taste a cup of freshly brewed pure Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Tea. You can also buy fresh tea from the factory outlet. Later make a sight-seeing tour of Nuwara eliya. Explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, Race Course, Gregory Lake, etc,. Overnight stay in Nuwara eliya.
Recommended Activities: Royal Botanical Gardens Explore the Serene Beauty of Kandy Tea Hills on an Enchanting Trek
Enjoy your breakfast and leave for Yala with a stop in Ella. Look out through Ella Gap, a deep valley connecting the city of Ella with the low country. See the beauty of the broadest Rawana Ella water fall. In the afternoon make a Game Drive in the Yala National Park. Here you can spot three of country’s Big Five which include; leopard, sloth, and the Sri Lankan elephant. The Park is home to variety of wildlife including spotted deer, crocodiles, wild boar, wild buffaloes, langurs, peacocks and over 200 Spice of birds. Chances of spotting herds of roaming elephants and the elusive sloth bear are high. Later check in at your hotel in Yala for the night’s stay.
Recommended Activities: Yala National Park safari Chasing Waterfalls
Enjoy the breakfast and drive to Galle. Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. Galle Dutch Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Visit the Galle Fort, the Light House, the Maritime Museum, the ancient Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions and many other fascinating sights. Stop at a turtle Hatchery and release a few baby Turtles to the sea. Check in at your beach hotel for the next 2 nights stay.
Recommended Activities: The Dutch Reformed Church, Galle The Galle Fort
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing by the beach. Stay overnight at the beach hotel
Recommended Activities: Bentota Beach
Breakfast at the hotel and later leave for Colombo. Make a city tour of Colombo. Visit the Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Lotus Tower, Fort, Pettah areas and shopping malls where you can get branded items at reasonable rates. Overnight stay in Colombo.
Recommended Activities: Shopping Spree At Urban Malls – Colombo The National Museum ,Colombo
Enjoy the breakfast and transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
The Dutch Reformed Church, nestled within the historic city of Galle, Sri Lanka, is a captivating architectural gem that reflects the rich heritage of the colonial era.
