A Cultural and Historical Exploration of Sri Lanka

On the western coast of the island, Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea.

You’ll be shown around the traditional colonial centre for a fascinating introduction to its historic quarters and grand 19th-century architecture, stopping for tea with a spectacular view overlooking the harbour before heading towards the bustling Pettah markets.

Head back to the Sinhalese past in the Cultural Triangle, a vast swathe of ancient monuments, sacred temples and countless archaeological remains, it’s corners marked by Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the three great Sinhalese capitals.

During your visit you will discover Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, built around and on top of a huge column of rock in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. Here, you can explore the gardens and archaeological remains below before scaling the 1200 steps to the top for an amazing view. You will also spend time at the Ritigala ruins, a monastery in the jungles of the region’s highest mountain.

A world of ancient kings, ornate temples, lush gardens and vibrant traditions, Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and its cultural capital. Nestled in the midst of hills and surrounded by tropical paddy fields and tea plantations, the town is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the country’s most important religious shrine. Browse the bustling market places with bright, fresh produce, local delicacies and fragrant spices, or spend the day exploring the opulent temples and learning about the city’s rich history.

Relax among the emerald hills of Tea Country and learn about how this humble crop has shaped the landscape and country since its introduction – the first tea plantations were established in Kandy in the 1860s and now most of the scenic central region’s elevated slopes are covered in contoured rows of painstakingly maintained plants.

You’ll see the hills dotted with women quickly but meticulously harvesting leaves by hand, baskets slung across their backs, and enjoy a guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory, a quintessential tea experience for those visiting Sri Lanka. During your visit you will also visit Warleigh Church, a gift from Englishman William Scot in 1878 to the Wanarajah Estate near the hamlet of Dickoya. Built like a typical British church, the church’s original bible is still kept at the alter.

Spend your days soaking up the unique atmosphere of Galle, a stunning town at the southern edge of Sri Lanka with fascinating colonial history evident at every turn through its eclectic assemblage of architecture. A Portuguese, Dutch then British trading port, its walls and everything they encompass are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful Dutch fusion architecture, a commanding Victorian lighthouse, grand churches and mosques, all in a sultry tropical setting.

You will spend an afternoon discovering the historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument that is the Galle Fort with a Researcher and Building Archaeologist.