Our heritage is based on a diverse tapestry of people linked to its history and colonial past. From ancient to modern cities, rustic villages to towns with colonial influences, coast to highlands, our eclectic cuisine – there is much to discover on our cultural tours in Sri Lanka. Visit breathtaking world heritage sites like the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to name a few! Come and experience our cultural diversity!
Situated along Sri Lanka’s east coast, Trincomalee has long been a favourite location. Rest your weary feet and join our naturalist aboard an 18-foot, fibreglass motorboat. Enjoy a three hour cruise, touring the town’s highlights. Feast your gaze on attractions such as the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery and Swami Rock located within the 17th century fort.
See if you can make out the scattered remnants of an almost 2,000 year old Hindu temple which was demolished by the Portuguese in the fort’s making. The tour begins either at 07:00am, during the cool morning hours or at 04:00pm, and concludes with a spectacular setting sun as it paints the sky pink and orange.
Located in Habarana, within the island’s Cultural Triangle, Hiriwaduna is a perfect example of a traditional Sri Lankan village. Visit in the morning, for a glimpse into the idyllic daily life of rural Sri Lanka. Meet friendly bullock cart drivers at the entrance, and enjoy a scenic ride through the village as part of a three hour experience.
Snack on light refreshments by the tranquil waters of Hiriwaduna Lake. Keep an eye out for tree houses and scarecrows among the charming paddy fields. Feast on a typical village-style lunch of local lake fish, rice and curries, served on a fresh lotus leaf and cooked in clay pots over a hearth. Travel time from your hotel may take ten to forty minutes each way.
Hop aboard a vintage steam train in Kandy, and enjoy a picturesque ride into the heart of Sri Lanka’s charming hill country. The winding railway tracks chart a scenic course through the rolling hillsides of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Unwind in your air conditioned compartment, as you take in the majesty of the verdant landscape unfolding before your eyes.
Observe the shades of emerald that blanket the horizon, brimming with precious tea crops that are the nation’s pride. Envision the splendour of the island’s colonial heyday, as you tuck into a delicious four-course lunch accompanied by sparkling silverware and fine china. This journey is best begun in the late morning hours and lasts four to five hours.
Visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, and delve deep into the fascinating annals of European and Sri Lankan history. Housed in the Naranwala Walawwa, an 18th century Dutch-style colonial manor house, the centre represents a unique effort between a Frenchman and Sri Lankan, to showcase talent from eras past.
Explore the vast repository of local and European works over the course of two to three hours and understand the richness of Kandyan culture. Observe the various manuscripts, furniture, handicrafts, artworks and photographs on display. Located near the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Suriyakantha is open to visits between 08:00am and 04:00pm, throughout the year.
