Our Popular Destinations

Our Destinations Tours offer a well-organised overview of the most captivating locations in Sri Lanka, ranging from the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene views of Ella. Whether you want to take advantage of the moderate climate in the hill country, the stunning beaches on the southern coast, or the many cultures found in the historic cities, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Since each of the locations we offer has been carefully chosen to showcase the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture, each one offers a distinctive journey through Sri Lanka’s attractions.

Culture

Reflecting the island’s rich history and friendly hospitality, Sri Lankan culture is a fusion of vibrant festivals, different ethnic influences, Buddhist traditions, and arts and cuisine.

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Kandy
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
Dambulla
Sigiriya
Kataragama
Nallur Kovil

Beach

The beaches of Sri Lanka are unspoiled, tropical shorelines with golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and great places to unwind, surf, and snorkel.

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Arugam Bay
Nilaveli
Passikudah
Negombo
Bentota
Balapitiya
Hikkaduwa
Unawatuna
Galle
Mirissa

Safari

With elephants, leopards, and unusual bird species in national parks like Yala and Udawalawe, Sri Lankan safaris provide wildlife experiences.

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Udawalawe National Park
Sinharaja National Park
Yala National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park
Kumana National Park
Minneriya National Park

Eco

Sustainable travel and biodiversity preservation are the main goals of Sri Lankan ecotourism, which is promoted by natural reserves like Sinharaja and Horton Plains, wildlife sanctuaries, and jungle excursions.

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Ella
nuwara-eliya-town
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Adam’s Peak

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Kandy

Home / Destination / Kandy

Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Dalada Maligawa, known as Tooth Temple in English, houses the most venerated Buddhist relic on the island. Particularly the Handun Kunama, the wooden hall safekeeping Buddha’s Tooth, marked by a golden roof in the very centre of the ensemble of edifices, is of exceptional beauty. It was constructed in the 17th century and is a classical example of Kandyan architecture, whereas most of the surrounding structures are built of stone and date to the end of the 18th century. Even more impressive than the architecture of the Tooth Temple complex is the Puja ceremony celebrated on the first floor in front of the main shrine. When visiting Kandy, don’t miss to attend one of the three daily celebrations in the morning or evening. Though foreigners and non-Buddhists are welcome, it’s still an authentic Buddhist celebration and not at all a tourist spectacle – whereas Kandy dance shows are mainly of the latter category, to be honest with you. They are nonetheless worth visiting and of enterntainment and information value at the same time. But concerning the Tooth Temple Pujas we can promise: Joining the traditional ceremony, which is much frequented by locals, will turn out to be a moving experience you will never forget.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

No true lover of nature will miss the Royal Botanical Gardens when visiting Kandy. They are among the world’s largest such institutions situated on a tropical island, only those of Bogor on Java can be compared with the largest gardens of Sri Lanka in size and importance. Sri Lanka’s most famous Botanical Garden is situated in a river loop of the Mahaweli Ganga in Peradeniya, which is a suburb famous for its university. The gardens are well-kept and shadowy due to the trees, which represent an extraordinary variety of species from all over the world. The Botanical Garden’s orchid house is famous, too. Peradeniya attracted biologists already a century ago, for example the German evolutionist Ernst Haeckel.
 

Nelligala Hill Temple

The newly founded Nelligala International Buddhist Center is placed atop a crest like an eagle’s nest. It’s a major attractions in the western vicinity of Kandy not only for its scenic location but because of the picturesque buildings. The temple has two stupas, one in the classical white hemispherical design of Sri Lankan, the other one a golden Chedi in the style of Myanmar.
 
 

Embekke

Embekke, one ot the three Western Temples from the Gampola period, is the woodcraft highlight near Kandy. The main shrine is dedicated to Kataragama, a deity venerated also by Hindus. But adjoined to it, there with a secondary small Buddhist shrine, too. Embekke’s main attraction for lovers of art is the so-called Digge, the ceremonial “drummers hall” just in front of the main shrine. It’s the most famous specimen of traditional Kandyan architecture at all. But it’s even more than that for the art of Sri Lanka: The wooden pillars show the best examples of traditional Sinhalese wood carvings you can find anywhere on the island. Each carving is unique. Shops of woodcarvers can be found just outside the temple compound.
 
 
 

National Museum of Kandy

The National Museum of Kandy is located behind the Tooth Relic Temple within a colonial style building that was part of the Harem in the former Royal Palace. The museum, opened to the public in 1942, exhibits artifacts such as jewelry, tools and weapons from the Kandyan kingdom and the British Colonial era.
 
 
 
 

Anuradhapura

Home / Destination / Anuradhapura

Sri Mahabodhi Tree

It is hard to believe; but without a shadow of doubt—that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on iron crutches, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world (2,200 years).A branch of the very Bo beneath which (at Buddha Gaya in North India) the Buddha himself found Enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century B.C. by the Princess/religieuse Sanghamitta; a sister of the saint Mahinda.It has never since been without its hereditary attendants and the care, to the very end, of the country’s kings. As lately as the reign of the last of them (Sri Vikrama Rajasingha, whom the British captured and deported); a wall was built by royal command to repair the platform on which it grows. In 1966 it was enclosed in a golden railing.

Ruwanweli Dagaba

The Mahathupa (Great Thupa) is today known as the Ruvanveliseya Dagaba. This is the centre piece of The Maha vihara (Great Monastery). The Maha vihara, because of it’s long history of guarding the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, and because its monks kept the most sacred shrines at Anuradhapura, was the most important monastery of the city. Although not it’s true height and original form, the fine white Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, guarded by a ‘wall of elephants’, still looks magnificent.A dagaba or thupa (relic chamber), is a dome which is built over sacred relics, the bodily remains of the Buddha. King Duttha Gamini had already built the Mirisavati and his magnificent Brazen Palace, but he wanted something bigger and better for his greatest work.It is said that this cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages, and that the workers received food and clothing and a considerable ‘extras’ for the work.On top of this beautiful ‘bubble’ shaped Mahathupa was a ruby as big as a man’s fist, and today the Burmese people have donated a rock crystal, which is 2 feet high (60cm) to replace it.

Samadhi Buddha

The Mahathupa (Great Thupa) is today known as the Ruvanveliseya Dagaba. This is the centre piece of The Maha vihara (Great Monastery). The Maha vihara, because of it’s long history of guarding the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, and because its monks kept the most sacred shrines at Anuradhapura, was the most important monastery of the city. Although not it’s true height and original form, the fine white Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, guarded by a ‘wall of elephants’, still looks magnificent.A dagaba or thupa (relic chamber), is a dome which is built over sacred relics, the bodily remains of the Buddha. King Duttha Gamini had already built the Mirisavati and his magnificent Brazen Palace, but he wanted something bigger and better for his greatest work.It is said that this cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages, and that the workers received food and clothing and a considerable ‘extras’ for the work.On top of this beautiful ‘bubble’ shaped Mahathupa was a ruby as big as a man’s fist, and today the Burmese people have donated a rock crystal, which is 2 feet high (60cm) to replace it.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is a Buddhist Temple situated close to the Tisa Wewa. Isurumiuniya is famous for its stone carvings of the ‘Isurumuniya Lovers’, ‘Horseman’, ‘Elephant Pond’ and the ‘Royal family’. Most famous are the statues of the lovers. It is believed that the statues of the lovers are that of Prince Saliya Raja Kumara who was the son of King Dutugemunu the Great, gave up his throne for the ‘low caste’ Chandala maiden Asokamala. The stone statue depicts the two lovers in a 6th century Gupta style carving.

 

Polonnaruwa

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Lankathilaka Viharaya

Lankatilaka is an ancient Sinhalese temple located in between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It is one of the most magnificent ruined sites of the country. It was built by King Parakrabahu in the 11th century and attracted archaeologists, historians and tourists all around the year.The site is an enormous ‘gedige’, which is a typical Buddhist temple with a corbelled roof and thick walls. The gedige is an intriguing structure, made entirely of bricks. The composition comprises of two massive pillars with a height of 17 metres and a thickness of 4 metres. In between the two components is a 14-metre high statue of Buddha, which is broken from above the shoulder. This site has two storeys, connected by an impressive staircase and the outer walls have elaborate carvings and designs which depict ancient times. The inner walls and stairway have exciting murals. Lankatilaka, a monolithic Buddha image house has irked the minds of historians for centuries. Its architecture and ruins are interesting topics amongst archaeologists. The site, with all its glory and holy atmosphere, evidently attracts tourists from all over the world and during any given time of the year.

Parakrama Samudraya

Another ancient monument that was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu, the Parakrama Samudra is a testament to the engineers of the ancient kingdom. As Polonnaruwa lies in the dry and arid lands of the island, the area experiences two seasons of monsoon rain, which was never enough to keep the populace healthy.

Watadageya

One of the more unique structures of the entire kingdom, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage has a long and illustrious history. Considered to be the only structure of its kind in the whole of Sri Lanka, this complex is believed to be the place in which the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha was housed, following the shift in the capital from Anuradhapura in the 11th century.

Dambulla

Home / Destination / Dambulla

Golden Temple

The Golden temple of Dambulla also known as the Cave Temple of Dambulla bears witness to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Located about 142 kms away from Colombo the Dambulla cave temple is the best preserved rock temple complex in Sri Lanka. Anybody who visits the temple would be awe struck by its art and paintings that dates back to 3rd Century B.C.

The cave temple monastery has been occupied by Buddhist monks continuously for 22 centuries. According to the historical chronicle Mahawamsa, King Walagamba has sought refuge in this cave for nearly 15 years when South Indian invaders usurped his throne. When he reclaimed the throne as a token of gratitude he had built a temple and a monastery and has offered it to the monks. Many additions had followed afterwards to the cave rock temple by other kings.

Ibbankatuwa tomb

The Ibbankatuwa tomb site was first identified in 1970 by the Archaeological Department who carried out the Radiocarbon dating of the remnants found in the site have revealed that these tombs dated back to 700 – 400 B.C.Currently the tomb site has been designated as an archaeological protected site in Sri Lanka.The tomb complex covers an area of about 1 km2 (0.39 sq mi) with 42 clusters of tombs and each cluster contains about 10 tombs. Each tombs are enclosed with four stone slabs and covered by another slab on the top. According to the way of interment two distinct burial customs, urn (bodies were placed in urns and interred) and cist (ashes of deceased were interred) have been identified.The cave temple monastery has been occupied by Buddhist monks continuously for 22 centuries. According to the historical chronicle Mahawamsa, King Walagamba has sought refuge in this cave for nearly 15 years when South Indian invaders usurped his throne. When he reclaimed the throne as a token of gratitude he had built a temple and a monastery and has offered it to the monks. Many additions had followed afterwards to the cave rock temple by other kings.

Pidurangala

 

Pidurangala Rock is a popular destination in Sri Lanka, known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and breathtaking views. Located near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala offers a less crowded but equally rewarding experience for hikers and nature lovers. The rock has a long history intertwined with Buddhist traditions, as it was once home to a monastery dating back to ancient times.

Sigiriya

Home / Destination / Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Sigiriya Lion Rock is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists annually. It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

The palace is located in the heart of the island between Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level. Entrance to Sigiria can only be purchased at the site! See available tours:

Kataragama

Home / Destination / Kataragama

Kataragama

Kataragama Devalaya, located in the town of Kataragama in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s most important religious sites. It is dedicated to Skanda-Murugan, a Hindu war god, but also holds deep significance for Buddhists and indigenous Vedda people. The temple complex is a symbol of religious harmony, as devotees from various faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists, and even Muslims, come to pay their respects.

Nallur Kovila

Home / Destination / Nallur Kovila

Nallur Kovila

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil or Nallur Murugan Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The temple is a socially important institution for the Sri Lankan Tamils Hindu identity and many temples have been built in Europe and North America using the same name as a cultural memory.The presiding deity is Lord Muruga (son of Lord Siva a.k.a. Karthikeya) in the form of the holy Vel. The idol of the Nallur Devi or goddess was gifted to the temple in the 10 century AD by the Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi, in the style of Sembian bronzes.

OriginThe Nallur Kandaswamy Temple’s foundation was laid in 948 AD on the land called “Kurukkal Valavu”. Due to invasion of foreigners, the temple had to be relocated several times in different places within Nallur area. It is believed that there was a shrine dedicated to an Islamic sufi saint in the temple complex from 1734 to 1749 which was relocated in 1749 when the temple structure was built. According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku, a Minister to the Jaffna King Kalinga Magha. Sapumal Kumaraya (also known as Chempaha Perumal in Tamil), the adopted son of King Bhuvanekabahu, the King of Kotte, is credited with either building or renovating the third Nallur Kandaswamy temple in the 15th century. Nallur served as the capital of the Jaffna kings, with the royal palace situated very close to the temple.The rebuilt temples that exist now do not match their original locations which instead are occupied by churches erected by the Portuguese. The temple which was at Sankili Thoppu was demolished by the Portuguese General Philip de Olivera in 1621. The Dutch took over the Jaffna District in 1658. A church was erected in the site at Sankili Thoppu where the temple stood.

Present templeThe fourth and the present temple was constructed in 1749 A.D. during the Dutch colonial era by Krishna Suba Iyer and Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar in the ‘Kurukkal Valavu‘, which is the original temple premises.

The original shrine had only two main halls and didn’t have a clock tower, or any ornately carved towers or gopuram. The first clock tower was erected in 1899, and the main hall where the vel or lance of the deity resides was re-furbished in 1902. In 1964, the ‘Vasantha Mandapam‘ or grand hall was renovated to have the present look and feel.

The temple has the main entrance facing the east. It has an ornately carved five-story tower or gopuram in the Dravidian architecture style at the main entrance.

In the surrounding inner yard, it has shrines for Lords Ganesh, Vairavar, Sun and Sandana Gopala. In the southern part of this temple, the holy pond and Thandayudhapaani shrine dedicated to another aspect of Lord Muruga can be seen. In the northern side there is a big holy garden.

Nallur Kandasamy Temple FESTIVAL:The annual Festival starts with Kodietram (flag-hoisting) on the sixth day following the New Moon in the month of Adi (August) and continues for twenty five days. The deity goes round the inner precincts at noon and the outer precincts in the evening daily. Lord Skanda or his vel, as the case may be, does the rounds accompanied by the consorts Valli and Teivayanai. The Vahanams (vehicles) are of a rich variety ranging from Silver Peacock, Silver Swan, Silver Rishapam, the Cobra, the green Peacock, the House etc. The Kailaasa Vahanam, the manjam (bed) and the Ther (chariot) are special attractions.

Devotees and penitents can be seen bearing kavadis and piercing their bodies with hooks and spears without seeming to cause any pain or harm, as an act of faith and atonement.