Hafen
Trincomalee

Experience Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa during this panoramic, half-day, helicopter flight-seeing excursion.

Helicopter Flight, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 15-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, receive your safety and flight instructions, and begin your scenic, approximately 1-hour flight-seeing journey. A photographer's delight, this panoramic flight-seeing tour was specially created for guests with walking limitations who can't climb steps or walk distances, but can get into the ground vehicles and helicopter on their own.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Lion Rock

Along the way, marvel at a breath-taking, panoramic overview of the most popular three of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their surrounds. Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is encircled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, and features an unusual rock formation called 'Lion Rock', which rises 656 feet (about 200 metres) from the scrub jungle.'

Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, Ruins of Polonnaruwa

Next, take in stunning aerial views of the 1st-century B.C. Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, whose compelling and inspirational tranquillity has touched the spirit of millions of visitors who have passed through its sacred spaces over the centuries. Finally, get a bird's-eye view of the Ruins of Polonnaruwa. The second capital city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was built during the 11th-century and 12th-century A.D., and is one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in the country. At the conclusion of your flight-seeing adventure, commence the short flight back to the airport in Trincomalee. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 15-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore a treasure trove of centuries-old archaeological, architectural and spiritual treasures during this panoramic, full-day excursion to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to the spectacular ruins of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, opening up a window to Sri Lanka's compelling history and spiritual heritage. Stories by the thousands who reside within its atmospheric sprawl document the life and times of Anuradhapura's importance as the First City for over a thousand years, and the kings who shaped the early history of this nation.

Guided Walking Tour, Archaeological, Architectural and Spiritual Treasures

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, explore the prolific Buddhist monumental heritage that draws pilgrims and visitors from around the globe to marvel at this vibrant, open-museum of centuries-old archaeological, architectural and spiritual treasures. Immerse yourself in a world of massive dagobas (brick stupas), venerable pokunas (water bodies) and monastic structures that engage modern visitors in these sacred spaces.

Sacred Bo Tree, Gigantic Stupa, White Dagoba Monument

Centric to the city's iconic spiritual attractions is the Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree), which dates back over 2,000 years ago. Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, this sacred tree is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree, under which the troubled Prince Siddhartha became the Enlightened One; the Buddha. The Sri Maha Bodhi has the distinction of being the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Leaving the Sacred Bo Tree, a visit is made to the sacred spaces of Ruwanweliseya, a gigantic stupa and home to one of the world's tallest monuments, the White Dagoba. It was commissioned by King Dutugamunu, who also built Lovamahapaya/Lohaprasadaya, the 'Brazen Palace'.

Isurumuniya Rock Temple, Murals, Samadhi Buddha Image, Palm Garden Village Hotel, Lunch

Next, head to the bell-shaped Isurumuniya Rock Temple. Dating from the 3rd century and situated near a lotus pond, the temple is famed for its exquisite murals. From here, continue on for a look at one of Sri Lanka's finest statues of the Enlightened One. The serene, 4th-century Samadhi Buddha depicts a seated Buddha in a meditative pose. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and proceed to a local hotel for lunch. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience one of the most revered and iconic treasures of Sri Lanka during this picturesque, full-day excursion to the ancient Golden Temple of Dambulla, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Scenic Drive to Dambulla, Golden Temple of Dambulla

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Dambulla. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the ancient Golden Temple of Dambulla, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buddhist cave shrine temple complex of Dambulla, with its compelling and inspirational tranquillity, has touched the spirit of millions of visitors who have passed through its sacred spaces down the centuries.

Statuary of Lord Buddha and Boddhisattva, Wall and Ceiling Murals

A refuge once for the fugitive King Valagamba, driven from Anuradhapura, these rock shelters have been continuously inhabited over millennia. When King Valagamba returned victorious to his kingdom, out of gratitude to the monks he had the site transformed into a temple complex, with five cave shrines dedicated to the Buddha. Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and filled with over 150 statuary of the Lord Buddha and Boddhisatva, rock-cut carvings of events from Buddha's life, and exquisite murals on walls and ceilings in the style of the 18th-century Painting School of Kandy.

Temple Walking Tour, Habarana Village Hotel, Lunch, Return Drive

A guided walking tour and ascent of over 400 steps rewards you with an opportunity to view the ancient and revered Buddhist treasures of this 1st-century B.C. icon, with its five magnificent caves surrounding the Golden Temple. Following your visit, exit the Golden Temple of Dambulla and walk back down the steps, then re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the Habarana Village Hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Helicopter Flight, Polonnaruwa, Aerial View of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, receive your safety and flight instructions, and begin your scenic, approximately 40-minute helicopter flight-seeing journey to Polonnaruwa.

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Guided Walking Tour

Upon arrival, a visit is made to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites of culturally-rich Sri Lanka. The second capital city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was built during the 11th-century and 12th-century A.D., and is one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in the country. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Polonnaruwa.

Royal Palace & Chamber Ruins, Buddha Statues, Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel, Striking Irrigation Lake

Along the way, view the ruins of the Royal Palace and chambers, and Gal Viharaya, where a group of splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of rock. In addition, visit the Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel and striking Parakrama Samudraya, an irrigation lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great.

Lord Shiva and Buddhist Temples, Stupa, EKHO Lake House Hotel, Lunch, Return

Rounding out your visit is an opportunity to view the remains of some famous places of worship; a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Buddhist temple, a stupa and the former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Apart from its cultural heritage, discover a city rich in natural beauty, too. Leaving the Ruins of Polonnaruwa, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the EKHO Lake House Hotel. After lunch, re-board your vehicle and transfer to the helipad, then board your helicopter and commence the approximately 30-minute helicopter flight back to the airport in Trincomalee. After the flight, approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the fascinating ruins of Polonnaruwa, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in Sri Lanka, during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Helicopter Flight, Polonnaruwa, Aerial View of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, receive your safety and flight instructions, and begin your scenic, approximately 40-minute helicopter flight-seeing journey to Polonnaruwa.

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Guided Walking Tour

Upon arrival, a visit is made to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites of culturally-rich Sri Lanka. The second capital city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was built during the 11th-century and 12th-century A.D., and is one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in the country. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Polonnaruwa.

Royal Palace & Chamber Ruins, Buddha Statues, Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel, Striking Irrigation Lake

Along the way, view the ruins of the Royal Palace and chambers, and Gal Viharaya, where a group of splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of rock. In addition, visit the Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel and striking Parakrama Samudraya, an irrigation lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great.

Lord Shiva and Buddhist Temples, Stupa, EKHO Lake House, Lunch, Return

Rounding out your visit is an opportunity to view the remains of some famous places of worship; a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Buddhist temple, a stupa and the former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Apart from its cultural heritage, discover a city rich in natural beauty, too. Leaving the Ruins of Polonnaruwa, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the EKHO Lake House. After lunch, re-board your vehicle and transfer to the helipad, then board your helicopter and commence the approximately 30-minute helicopter flight back to the airport in Trincomalee. After the flight, approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the most popular of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka during this memorable, full-day excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress with lunch.

Scenic Drive to Sigiriya, Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka's. Trekking to this 5th-century rock fortress is an incredibly rewarding experience for history and culture buffs.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Walking Tour, Lion Rock, Exquisite Frescoes

A guided walking tour and ascent of over 1,000 steps rewards you with a site is of great historical and archaeological importance, and one of the world's first examples of urban planning with a web of beautifully and elaborately landscaped gardens, tanks and structures. The highlight of your visit is an unusual rock formation called the 'Lion Rock' which rises 656 feet (about 200 metres) from the scrub jungle. Worthy of special mention are the exquisite, 1,600-year old frescoes housed within the rock. Whilst their origins are long obscured by passage of time, the painted 'Damsels of Sigiriya' continue to dazzle visitors with their beauty and intricate detailing.

Cinnamon Lodge Hotel, Lunch, Return Drive

Following your visit, exit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and walk back down the steps, then re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the Cinnamon Lodge Hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the most popular of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka during this memorable, full-day helicopter flight-seeing excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress with lunch.

Helicopter Flight, Sigiriya, Aerial View of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, receive your safety and flight instructions, and begin your scenic, approximately 30-minute helicopter flight-seeing journey to Sigiriya; a convenient alternative for guests who desire aerial shots in addition to their tour, and would prefer to skip the lengthy, round-trip ride between the pier and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This site has a stunning aerial view, with immense natural beauty surrounding it at the base of the rock. Upon arrival, de-board your helicopter and board your vehicle for the approximately 20-minute drive to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. Trekking to this 5th-century rock fortress is an incredibly rewarding experience for history and culture buffs.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Walking Tour, Lion Rock, Exquisite Frescoes

A guided walking tour and ascent of over 1,000 steps rewards you with a site is of great historical and archaeological importance, and one of the world's first examples of urban planning with a web of beautifully and elaborately landscaped gardens, tanks and structures. The highlight of your visit is an unusual rock formation called the 'Lion Rock' which rises 656 feet (about 200 metres) from the scrub jungle. Worthy of special mention are the exquisite, 1,600-year old frescoes housed within the rock. Whilst their origins are long obscured by passage of time, the painted 'Damsels of Sigiriya' continue to dazzle visitors with their beauty and intricate detailing.

Jetwing Vil Uyana Hotel, Lunch, Return Drive

Following your visit, exit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and walk back down the steps, then re-board your vehicle and proceed for lunch at the Jetwing Vil Uyana Hotel. After lunch, re-board your vehicle and transfer to the helipad, then board your helicopter and commence the approximately 30-minute helicopter flight back to the airport in Trincomalee. After the flight, approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Trincomalee at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas within the city's limits at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Trincomalee at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas within the city limits at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Trincomalee at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas within the city limits at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Trincomalee at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas within the city limits at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the elephant herds of Sri Lanka, and view a host of other wildlife, bird and plant species in their natural habitat, during this exciting, full-day safari excursion to Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park, Game Drive, Elephant Herds

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2-hour drive to Minneriya National Park. Situated within the elephant corridor, this relatively small reserve spans approximately 21,965 acres (about 8,889 hectares) and hosts an unusually large number of elephants. It is one of the best places to see wild herds at close range as they go about their day. Upon arrival, board an open-sided 4WD safari vehicle and begin your exciting, approximately 3-hour game-drive. If you're lucky, you may even see a whole herd of adults with their young ones as they bathe or frolic in the water; an unforgettable sight.

Plant, Animal, Bird, Amphibian, Reptile, Fish, and Butterfly Species, Endemic Bamboo Trees

In addition to the elephants, other dry zone plant and animal species are also found in abundance; about 160 bird species, nine amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are also rare bamboo trees unique to this park.

Cinnamon Lodge, Lunch, Return Drive

Following your game-drive in this elephant haven, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the Cinnamon Lodge. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover the ancient temples and local sights of Trincomalee during a scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to this historic port city.

Trincomalee

Depart the pier for a picturesque sightseeing tour of Trincomalee and its surrounds. A natural deep-water harbour, Trincomalee has attracted seafarers for centuries; Ptolemy, Marco Polo, and traders from across Southeast Asia and China have all docked here. This seafaring town is also home to the largest Dutch fortress in Sri Lanka, as well as the oldest Hindu temple. Today, its pristine beaches are a hub for surfing, scuba diving, whale-watching and fishing.

Konēswaram Temple, Trincomalee City Drive

Your tour begins with a scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Konēswaram Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Konēswaram Temple is nestled amidst the historic and much-fought-over Fort Fredrick, a 17th-century Dutch Fort. The original shrine was demolished in 1622 by the Portuguese, who called it the 'Temple of a Thousand Columns', and fortified the heights of the fort with material derived from its destruction. Some of the artefacts from the originally demolished temple were kept in the Lisbon Museum, including a stone inscription by King Kulakkottan. Leaving the temple and fort, take an orientation drive through one of the oldest cities in Asia, along with the sights, sounds, culture and architecture that reflect its glorious history as a bustling port.

Refreshment Stop, Velgam Vehera Temple Ruins, Brick Dagobas, Balustrades, Guard Stones

Following a brief refreshment stop at a local venue, a final stop is made at Velgam Vehera, an important historic temple revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists. Built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307 B.C.-267 B.C.) it's been declared an archaeological protected site by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. The collapse of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms, which led to migration of the population to southern parts of Sri Lanka, resulted in the temple being abandoned and falling into ruin. During your guided walking tour of the ruins, see stone inscriptions, brick dagobas, balustrades and guard stones scattered around the temple complex. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the spiritual and cultural side of Sri Lanka at night during this half-day Buddhist temple visit and cultural show.

Trincomalee, City Drive, Historic Sites, Pristine Beaches

Depart the pier for the scenic approximately 30-minute drive to the Velgam Vehera Buddhist Temple. En route, take a scenic sightseeing drive through the historic port city of Trincomalee, one of the oldest cities in Asia, and marvel at the local sights, sounds, and culture. A natural deep-water harbour, Trincomalee has attracted seafarers for centuries. Ptolemy, Marco Polo, and traders from across southeast Asia and China have all docked here. Today, its pristine beaches are a hub for surfing, scuba diving, whale-watching, and fishing. This sea town is also home to the largest Dutch fortress in Sri Lanka.

Velgam Vehera Buddhist Temple, Temple Ruins, Flowers, Incense

Following your sightseeing drive, head to Velgam Vehera, an important and historic temple revered by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists. Built during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa (307 B.C.-267 B.C.) it's been declared a protected site by the Sri Lanka Archaeological Department. The collapse of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms led to migration of the population to southern parts of Sri Lanka, resulting in the temple being abandoned and falling into ruin. During your visit, see some of these ruins, including stone inscriptions, brick dagobas, balustrades and guard stones, scattered around the temple complex. Flowers and incense sticks have been arranged for you to offer, as the locals do.

Traditional Dance Show, Colourful Costumes & Facemasks, Drum Orchestra

Next, proceed to the temple's entertainment venue and delve deeper into the local culture with a traditional dance show. Sri Lankan dance forms date back to time immemorial. Reflecting the country's heritage and Sri Lankan dance culture are richly-decorated and colourful costumes and facemasks. A medley of local dances includes the mesmerizing Naga Raksha with masked male dancers; Thelme, with its dervish-like swirling on hypnotic beats; Gaja Wannama, the dance of the elephant, and others. The dynamism and energy of these dancers is enthralling, and the show culminates with a special drum orchestra. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.