Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heart & Nature Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Dambulla and Kandalama combine ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Home to the magnificent UNESCO-listed Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, dramatic rock formations, peaceful lakes, and world-famous architecture, this region is one of the island’s finest destinations for both cultural exploration and nature-based holidays.
Discover over 2,000 years of Buddhist history inside the spectacular cave temple, explore the ancient Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Burial Site, or venture to nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest archaeological masterpieces. For adventure seekers, soar above the countryside in a hot-air balloon, enjoy a thrilling skydiving experience, cycle through quiet villages and ancient ruins, or glide across the tranquil waters of Kandalama Lake aboard a traditional catamaran.
Kandalama is equally famous for the iconic Heritance Kandalama Hotel, Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural masterpiece that blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest. Complete your visit with an unforgettable dining experience inside a Stone Age cave, where traditional village cuisine and modern fine dining meet in one of Sri Lanka’s most unique restaurants. Before leaving the region, don’t miss Dambulla’s lively evening wholesale vegetable market, where farmers from across the country gather to trade fresh produce in one of Sri Lanka’s largest agricultural marketplaces.
Travel there comfortably with CCT Sri Lanka. Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised holiday planning ensure a smooth and relaxing journey to Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland.
Destination Highlights
UNESCO Cave Temple | Sigiriya Nearby | Hot-Air Ballooning | Skydiving | Kandalama Lake | Catamaran Cruises | Village Cycling | Stone Age Dining | Ancient Archaeology | Nature | Luxury Stays | Cultural Triangle
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long, tiring road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Dambulla Cave Temple
Explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, discovering five cave shrines, ancient Buddha statues, colourful murals, and over two thousand years of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
Buddhist Heritage | UNESCO Site
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Burial Site
Discover the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Burial Site, exploring one of Sri Lanka’s oldest archaeological cemeteries while uncovering prehistoric burial traditions and ancient civilisation.
Archaeology | Ancient History
Hot-Air Ballooning
Float peacefully above the Cultural Triangle at sunrise, enjoying breathtaking views of forests, lakes, villages, Sigiriya Rock, and Sri Lanka’s spectacular landscapes glowing in the early morning.
Sunrise Flight | Panoramic Views
Private Hot-Air Balloon
Charter an exclusive private hot-air balloon, enjoying a peaceful sunrise flight above Sigiriya, forests, reservoirs, and the breathtaking Cultural Triangle landscapes.
Exclusive Flight | Luxury Experience
Kandalama Catamaran Cruise
Glide across peaceful Kandalama Lake aboard a traditional catamaran, surrounded by wildlife, forested hills, spectacular sunsets, and tranquil natural beauty.
Sunset Cruise | Nature
Haute Cuisine in a Stone Age Cave
Indulge in exceptional fine dining inside a prehistoric cave, where gourmet cuisine, candlelit ambience, and extraordinary surroundings create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Fine Dining | Unique Venue
Ambula in a Stone Age Cave
Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan village cuisine inside a prehistoric cave, combining traditional flavours, cultural heritage, and an unforgettable dining experience unlike any other in Sri Lanka.
Village Cuisine | Cave Dining
Kandalama Cycling Adventure
Cycle through Kandalama’s peaceful countryside, discovering forests, villages, paddy fields, reservoirs, and hidden archaeological treasures beyond the usual tourist routes.
Village Life | Ancient Ruins
Skydiving
Experience an exhilarating tandem skydive above the Cultural Triangle, enjoying breathtaking aerial views before landing amidst Sri Lanka’s spectacular ancient landscapes with expert instructors.
Adrenaline | Scenic Flight
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal together with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Guided Tour of Sigiriya
Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, discovering royal gardens, ancient frescoes, remarkable engineering, palace ruins, and fascinating history with an experienced local guide.
UNESCO Heritage | Expert Guide
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
