Sigiriya, Dambulla 02 Days
Duration
2 Days
Cost
Contact us for details
WhenTo Go
Any time of the year
Pickup
Hotel-Tour-Hotel
Overview
Sigiriya, often referred to as the “Lion Rock,” is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks. This ancient rock fortress, located in the central part of the country, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the island’s rich history and architectural prowess.
The Sigiriya Rock rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, its sheer vertical walls adorned with stunning frescoes and the remnants of a grand palace at its summit. The site dates back to the 5th century and was used as a royal residence and a fortified citadel. The highlight of the climb is the Lion’s Paw Terrace, where visitors can witness the remains of two enormous lion paws that once formed the entrance to the palace.
Dambulla, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a town known for its remarkable cave temples, which are perched atop a massive rock. These cave temples are a treasure trove of Buddhist art and architecture, dating back to the 1st century BC. The caves are adorned with intricate murals and numerous statues of Lord Buddha, making Dambulla a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The Dambulla Cave Temples, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, consist of five different caves, each with its unique artistic and religious significance. Visitors can explore these caves and marvel at the centuries-old artworks and the sense of tranquility that permeates the surroundings.
Aside from the cave temples, Dambulla is surrounded by lush greenery and rice fields, providing a serene backdrop to this historical site. Exploring the caves and taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are among the highlights of a visit to Dambulla.
The Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, and it is renowned for its incredible wildlife and, in particular, the “Gathering of Elephants.” This annual event, which usually occurs during the dry season, sees hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank, a man-made reservoir, in search of water and food.
A safari in Minneriya National Park offers visitors a chance to witness this extraordinary spectacle of elephants in their natural habitat. Alongside elephants, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, various bird species, and other mammals.
This two-day tour will begin with a visit to the city of Kurunegala, which in ancient times was one of the capitals of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city is surrounded by seven mountains, on one of which, Etagala, there is a giant snow-white Buddha statue. A stunning panorama of the city and surroundings opens from the top, and many monkeys run around. Here, you will surely feel peace and take a lot of beautiful photos as a memento of your holiday in Sri Lanka.Next, we will go to conquer the modest neighborhood of Sigiriya, which is more famous among tourists—Mount Pidurangala. From its top, there is a magnificent view of Lion Rock. Since Pidurangala is also a Buddhist monastery, on the way up you can look into the temple, admire an exact copy of the famous Sigiriya frescoes, see the oldest (~10th century) 15-meter statue of Buddha, the remains of monastic cells, and read ancient rock inscriptions in the ancient Sinhalese language. If you wish, you can climb Sigiriya instead of Pidurangala by paying the difference in ticket prices ($25 per adult and $10 per child 5–11 years old).Overnight at the hotel.
The second day of our program will start in Minneriya National Park. The reserve is primarily known for its huge number of elephants. In addition, leopards, wild buffaloes, deer, wild boars, bears, peacocks, crocodiles, and many other species of birds and reptiles live in the Minneriya Reserve. - who you are lucky enough to meet depends not only on the skill of the jeep driver but also on your luck. The duration of the safari is about 3 hours.On our way back to the coast, we will stop at the Temple of the Golden Buddha in Dambulla. The temple has beautiful grounds where one of the largest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka are 30 meters high.We will also visit the garden of Ayurveda and spices, where they will show you and tell you in detail about the cultivation of useful plants used in traditional medicine and give you aromatic tea with spices. In addition, you will visit a working tea factory, where you will get acquainted with all the stages of making the famous Ceylon tea, learn to distinguish its varieties and taste the drink. Those who wish will have the opportunity to purchase tea directly from the manufacturer.
