Introduction

This will be perfect combination for history, culture & wild life lovers, visiting 3 important sites in Sri Lanka. With this day trip we take you to visit 2 of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya rock fortress & Dambulla cave temple complex. Finally We take you to  Minneriya National park safari. The tour will be a journey back in time to experience an incredible story of revenge, courage and love.

Tour Itinerary

Tour start with the convenient pickup from your hotel in Colombo at 6 AM for regular Sigiriya & Dambulla Tour. While for the extended tour, which includes Minneriya National Park, we start this tour by 5 AM. This is a 4 and half hour drive straight to Sigiriya.

Sigiriya

Climb the Sigiriya  lion rock. Your guide’s live narration help you learn how this ancient rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa, to be the capital and house the royal palace, and it’s Royal Gardens with its beautiful landscaping and water features. Hear how it was transformed into a Buddhist monastery in the 14th century.

Mirror Wall & Sky Palace

Climb the rock to find the famed Mirror Wall and the 6th century rock art. Journey to the Boulder Gardens and Terraced Gardens. See the exquisite frescoes that are approximately 1600 years old. Admire the Sigiriya Frescoes that depict the king’s harem on the face of the rocks.

Lunch Break

We have a one hour lunch break. We take you to have a tasty, traditional rice & curry lunch at Tropical Village restaurant. A modest restaurant opened daily.

Dambulla Cave Temple Complex

Following the break, we visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Upon arriving at the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, you will go directly to the Cave of the Divine King Devaraja Lena. View the 46ft. (14m) statue of Buddha made out of rock.

Read the first-century inscription at the entry of the cave telling of its origins. Continue over to the Cave of the Great Kings, the largest of the five caves. There you will see 40-seated statues of Buddha, cave paintings on the ceiling, and more. The ceiling and wall paintings found in the Great New Monastery date back to the 1700s and provide you with a unique insight into the Buddhist Revivalist period. See a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha and 50 statues of Buddha.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National park is the only place in the world to witness the largest Asian elephant gathering known to exist in the planet. Watch as these huge animals drink, play and snack on the green, lush grasses that have been exposed by the receding water. This three hours private jeep safari will be a thrilling experience during your visit to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Included:

• Transfer via an air conditioned car or van
• Services of a local tour guide

Not included:

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Meals