Day tour to Dambulla, Sigiriya Rock & Minneriya Safari

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. The Dambulla Rock Temple had first been constructed during the rein of King Vattagamini Abhaya. The Sinhalese often call him as King Valagamba. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka

The ancient rock fortress and palace of Sigiriya (aka Lions Rock) is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. It has also been declared by UNESCO as the 8th Wonder of the world. Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. From the 5th century BC, the fortress was used as a rock shelter mountain monastery, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. It is thought that the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) and most of the elaborate constructions on the rock summit date back to this period as well as defensive structures, palaces and gardens. There was even a royal bathing pool on the summit, which still fills with rain water. An interesting feature of Sigiriya is the Mirror Wall. Made of a kind of porcelain, this wall was originally so well polished that the King could see his reflection as he walked alongside it. Today, the wall is partially covered with verses scribbled by visitors to the rock, some of which date from the 8th century. Similarly, the wall frescoes are clouded in mystery and the subject of many a legend. Whether you are keen on art and history or not, a visit to Sigirya is a must for all to see the breath-taking views.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka

The Minneriya National Park is a protected wildlife reserve in the heart of Sri Lanka's Dry Zone. Its main feature is the Minneriya Reservoir, the largest of 16 built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena. Minneriya National Park is home to one of the most spectacular natural events in the world – the Elephant Gathering. In the dry months of August and September, about 300 elephants from the park and the surrounding area – including the Wasgamuwa National Park – gather at the reservoir in large numbers to get much-needed refreshment. These gentle giants are a sight to behold, as they frolic in the waters and interact with elephants from other herds. Although the months in which the elephant gathering occurs offers the best experience, the safari tour of Minneriya National Park is a rewarding safari experience any day of the year.

Duration: 3 hours