Journey into the center of Sri Lanka and uncover ancient creations that will leave you awe-struck during this private tour. Explore the legendary Dambulla Cave Temple, an amazing piece of ancient architecture. The temple was built for meditating monks around the 1st century BCE and is fairly secluded. Then wander around the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site, and visit its museum. This private tour offers a more personalized experience.
Highlights
During this tour, you will visit the following points of interest in the specified order.
- Habarana City
- Sigiriya City
- Dambulla City
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of English-speaking chauffeur guide.
- 2 x 500 ml water bottle per person.
Excludes
Experience
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka:
Sigiriya Rock Fortress that dominates the Sigiriya area was the capital of King Kasyapa who ruled in the 5th century AD. The rock was once shaped into the shape of a lion, hence gaining its name. Now only the giant paws remain at the entrance to the climb up the rock. You can get to see the gardens and advanced irrigation systems that Kasyapa had built in his fortress. To this day the ponds remain full of water (though it is no longer as clean), and the remains of the walls and moats of his fortress can be seen. However, the most marvelous aspect of Sigiriya, which brought it international fame, is the unfading rock paintings that continue to confuse many experts. Despite being over a millennia-old the colors and shapes remain clear and bright as if they were newly painted. Once you return to the base from your climb up the rock, you can also visit the Sigiriya Museum which has some excellent pieces.
Duration: 3 hour
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Kandy - Jaffna Highway, Dambulla 21100 Sri Lanka:
One of the capitals of the medieval Sinhalese kings. The other rock temple of equal fame, Aluvihare, where, according to tradition, the Buddhist scriptures were first committed to writing about the first century B.C., lies about twenty-six miles to the south on the Kandy–Dambulla road. And the famous fortress of Sigiriya with its beautiful frescoes rises aloft like a gigantic cylinder at a distance of about twelve miles to the north-east of Dambulla. Dambulla is a site of unique interest. Its rock temples are the most extensive in the Island, and one of the most ancient, and in the highest state of preservation and order. Dambulla – gala (the rock of Dambulla), in which these temples are situated, is almost insulated and of vast size. Its perpendicular height above the plain is about six hundred feet. Very few parts of it are covered with wood, and in general, its surface is bare and black.
Duration: 3 hour
Additional Note
Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.
