Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Dambulla

This tour takes you to three lesser knows, but amazing, locations in the area of Matale. You will first view the beautiful, historic and completely mysterious Nalanda Gedige. Then you will have a fun-filled visit in the form of the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens in Matale, where you learn more about spices and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use. You will then move onto a serious note with the secretive and ancient rock temple Aluvihara. Finally, you will visit the spectacular Sembuwatta Lake at sunset, making for some amazing views

SKU: LK60061400

Dambulla, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its majestic cave temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into a vast granite outcrop, these caves house ancient statues and vibrant frescoes depicting Buddha’s life. Beyond its cultural allure, Dambulla captivates visitors with its lush greenery and serene surroundings. The town offers a tranquil escape, inviting exploration of its rich history and natural beauty amidst the island’s central plains.

Nalanda Gedige is an old Dravidian (Pallava era) structure believed to have been built between the 8th to 10th centuries. At first view, it’s an obviously Hindu temple from the detailed wall and roof architecture, to the little windowless main shrine. However, the site’s erotic tantric sculptures, along with its plain moonstone, point to a more Buddhist origin.

Europia Spice Garden

Start your visit with a 1 to 1.5-hour tour of the spice and herbal gardens. During the tour, you will learn more about the gardens’ different spices and herbs, as well as how they are grown and harvested and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use.

Aluvihara is most famous as the place of creation of the Buddhist religious script ‘Tripitaka’. The stupa is literally built on top of a large rock. Meanwhile, the rock itself is riddled with a cave system. So far 13 caves have been found, with much more buried under old cave-ins. You will have to climb up and through the rock to see the historic and interesting insides of these caves and learn more about the history within.

You can return to Kandy at this time, or opt for a sunset visit to Sembuwatta Lake located in the Elkaduwa area. You will get there by 4:30 pm. Sembuwatta is an artificial lake made from a natural spring in the area. It’s famed for its amazing views and natural swimming pool. You will be spending a relaxing hour here, allowing you to take some spectacular photos with the setting sun.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A maximum of 8 people per booking
• Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended

• Per Person
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  Pickup included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Damblla.
• Transport by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• 2 x 500 ml water bottles per person.
• Cooking demo with traditional lunch.

• Entrance tickets to the visiting sites. (Sembuwatte Lake, Nalanda Gedige, and Matale Alu Viharaya)
• Food and beverages.
• Expenses of personal nature.
• Gratuities.

Trending Anuradhapura Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

Comfortable Walking Shoes and Hats are Recommended

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Lakpura LLC.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Colombo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.