Colombo Trip Overview
Visit three top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka on this all inclusive tour. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. This temple complex dates back to the first century BCE. This is the most notable cave temple in sri lanka. It has five caves, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. Inside the ceilings of the caves there are colorful religious images. Minneriya National park is one of the only place in the world to witness the largest Asian elephant Gathering known to exist in the planet.
• Step back in time on a military history tour
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• All transportation included with hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Visit three top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka on this all inclusive tour. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. This temple complex dates back to the first century BCE. This is the most notable cave temple in sri lanka. It has five caves, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. Inside the ceilings of the caves there are colorful religious images. Minneriya National park is one of the only place in the world to witness the largest Asian elephant Gathering known to exist in the planet.
• Step back in time on a military history tour
• Hear commentary from an expert guide
• All transportation included with hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
The cave complex at Dambulla is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world. It was here that King Vattagamini Abhaya (Valagamba) took refuge in the 1st century BCE. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Later kings made further improvements, including King Nissanka Malla who had the temple interior gilded, earning it the name of Ran Giri – Golden Rock. These 80 or more caves tell of the inhabitants dating back to the 3rd Century BCE. Five main caves hold the holy Buddhist shrines. The stupa was built in the 5th century AD and the caves contain precious paintings and innumerable Buddha sculptures.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located in the central district of Matale close to the town of Dambulla. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sri Lankacomplex is considered one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning, The fortress is outlined with a web of gardens, tanks and structures. King Kashyapa (also known as Kasyapa I or Kassapa), was the eldest son of King Dhatusena, by a palace concubine. As legend goes, King Dhatusena was overthrown and walled in, alive by Kashyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son by the true queen fled to India, vowing revenge. Fearing retribution, Kashyapa built this impregnable fortress at Sigiriya and sought salvation from his brother’s vengeance
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka
Minneriya National Park is located 182 km away from Colombo in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The major cities closest to Minneriya National Park is Habarana and Polonnaruwa. The renovated vast ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir that irrigates the considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park. Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks, Minneriya National Park gives the opportunity to see herds of Elephants throughout the year. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the World famous Great Elephant Gathering of the Asian wild elephants. View the famous elephants as they graze on the grasses growing on the tank bed. Perhaps you’ll spot any of the park’s diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langers, purple-faced leaf monkeys, porcupines, and assorted birds.
Duration: 4 hours
