Colombo Trip Overview
Sri Lanka is so rich in historical and cultural attractions that it seems impossible to squeeze in everything on a condensed itinerary. Learn about ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District. Sigiriya, refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. Today, it is listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites. It’s also hailed as one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. After that, you’ll head to Dambulla learn about the vibrant history of Sri Lanka. You’ll also enjoy a delicious and filling lunch before visiting other destinations like the cave temple in Dambulla and Pidurangala Rock. Wrap up the experience with a wonderful sunset view before heading back to Negombo.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 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
Sri Lanka is so rich in historical and cultural attractions that it seems impossible to squeeze in everything on a condensed itinerary. Learn about ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District. Sigiriya, refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. Today, it is listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites. It’s also hailed as one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. After that, you’ll head to Dambulla learn about the vibrant history of Sri Lanka. You’ll also enjoy a delicious and filling lunch before visiting other destinations like the cave temple in Dambulla and Pidurangala Rock. Wrap up the experience with a wonderful sunset view before heading back to Negombo.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
One of the most inspiring, dramatic and beautiful historical locations in the world is UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In 1982, UNESCO declared Sigiriya as a World Heritage site. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. In Sri Lanka,Sigiriya Rock Fortress view amaze the visitors with the unique harmony between the environment and human imagination.
Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Pidurangala Rock, Pidurangala,Sigiriya, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks living around Sigiriya to a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. An ancient cave temple still houses objects from various vintages that reflect Buddhist, Hindu and western beliefs, and the stupa to the left of the temple entrance is believed to mark the spot where King Kasyapa was cremated. Pidurangala is a more challenging climb than Sigiriya, so should not be attempted by those with poor physical fitness. There is no clear path to the top: steep, uneven steps give way to an expanse of boulders and crevices that climbers must navigate in order to reach the summit. From the top, there are glorious vistas of the surrounding landscape and an incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Kandy – Jaffna Highway, Dambulla 21100 Sri Lanka
Dambulla Cave temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a world heritage site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m (525 ft) over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The later 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, god Vishnu and god Ganesh. The murals, covers an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha’s temptation by Mara (demon) and Buddha’s first sermon.
Duration: 1 hour
