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"Sigiriya rock fortress & Dambulla cave temples day tour from Kandy"
Sigiriya is a breathtaking destination in Sri Lanka that offers visitors a wealth of unique experiences. This ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits atop a towering rock formation and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and water features. A climb to the top offers magnificent views of the countryside. Just a short drive away is the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors can see stunning frescoes and intricate carvings in the five separate caves.
For a taste of local life, a village safari takes you to traditional homes and artisans and offers the opportunity to learn how to cook Sri Lankan cuisine. The nearby spice gardens provide a chance to learn about Sri Lanka's culinary traditions and see how spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are grown and harvested.
A visit to Nalanda Gedige, an ancient temple located near Matale, offers a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. The Ibbankatuwa Necropolis, an archaeological site near Dambulla, is home to a collection of ancient tombs and burial sites. Finally, the Minneriya National Park, home to hundreds of elephants and other wildlife species, offers visitors an unforgettable jeep safari through the park to see these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat.
The tour is conducted by a certified tour guide from our team #srilankabycar in a private air-conditoned vehicle with pickup and drop off to your address
The perfect combination for history & culture lovers visiting 2 important sites in Sri Lanka. With this day trip we take you to visit 2 of the 8 Unesco world heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka's most visited attraction and Dambulla cave temple complex. A journey back in time to experience an incredible story of revenge, courage and love.
Tour start with the convenient pickup from your hotel in Kandy at 8 AM for regular Sigiriya & Dambulla Tour. While for the extended tour which includes Minneriya National Park we start this tour by 6 AM
This is a 2 and half hour drive straight to Sigiriya first. We will be visiting Dambulla caves on return to Kandy
Climb the Sigiriya rock. Your guide's live narration help you Learn how this ancient rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa to be the capital and house the royal palace and it's Royal Gardens with its beautiful landscaping and water features. Hear how it was transformed into a Buddhist monastery in the 14th century.
The fortress, also known as the "Lion Rock," was built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa, and is a remarkable feat of engineering and architecture. The fortress is perched atop a 200-meter high rock, and is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning natural beauty. The site is notable for its well-preserved frescoes, which depict scenes from daily life in ancient Sri Lanka, as well as for its impressive water gardens and other architectural features. Visitors can climb to the top of the rock and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, or explore the many caves and other structures that make up the fortress.
Climb the rock to find the famed Mirror Wall and the 6th century rock art. Journey to the Boulder Gardens and Terraced Gardens. See the exquisite frescoes that are approximately 1600 years old. Admire the Sigiriya Frescoes that depict the king's harem on the face of the rocks. Then, it is time to go to the summit of the fortress at Sky Palace.
We have a one hour lunch break. We take you to have a tasty traditional rice & curry lunch at Tropical Village restaurant. A modest restaurant offering daily buffet lunch.
Ibbankatuwa Necropolis, a remarkable burial site located in the heart of Sri Lanka, dating back to the early Anuradhapura period, between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, and is a fascinating testament to the rich history and culture of this Island.
As you explore the site, you will encounter a multitude of circular and rectangular-shaped tombs, carefully crafted from bricks and stone slabs. These tombs are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the ancient Sri Lankans, and offer a glimpse into their beliefs and traditions surrounding death and the afterlife.Archaeological excavations have also uncovered a variety of artifacts at the site, including human remains, pottery, beads, and other items. These relics provide insight into the daily life and social structures of the early Anuradhapura period
Whether you are a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Ibbankatuwa Necropolis is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience. Come and discover the secrets of this ancient burial site, and uncover the mysteries of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
Following the break, we visit Dambulla Cave Temples. Upon arriving at the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, you will go directly to the Cave of the Divine King Devaraja Lena. View the 46ft. (14m) statue of Buddha made out of rock.
Read the first-century inscription at the entry of the cave telling of its origins. Continue over to the Cave of the Great Kings, the largest of the five caves. There you will see 40-seated statues of Buddha, cave paintings on the ceiling, and more. The ceiling and wall paintings found in the Great New Monastery date back to the 1700s and provide you with a unique insight into the Buddhist Revivalist period. See a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha and 50 statues of Buddha. Return to your hotel provided at the end of the tour, at approximately 5 pm.
"Gedige" refers to a type of ancient Sri Lankan architecture that was used for royal palaces, temples, and other important buildings. The word "gedige" is derived from the Sinhalese word "gadige", which means "vaulted roof". The main characteristic of gedige architecture is the use of corbelling techniques to create a series of overlapping stone or brick layers to form a vaulted roof. This technique was used to create large, open interior spaces without the need for columns or other supporting structures. Gedige architecture is considered to be one of the most significant contributions of ancient Sri Lanka to the field of architecture.
A Sigiriya village safari is a wonderful way to explore the rural areas surrounding the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. The experience offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with friendly locals, and learn about their way of life. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area and may spot some of the local wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and even elephants. The safari may include a visit to a local market where visitors can purchase locally produced goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables and fragrant spices. Additionally, visitors can learn about traditional farming practices and may have the opportunity to participate in farming activities. Cooking demonstrations or participating in first person in cooking is gaining popularity among many travellers, we invite you to consider this option as well.
By taking a Sigiriya village safari, visitors can also support local communities, as the income generated from tourism helps to sustain local businesses and families.
All sales are final. Incur 100% cancellation penalty.
Entrance tickets are excluded and cost 30 USD per person to Sigiriya, payable only in local currency, approximately 10500 LKR. Dambulla cave temple's entrance tickets cost 10 USD per person, payable only in local currency, approximately 3500 LKR
Please do let us know in advance if you have any specific food allergies
If you have pre-sale questions or any concerns, click the button below to send us an email. We will make sure you get an answer within a couple of hours
Send emailTo book over the phone or to have more details of this tour call now. Or schedule an appointment to talk over Skype. Our handle is "srilankabycar"
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