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 metres high. Today, it is listed as one of the UNSESCO Heritage Sites. After that, you’ll head to Dambulla Cave Temple to learn about the vibrant history of Sri Lanka. You’ll also enjoy a delicious and filling lunch before visiting the other destination Pidurangala Rock. Wrap up the experience with a wonderful Minneriya Jeep Safari before heading back to Negombo/Colombo.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
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 metres high. Today, it is listed as one of the UNSESCO Heritage Sites. After that, you’ll head to Dambulla Cave Temple to learn about the vibrant history of Sri Lanka. You’ll also enjoy a delicious and filling lunch before visiting the other destination Pidurangala Rock. Wrap up the experience with a wonderful Minneriya Jeep Safari before heading back to Negombo/Colombo.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo/Colombo – Sigiriya – Pidurangala – Dambulla
Stop At: Pidurangala Rock, Pidurangala,Sigiriya, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometres 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: 3 hours
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace built by King Kashyapa during the reign of 473 – 495 which is standing majestically 660 feet straight up. It is located in the northern Matale district near the town of Dambulla in central province of Sri Lanka. The word Sigiriya or the Sinhagiri means the Lion’s Rock where you have to climb up 1200 steps before you reach the Lion Rock Fortress on top of Sigiriya. It will take 1.5 – 3 hours to climb up the rock and to get back down but that sounds harder than it is. There are several platforms that break up the steps and allow for a little break if you need it. Today Sigiriya rock fortress is one of the most famous Archeological Treasure and UNESCO named Sigiriya rock as a World
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
One of the most impressive and, one of the eight UNESCO attractions Sri Lankahas to offer are the incredible Dambulla Caves. Sitting on top of a 160-metre high rock and surrounded by the plains of Kurunegala on one side and the rock of Sigiriya and the mountain of Ritigala on the other, these five caves cut in have been a pilgrim’s destination for centuries. Given the discovery of human skeletons dating back around 3000 years in the local area, at Ibbankatuwa, it is assumed these caves were homes to pre-historic locals.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay in a 3 Star Hotel In Sigiriya
Day 2: Sigiriya – Minneriya – Negombo/Colombo
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
Minneriya, situated at the centre of the Cultural Triangle, is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it is easy to weave a jeep drive here between visiting the ancient sites in this area.More than 20 mammals have been recorded in Minneriya National Park. In addition to its large elephant population, Minneriya also has leopards, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, wild pig, grey langers, monkeys, mongoose porcupine and pangolin.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
