Tales of Ancient Ceylon is a short, 3-day tour into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites beginning from the historical Dambulla Golden Cave Temple complex that once served as both an ancient kingdom as well as a monastery for Buddhist monks and pilgrims. This site dates back to the 1st Century BC and has a mesmerizing story to tell. Climb the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortification of stone was home to King Kasyapa during the 5th Century AD. The ruined city of Polonnaruwa is the next site on the list and has a history dating back as far as the 10th Century AD. It is considered one of Sri Lanka’s prime examples of ancient culture and heritage. You will also go on a Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park.
Duration
The tour starts at
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Day 1
Colombo > Dambulla > Sigiriya
Start your journey from your hotel in Colombo OR Katunayake International airport . Thereafter proceed to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple
Start your journey at 0700 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. You will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the hotel you will be escorted to your air conditio...
Start your journey at 0700 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. You will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the hotel you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple.
Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.
On completion proceed to SIgiriya and check in to the hotel and relax.
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Day 2
Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > MInneriya > Sigiriya
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Thereafter enjoy a Wild life safari at Minneriya National Park
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capita...
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a wild life safari at Minneriya National Park.
This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
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Day 3
Sigiriya > Colombo
Early in the morning visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Thereafter return to the hotel, relax, check out, visit a local village in Sigiriya and get an authentic experience of Sri Lankan Village life.
Early in the morning by 07:00 am visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paw...
Early in the morning by 07:00 am visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
Thereafter return to the hotel, relax, check out, visit a local village in Sigiriya and get an authentic experience of Sri Lankan Village life.
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
On completion return back to your hotel in Colombo OR drop at Airport for departure
Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide throughout the tour.
All prevailing taxes and service charges (Except for Credit Card Charges).
Hotel Accommodation.
International / Domestic Airfare.
Any expenses of personal nature.
Entrance fees to the respective sites.