Bentota - Sigiriya – Dambulla- Minneriya National Park : 2 Days Trip

Day 1: Bentota /Kautara / Wadduwa - Dambulla- Minneriya National Park - Sigiriya

1. Golden Temple of Dambulla
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Early morning leave for Dambulla (approx. 3 ½ hours drive from Colombo) and climb the Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla.
   The Dambulla cave Temples are another UNESCO World Heritage site which date back to the 1st Century BC. This cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings' mage further improvements and the caves now contain 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls.
   The hike up to the caves is short but steep (approx. 15-40 mins depending on route taken). At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
2. Minneriya National Park
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   After lunch head out on a Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park (3 hrs) and travel to the hotel for one night stay.
   Do not miss out on this quintessential safari destination that offers the best spotting of wildlife in its strikingly beautiful forest.
   This National Park with 8889 hectares in extent is famous for it large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Capture the golden opportunity to witness the Asia’s largest gathering of mighty elephants, wandering in the green grassland overlooking the beautiful Minneriya reservoir- the heart of the life of the national park.
   Elephants, about 300 wild elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, sambhur, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of reptiles, 160 spececies of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties f butterflies are recorded from the Minneriya National Park.
   Get a thrilling look at the elephants of Minneriya National Park during this 3-hour private Jeep safari. Travel to a wilderness refuge known for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth (each June through September), observing these giant creatures as they drink, feed, and congregate. The chance to observe numerous species of birds, amphibians, and fish is an added bonus.
   With the grace of majestic giants and pristine tropical dry forest settings, Minneriya National Park is a perfect spot to spend few hours witnessing one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on earth.

Day 2: Sigiriya - Rock Fortress - Hiriwadunna Village Tour - Bentota/Kalutara/Wadduwa

1. Sigiriya Lion Rock
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Morning after breakfast, visit Lions Rock in Sigiriya, a UNESCO world heritage site adorning a palace on its peak.
   This UNESCO World Heritage Site’ is one of the Sri Lanka’s major attractions and the 5th Century ‘Fortress in the Sky’ which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from mils around. It is also known as Lions Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600 –foot high rock.
   Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and though to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477- 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery.
   On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges of the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder gardens and the Caves with the enclosed are should not be missed.
2. Hiriwadunna
   2h
   Hiriwadunna Village Tour-
   Afterwards having wonderful experience with Village Tour. Enjoy a scenic Catamaran ride in the reservoir a relaxing trip with plenty of nature and wildlife, and You can experience traditional village like and a walk through paddy fields and vegetable crops in the area by bullock cart ride & Tuk Tuk ride.
   Try your hands in preparing some delicious Sri Lankan delicacies, and spicy, fresh treat will be served to you for lunch and proceed back to Bentota / Kalutara or Wadduwa.

Pickup details

We pick up from any hotel or residence in Bentota

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness