Sigirya and Minneriya from Colombo (2 Days)

The excursion

Itinerary

• Day 1 — Colombo \u2192 Dambulla \u2192 Minneriya \u2192 Sigiriya
• The day travels north from Colombo to the cave temples of Dambulla before an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park, ending at Sigiriya.
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• The Golden Temple of Dambulla dates back to the 1st century BC and holds five main caves with ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha, along with hundreds of Buddha and deity figurines. Highlights include the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. A giant golden Buddha statue stands a short distance outside the cave complex.
• Minneriya National Park Safari
• A three-hour safari through Minneriya National Park's forests and scrubland, known for the Great Elephant Gathering between May and October, when over 150 elephants can congregate in one place. The park is also home to a range of other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
• Day 2 — Sigiriya \u2192 Colombo
• The second day is spent exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a nearby village before returning to Colombo.
• Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
• Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress where King Kasyapa once ruled, entering through steps framed by giant lion's paws that give the site its name, the Lion Rock. The climb passes the fortress's unfading ancient murals, a steep staircase, terraced gardens and still-working cisterns, and tunnels leading up to the former palace.
• Sigiriya Village Tour
• A village experience that includes a catamaran ride across a calm lake and a walk through fields of ripening paddy. A traditional cooking demonstration teaches the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a home-cooked lunch served on lotus leaves over woven trays.