From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour – Mahanuvara, Sri Lanka

EXPERIENCE

Take a full day excursion out to Sigiriya, where you’ll visit two fascinating sites: the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave complex full of Buddhist imagery, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a massive column of rock turned into a fortress. After pickup at 7:00 AM from your hotel in Kandy, head out of the city towards the first site. On the way, admire Sri Lanka s countryside and villages as you journey to this atmospheric cliff side cave complex packed with Buddhist imagery and frescoes.  

Firstly visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigirya is perhaps Sri Lanka s single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization. Climb the 5th-century rock fortress and walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion (which give the fortress its name, The Lion Rock ). View the beautiful unfaded murals that brought Sigiriya its fame, climb the steep staircase to the terraced gardens, and walk through the tunnels throughout the palace. You ll get an eerie feeling of times long past.

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Guatama Buddha. Admire the hundreds of figurines of the Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the 5 main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery, as well as the giant golden Buddha statue just a little distance outside of the cave complex.  

At noon, enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice before traveling approximately 45 minutes to visit historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Guatama Buddha. Admire the hundreds of figurines of the Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the 5 main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery, as well as the giant golden Buddha statue just a little distance outside of the cave complex.  

Finish your tour at 5:00 PM, at which point you ll head back to Kandy to be dropped off at around 8:00 PM. Stop en route to have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

HIGHLIGHTS

Admire the hundreds of images of Buddha in the Dambulla Cave Temple
See the first example of modern urban planning at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Admire Sri Lanka’s countryside on the drive to and from these sites
Enjoy a fully private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle

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