History
Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is an ancient palace built by King Kasyapa (477 - 485 CE) on top of a rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Dambulla Cave Temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry.
The first visit will be Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.
Inside Dambulla Cave Temple
Stupa with Buddha statues
Image of a reclining Buddha
Next stop will be at Habarana for a village tour. You will be taken around the village on a Bullock cart. And after seeing how a typical village functions you get to have a complimentary lunch at the village.
Bullock Cart
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Bullock Cart Village Tour
Bullock Cart Village Tour
After having your lunch the next visit will be to the Inamaluwa Gem (Sapphire) Museum. And after the Gem Museum you will get the chance to visit a wood carving factory in Sigiriya to see how various wooden products are made.
Inamaluwa Gem (Sapphire) Museum
Wood Carving
Wood Carving
Next stop is Sigiriya the Rock Fortress, and get the chance to see the sunset from the summit of Sigiriya the Rock Fortress, it will be a great opportunity to take some great photos. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning and is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
Rock Fortress
Frescoes
Royal Stone Throne
Sigiriya View from Above
First Boulder
Sigiriya Water Garden
Sunset from above Sigiriya
Sunset seen from the Summit of Sigiriya
Sunset Seen from the Summit
After all the sightseeing for the day, you will get to relax by spending some quality time at a Ayurvedic spa at Habarana. And after the Ayurvedic spa you will have Dinner at a restaurant of your choice while on the way back to Kandy.
