History
Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near town of Dambulla of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. King Kasyapa (477 – 485 CE) built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa is a town, it’s the main town of Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa, remains as the royal ancient city of polonnaru kingdom. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Cholainvaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site
The first stop is at Sigiriya the Rock Fortress. 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
Boulder Entrance
Sigiriya Water Garden
After visiting Sigiriya you will have lunch at a restaurant of your choice at Polonnaruwa. After finishing your lunch you will visit the ruins of the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Cholainvaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Thuparamaya : Buddhist place of worship
Council Chamber
Royal Palace
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
Statue of King Parakramabahu
Reclining Buddha in Gal Vihara
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.
