History
Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. 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.
Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, the reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts.
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 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
First Boulder
Sigiriya Water Garden
After visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress you will be having Lunch and after lunch you will get the chance to visit a wood carving factory in Sigiriya to see how various wooden products are made.
Next visit is the Minneriya National Park which gives the opportunity to sight herds of Elephants throughout the year. Gathering is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. Huge herd of elephants, sometimes numbering up to 300. This Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate to witness it. Not only elephants but 23 other mammal species, 170 bird species, and 9 amphibians & 25 reptile species are at the National Park.
A chance to spot a Leopard
Wildlife Safari
Elephant Gathering
Elephants
Sri Lankan axis deer
Large Elephant Gathering
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.
