Wildlife and World Heritage Tour from Hikkaduwa (2 Days)

Wildlife and World Heritage Tour from Hikkaduwa (2 Days)

Wildlife & World Heritage is a short, single night, 2-day tour into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites beginning from the historical Dambulla Golden Cave Temple complex that once served as both an ancient kingdom as well as monastery for Buddhist monks and pilgrims. Climb the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortification of stone was home to King Kasyapa during the 5th Century AD. It is considered one of Sri Lanka’s prime examples of ancient culture and heritage. Experience village life in Sigiriya and go on a Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park.

SKU: LK10011100

Itinerary

Day 1: Hikkaduwa > Dambulla > Minneriya > Sigiriya

Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 3-star hotel in Sigiriya

Day 2: Sigiriya > Hikkaduwa

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walkthrough the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter visit a local village in Sigiriya and get an authentic experience of Sri Lankan village life. (Travel Time – 20 to 30 mins)

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields are ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.