Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

“The Lions rock” the 8th World Wonder is in our Central plains was chosen by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD as his citadel. Jutting out of the countryside this famous rock is over 200 meters high and dominates the surrounding terrain. The King ruled for 18 yrs from this rock fortress, and is a colourful part of the Islands history .It is a marvel of engineering .The wall murals and the lions paws are a marvel of Art and architecture. The view of the surrounding countryside from the top is astounding. The Palace and its gardens on the crest and the design of surrounding landscape are beyond compare. Sigiriya has been designated an 8th wonder of the world and is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. A must visit for any traveller!

Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple

The Golden Temple! This world heritage site is in the central plains of Sri Lanka and within the cultural triangle. Its History dates back to the 3rd to 7th centuries BC with new evidence showing even older occupation .Its magnificent rock cave temple complexes are well preserved and leave the visitor with a sense of awe. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon.

Anuradhapura

Considered the oldest city of Sri Lanka, this ancient city in the North Central province of Sri Lanka was established in the 3-4th century B.C and was the capital city for over a thousand five hundred years. It was the seat of the Great Sinhala Kings who found the Royal heritage of the Sinhalese civilization. This city was famous in all of South East Asia. Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, it has great archaeological and historical value with evidence of beautiful architecture and engineering feats of that era. Ruins of the great palaces and courtyards and many religious complexes cover the surrounding countryside, including the tallest Stupa the Ruwanweliseya. Of great religious significance is the Sacred Bo tree, which is a sapling of the Tree under which the Lord Buddha attained Nirvana in 2500 BC. It is the world’s oldest venerated tree, which was brought to the Island by Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka of India, who established Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC!

Activities & Attractions

Day 1

• Pineapple Plantation
• Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
• Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple
• Overnight Stay in Sigirya

Day 2

• Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour