Sigiriya Rock and Wild Elephant Safari from Kandy City

Rising from the central plains, the iconic outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's most dramatic sight — near-vertical walls climbing to a summit that holds the ruins of King Kassapa's short-lived kingdom, with spellbinding early-morning vistas over mist-wrapped forests. You climb vertiginous staircases past remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion's paws, while lily-pad moats, water gardens, quiet shrines and an excellent museum add to its rock-star appeal.

From there you head to a local Sigiriya village to experience life much as it has always been lived. A double ox-cart carries you through paddy fields to a manmade reservoir, alive with birdlife, butterflies and the odd crocodile, before a catamaran safari glides across the water to a Chena cultivation. A traditional village lunch follows, then a safari at Minneriya National Park in search of wild elephant herds.

• Public transportation nearby

• More than 24 hours notice: full refund
• Less than 24 hours notice: no refund

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