Tales of Ancient Ceylon from Colombo (3 Days)

Start your journey at 0700 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. You will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the hotel you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple. 

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.

On completion proceed to SIgiriya and check in to the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. 

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history.

Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a wild life safari at Minneriya National Park. 

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.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Early in the morning by 07:00 am visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

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. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter return to the hotel, relax, check out, visit a local village in Sigiriya and get an authentic experience of Sri Lankan Village life. 

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 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.

On completion return back to your hotel in Colombo OR drop at Airport for departure