Sigiriya Rock and Wild Elephant Safari from Dambulla (Private Day Tour)

Sigiriya Rock and Wild Elephant Safari from Dambulla (Private Day Tour)

This private day trip will visit three famous destinations in Sri Lanka, one is historical, another cultural, and the final destination a place where man meets nature. The historical destination is the rock fortress, Sigiriya; the cultural destination is the beautiful rural village, and the final nature destination is the Minneriya National Park.

You will be visiting Sigiriya first for a view of the famous Sigiriya Rock Paintings and the many marvellous ‘modern’ additions that King Kasiappa had in his fortress. Afterwards, you will visit a Sri Lankan village still living in a bygone era for a taste of authentic Sri Lankan traditions and activities (the tasting part is literal as you will get lunch here too). Finally, you will be visiting the Minneriya National Park for a chance to see some wildlife in their natural habitats.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka

According to inscriptions found in the caves which honeycomb the base of the rock fortress, Sigiriya served as a place of religious retreat as far back as the third century BC, when Buddhist monks established refuge in the locale. It wasn’t until the fifth century AD, however, that Sigiriya rose briefly to supremacy in Sri Lanka, following the power struggle which succeeded the reign of Dhatusena (455-473) of Anuradhapura. King Dhatusena had two sons, Mogallana, by one of the most desired and finest of his queens, and Kassapa, by a less significant consort. Upon hearing that Mogallana had been declared heir to the throne, Kassapa rebelled, driving Mogallana into exile in India and imprisoning his father, King Dhatusena. The legend of Dhatusena’s subsequent demise offers an enlightening illustration of the importance given to water in early Sinhalese civilization.

Threatened with death if he refused to reveal the whereabouts of the state treasure, Dhatusena agreed to show his errant son its location if he was permitted to bathe one final time in the great Kalawewa Tank, of which the construction he had overseen. Standing within the tank, Dhatusena poured its water through his hands and told Kassapa that this alone was his treasure. Kassapa, none too impressed, had his father walled up in a chamber and left him to die. Mogallana, meanwhile, vowed to return from India and reclaim his inheritance. Kassapa, making preparations for the expected invasion, constructed a new dwelling on top of the 200-metre-high Sigiriya rock – a combination of pleasure palace and indestructible fortress, which Kassapa intended would emulate the legendary abode of Kubera, the god of wealth, while a new city was established around its base. According to folklore, the entire fortress was built in just seven years, from 477 to 485 AD.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sigiriya Craft Village, Kimbissa, Sigiriya Sri Lanka

The Sigiriya Village Tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka with all its authenticity. Spend time with the villagers and understand village life. Engage in many village activities that form everyday life; such as an oxen cart ride, a catamaran ride and a walk through the fields. Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. You will finish off with an exceptionally delicious buffet lunch, served in classic Sri Lankan style. This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience



Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka

One of the most spectacular natural scenes you will ever see! The Elephant Gathering at Minneriya is a sight to behold. During the dry season (July to September) water supplies reduce drastically in this region. To cope with this, the elephants congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where grasses are rich and fertile. The elephants come from areas beyond the reservoir and at times herds with numbers as large as 300 – 400 can be seen.

For any observer this is an incredible moment since this is not only a simple elephant migration. The animals here socialize, bathe and even find mates. It is a unique phenomenon of nature and can only be witnessed in this park. In fact it is so amazing it was recently listed as the Top no. 6 in the Lonely Planets’ guide to wildlife spectacles of the world.

This amazing sight known as ‘The Gathering’ is world famous for its large number of elephants. In the period of drought, the water level drops, revealing a tank bed that allows the grass to grow. During this time The Minneriya reservoir becomes a playground where the elephants can satisfy their water needs. The Gathering peaks during August & September at the height of the drought.

According to authorities the Elephant Gathering at Minneriya is the largest grouping of Elephants at one time in Asia. This event probably dates back centuries and the creatures a have done it multiple times but it has only gained mainstream attention quite recently.

You could also see this amazing sight for yourself with Lakpura Travels tours in the Minneriya National Park.

Duration: 3 hours