Sigiriya and Dambulla Highlights Private day tour From Colombo

Sigiriya and Dambulla Highlights Private day tour From Colombo

Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist wrapped forests in the early morning. Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily, and you’ll have to climb a series of vertiginous staircases attached to sheer walls to reach the top. On the way you’ll pass a series of quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion’s paws carved into the bedrock. The surrounding landscape – lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens and cave shrines – only add to Sigiriya’s rock-star appeal.

Itinerary
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Stop At: Ancient City of Sigiriya, Sigiriya Site between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka

One place not to miss is Pidurangula(Rs 500;h 5am-6.30pm)rock, the temples of which actually predate Sigiriya. This prominent rock about 1km north of the Sigiriya site offers amazing views of Sigiriya from its wide summit. It’s a 20-minute hike up to the top, past several small temples, a 12.5m reclining Buddha and a fnal tricky scramble over boulders. Most people come at sunset (bring a torch for the trip down), but a sunrise visit is equally beautiful and much less crowded. A return three-wheeler costs around Rs 700, including waiting time. If you explore the dirt roads north then west of here you’ll fnd several water tanks that offer lovely reflected views of both rocks. Another good longer bike or scooter ride follows back roads for 25km to Dambulla via the Kandalama Wewa reservoir. En route you can stop at the Dakinigiriya Vihara(Kaludiya Pokuna)F , 2.5km of the main road down a dirt track past the Paradise Resort. Trails take you past a stupa, the standing monolithic stones of a prayer hall, several rock inscriptions and caves, a small tank and many fabulous trees. It’ll likely be only you and the monkeys here.

Duration: 3 hours