Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock and Kaudulla Safari
Meet your tour guide at your hotel in Negombo and travel to Dambulla to explore one of the largest cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. It is believed that this historical cave temple is the largest and best-preserved of the cave temples in Sri Lanka. The rock is 160 m high and contains an extensive collection of Buddha statues in one place. There are about 150 Buddha statues spread over 80 caves in the surrounding complex, of which only five caves are considered significant attractions. Successive kings carried out further changes to the interiors from time to time, while King Nissanka Malla was responsible for having the interior of the caves gilded, earning the name Ran Giri (Golden Rock).
Next, travel to discover the "8th wonder of the world," Sigiriya Rock, also known as the rock fortress and palace in the sky. It is located in the Northern Matale District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. King Kashyapa built his palace on the upper flat top of this rock, which is 660 ft high. The terrace at the mid-level of the rock is the Lion Gate, and the mirror wall is decorated with colourful frescoes depicting the heavenly maidens. The rock structure was derived from the word "Sihagiri," meaning Lion Rock. The highly landscaped gardens of Sigiriya form one of the most critical aspects of this site and are divided into three parts: the water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.
Stop for lunch and proceed to Kaudulla National Park for a fantastic evening safari. Kaudulla National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. It is located next to Minneriya National Park, and elephant herds migrate frequently between the two parks in search of water. Kaudulla National Park is a vital ecosystem belonging to a series of protected areas in the Mahaweli river basin. This area is high in biodiversity and is home to more than 200 wild elephants. Altogether, Kaudulla records 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of freshwater fish, and 160 species of birds. Endangered mammals found at Kaudulla include the Sri Lankan leopard, Sri Lankan sloth bear, wild boar, mouse deer, spotted deer, and albino axis deer.
End the safari and begin your journey back to Negombo, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
