From Kandy: "Ethos of Ceylon" 2-Day Cultural Triangle Tour

  • 0
ID: GYG259582-449652
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka

Duration: 2 days


Description

Take a 2-day guided tour of Sri Lanka's "Cultural Triangle" (Polonnaruwa, Minneriya, and Sigiriya). See ancient ruins, temples, and art, explore a lush national park, visit Sigirya's Rock Fortress, and spend half a day in a small village.
Embark on a 2-day guided tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as well as one of its most famous National Parks. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of this region and get to know life as a villager.   

Day 1: Kandy – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Sigiriya

Start your journey with pickup from your Kandy hotel at 6:30 AM in an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Polonnaruwa to visit the Ancient Kingdom. Walk through the ruins of this city that flourished between the 10th and 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 before heading to Minneriya National Park. In the park, take a 3-hour safari to catch glimpses of over 150 elephants, who congregate in one place during the dry season (May to October). As well as elephants, you’ll see many other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the scrublands, forests, and other areas. Head to your hotel in Sigiriya to check in.  

Day 2: Sigiriya – Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and visit Sigiriya’s “Lion Rock” Fortress. Climb to the 5th-century rock fortress where King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion and view the beautiful unfaded murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. As you walk through the tunnels leading to the palace you’re sure to get a feeling for times long past. 

Afterwards, go on a village tour to experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Go on an oxen cart ride and enjoy a relaxing catamaran safari across a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields, ripe with their harvest before enjoying a home-cooked lunch, made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves. After this unique, immerse experience, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Kandy.

Highlights

  • Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Go on a safari in Minneriya National Park
  • Explore the ruined city of Polonnaruwa

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you require a visa to visit Sri Lanka, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details and to submit your individual visa application.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.