(SKU: LK10231011)
Tales of Ancient Ceylon from Hikkaduwa (2 Days)
Spend two days with a private guide learning about Sri Lanka's culture and history on this tour of ancient Ceylon. You'll follow a carefully-curated itinerary designed to ensure you don't miss anything important. Listen to commentary tailored to your interests while exploring the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress, the ruins of Polonnaruwa, and enjoying a safari in Minneriya National Park.
Highlight
- Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
- Private tour for your party only.
- All private transportation included.
Includes
- Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
- Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- All prevailing taxes and service charges.
- 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.
Excludes
- Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
- Entrance fees to the respective sites.
- Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Visa and Related Expenses.
- Tips & Portages.
What to Expect
Day 1
Hikkaduwa > Dambulla > Minneriya
3 Stops
Lakpura
Lakpura LLC
- Admission Ticket Included
Dambulla Royal 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.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Admission Ticket Not Included
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.
- Duration: 3 hour
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Day 2
Sigiriya > Bentota
2 Stops
Sigiriya The Ancient 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.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Included
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.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Comfortable clothes and hats recommended.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
