Aukana Buddha Statue: Historic Highlights of Sri Lanka with Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom Tour

Explore the historic highlights of Sri Lanka on this tour. Visit the ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa, the remote ruins of Sasseruwa, and the perfectly sculpted Aukana Buddha Statue. Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka with this memorable journey.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Habarana - Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Habarana enchants visitors with its natural splendor and cultural charm. Surrounded by verdant greenery and scenic landscapes, this charming town acts as a gateway to several iconic attractions, including nearby national parks like Minneriya and Kaudulla, famous for their elephant gatherings. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy exciting safaris or explore ancient sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, delving into the island’s rich history and biodiversity.
  • Yapahuwa Rock Fortress - The massive rock of Yapahuwa boasts a history dating back to the 13th century when King Buvenekabahu (1273-1284 AD) established it as the seat of his capital. Recognizing its defensive potential, he built a stone fortress on the rock, which has withstood the test of time. Visitors can explore the ancient stone ruins and the site where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was housed during the Yapahuwa era.
  • Reswehera (Sesseruwa) Rajamaha Viharaya | රැස්වෙහෙර (සැස්සේරුව) රජ මහා විහාරය - Upon reaching Sasseruwa, you will find the Ras Vehera Statue. This lesser-known statue stands almost as tall as the Aukana Buddha at 36 meters, though it remains unfinished. However, the statue’s style is entirely different from the Aukana Buddha. Little is known about its creator and why it was left incomplete, but archaeologists have confirmed it is at least seven centuries old. You can see the remains of the image house that originally enclosed the statue and view the ruins of the monastic complex and cave temples surrounding it.
  • Avukana Buddha Statue - The Aukana Buddha Statue, in the Asisa Mudra or “posture of blessing,” is carved from a rock boulder. The statue is sculpted in the round, connected at the back to the rock boulder. The delicate and skillful carving of the Buddha’s robe humanizes and modestly reveals the underlying form of his body, while the face’s impassive expression exudes an aura of spiritual supremacy.

It is said that the statue’s alignment is so precise that a raindrop on the nose would fall straight down to a small depression carved between the toes. The Aukana Buddha Statue is a masterpiece of a colossal Buddha statue by an unknown sculptor: the serene expression, the gracefully carved robe with neat pleats, and the delicate details that could hardly be molded into rock. The impassive expression of the face reflects supreme spirituality.

What's Included
  • Complimentary 1-Liter Water Bottle Per Person.
  • Expert English-speaking Chauffeur Guide.
  • Comfortable Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicle.
  • Convenient Hotel Pickup and Drop-off.
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance tickets.
  • Food and beverages.
Additional Information

(SKU: LK60321600) This memorable tour takes you to see some of the historic highlights of Sri Lanka. See the ancient rock fortress from the kingdom of Yapahuwa. View the remote but beautiful ruins of Sasseruwa with its giant unfinished standing buddha statue. Visit the famous perfectly sculpted Aukana Buddha Statue. Get to know more about historical Sri Lanka with this tour.

Location
Habarana
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
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