Explore ancient caves and hike from Golden Beach Negombo to Lion Rock Sigiriya. Discover Buddha’s life through statues and paintings in Dambulla’s historic caves.
Explore ancient caves and hike from Golden Beach Negombo to Lion Rock Sigiriya. Discover Buddha’s life through statues and paintings in Dambulla’s historic caves.
- Sigiriya: The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya has served as a monastery since the 3rd century BC and was transformed into a royal palace after eight centuries. The early history and construction of Sigiriya’s palace and fortress are intertwined with the dramatic events involving two royal brothers, Kasyapa and Moggallana. King Kasyapa (477-495…
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Sigiriya: The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya has served as a monastery since the 3rd century BC and was transformed into a royal palace after eight centuries. The early history and construction of Sigiriya’s palace and fortress are intertwined with the dramatic events involving two royal brothers, Kasyapa and Moggallana. King Kasyapa (477-495 AD) unlawfully seized the throne, forcing the rightful heir, Moggallana, to flee to India. To protect himself from his brother’s potential attack, Kasyapa relocated the capital from Anuradhapura to central Sri Lanka, building a royal palace atop a high rock to prevent invasion by Moggallana. Sigiriya was constructed with the most advanced technologies of the era and adorned with vibrant frescoes.
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Pidurangala Rock - The UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka offers a breathtaking view and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. However, a view to rival it can be found at Pidurangala Vihara (Sinhala: පිදුරංගල විහාරය), an ancient Buddhist temple located in the village of Pidurangala in the Matale District, Sri Lanka. This temple was built on the massive Pidurangala rock, situated a few kilometers north of the historic Sigiriya fortress.
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Golden Temple of Dambulla - The Dambulla cave temple (Sinhalese: Dam̆būlū Len Vihāraya, Tamil: Tampuḷḷai Poṟkōvil), also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, located in the central part of the country. This site is 148 kilometers (92 miles) east of Colombo, 72 kilometers (45 miles) north of Kandy, and 43 kilometers (27 miles) north of Matale. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with the rock towering 160 meters over the surrounding plains. There are over 80 documented caves in the area, with major attractions spread across five caves containing statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. The site features 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu and Ganesha.
- Bottled water
- Driver & Guide
- Bottled water
- Driver & Guide
- Lunch
- Entry/Admission - Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Entry/Admission - Pidurangala Rock
- Entry/Admission - Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
- Lunch
- Entry/Admission - Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Entry/Admission - Pidurangala Rock
- Entry/Admission - Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
The Dambulla rock stands 160 meters tall and is encircled by over 80 documented caves. Among these, five prominent caves house the main attractions, featuring numerous statues and paintings depicting the life of Buddha. These caves differ in size and splendor, and include four statues of deities, such as Vishnu and Ganesha.
In the 1st century BCE, King…
The Dambulla rock stands 160 meters tall and is encircled by over 80 documented caves. Among these, five prominent caves house the main attractions, featuring numerous statues and paintings depicting the life of Buddha. These caves differ in size and splendor, and include four statues of deities, such as Vishnu and Ganesha.
In the 1st century BCE, King Walagamba transformed the caves into a temple. After being exiled from Anuradhapura, he took refuge here for 15 years to escape South Indian invaders. Upon regaining his capital, the King constructed a temple in gratitude. Subsequent kings continued to enhance it, and by the 11th century, the caves had evolved into a significant religious hub. In 1190 AD, King Nissankamalla gilded the caves and added approximately 70 Buddha statues. The Kandyan Kings restored and painted the caves during the 18th century.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.