Sigiriya and Dambulla from Mount Lavinia

Hoogtepunten

Inbegrepen

Route

1. Nestled along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Mount Lavinia exudes a serene charm with its palm-fringed beaches and historic allure. Renowned for its golden sands and clear waters, this coastal town offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life of Colombo, which lies just a short distance away. Mount Lavinia is also steeped in colonial history, with its iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel serving as a reminder of its British colonial past, making it a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

   Komt langs

2. Sigiriya Rock Fortress that dominates the Sigiriya area was the capital of the King Kasyapa who ruled in the 5th century AD. The rock was once shaped into the shape of a lion, hence gaining its name. Now only the giant paws remain at the entrance to the climb up the rock. You can get to see the gardens and advanced irrigation systems that Kasyapa had built in his fortress. To this day the ponds remain full of water (though it is no longer as clean), and the remains of the walls and moats of his fortress can be seen. However the most marvelous aspect of Sigiriya, that brought it international fame, is the unfading rock paintings that continue to confuse many experts. Despite being over a millennia old the colors and shapes remain clear and bright as if they were newly painted. Once you return to the base from your climb up the rock, you can also visit the Sigiriya Museum which has some excellent pieces.

   2 u

3. The Dambulla Cave Temple, nestled in the central part of Sri Lanka, is a sacred site renowned for its ancient rock cave complex and religious significance. Carved into a massive granite outcrop, the temple complex comprises five caves adorned with intricate murals and over 150 stunning statues of Buddha, dating back to as early as the 1st century BCE. Each cave holds its unique charm, with elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from Buddha's life and various deities from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, stands as a testament to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and religious devotion, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike from across the globe. Its serene ambiance, coupled with the spiritual aura, makes it a captivating destination for those seeking solace, enlightenment, and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient past.

   1,5 u

Annuleren

Gratis annuleren tot 24 uur voor aanvang, met volledige terugbetaling.

Goed om te weten

How it compares in Colombo

• Its from-price is 20% above the median of the 333 stadstours we list in Colombo.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Colombo

Colombo is de grootste stad en handelshoofdstad van Sri Lanka, met koloniale bouwwerken, boeddhistische tempels, drukke markten en een kustboulevard.

Galle Face Green, een lang grasveld aan zee, loopt vol met gezinnen, vliegeraars en eetkraampjes wanneer de zon boven de Indische Oceaan ondergaat. Vlakbij heeft de wijk Fort koloniale gebouwen bewaard, zoals het Oude Nederlandse Hospitaal, dat is gerestaureerd tot winkels en restaurants, en de rood-wit gestreepte Jami Ul-Alfar-moskee rijst op boven de drukke marktstraten van Pettah.

Top-ranked sights in Colombo: Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Independence Square.

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