Anuradhapura - Sigiriya - Dambulla Day Trip
This is a MUST DO TRIP when you are spending your holiday in Sri Lanka. The tour starts at Kandy and you will be transferred to Anuradhapura. This will take around three and half hours’ drive. Explore the most important ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. An UNESCO world heritage site once powerhouse of Sri Lankan ancient kingdoms, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
Anuradhapura is the Capital of North Central Province of Sri Lanka and a major city in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the kingdom of Rajarata. This capital was founded in 4th century AD by a Follower named Anuradha of Prince Vijaya.This sacred city was built around a plant from" Sri Maha Bodhi" or the tree of enlistment that was brought from India.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well preserved historical marvel that from ancient civilization and has been the center for Therevada Buddhisum. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight world heritage sites of Sri Lanka.There are lot of ancient masterpieces and cultural ruins such as towering Stupas ,wonderful rock carvings, huge stone pillars, and ruins of royal palaces, monasteries and bathing tanks along with some artificial reservoirs and the most complex irrigation systems in the world.
Anuradhapura is famous for its eight sacred places are a series of locations in Sri Lanka where the Buddha has visited during his three visit to the country.The sacred palces are Known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi,Ruwanweliseya,Thuparamaya,Lovamahpaya,Abhayagiriya,Jetavanaramaya,Mirisaveti Stupaya and Lankaramaya.
After exploring the Anuradhpura heritage sites you will be transferred to Dambulla. This will take around 11/2 Hours to reach Dambulla.You will have your lunch there at a recommended restaurant.
After the Lunch you will start your expedition at Dambulla Cave Temple. Dambulla was designated a World Heritage site in 1991. Dambulla is sited on a gigantic rock which towers more than 160m above the surrounding land.You will be guided and described the history of Dambulla by our guide and you will have the chance to explore the cave temple and be marveled by its beauty and architecture. You will have the chance to view Lord Buddha’s life is painted on the walls of the cave which is believed to be done during the 2 nd century.
Your next destination will be Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Which is translated as “Lion’s Rock”in to English. The name of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to begin their final ascent to the top – through the open jaws and throat (‘giriya') of a lion (‘sinha'). Unfortunately, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. The Rock Fortress is built by King Kashayapa as his palace during the 5 th Century. After completing a heart full and educational tour around Anuradhapura,Dambulla and Sigiriya you will be transferred back to Kandy.
