(SKU: LK60201200) Visit UNESCO world heritage site, the Sigiriya rock fortress as well as explore the culturally vibrant countryside villages of Sigiriya to experience Sri Lankan village setting, lifestyle and cuisine. Thereafter enjoy a true essence of Sri Lanka in Sigiriya, go on a lovely Safari in Minneriya National Park or the best alternative park based on animal activity.
Highlights:
Includes:
- Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur.
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from/to Sigiriya.
- 1-Liter of bottled mineral water per person.
- All taxes & service charges.
Excludes
- Entrance ticket(s). (Sigiriya Rock, Village Tour, and Minneriya National Park)
- Meals and beverages.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Gratuities.
Experience:
You will be starting your tour at 0830 hrs from your hotel in Sigiriya, where you will be picked up your chauffeur. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you if you are unable to have your meal at the hotel.
The first stop on your itinerary will be the Sigiriya rock fortress which you will reach by approximately 0845 hrs.
Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning.
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the king Kasyapa ruled. Walkthrough 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. Walkthrough the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
At around 1145 hrs you will depart from the Sigiriya Rock to start your village tour in Sigiriya at around 1200 hrs.
The trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a “Wewa” or man-made reservoir. Thereafter you will enjoy a bullock cart ride while enjoying sightseeing of the rural village life. Your next phase of adventure will be a “Catamaran Safari” (Double paired canoe joined together with seating facility) at the scenic lake.
Finally enjoy traditional lunch at a local house prepared by the village women. This is arranged on a typical & traditional buffet style (Clay pots – buffet) served on a lotus leaf and a cane thatched flat holder. You will also have the opportunity to witness the traditional meal preparation methods by the local women and to partake in the preparation of a curry.
At the end of the village tour, you will be taking a Tuk-Tuk (three-wheeler) tour back to the starting point. At around 1330 hrs, you will start the journey to reach the Minneriya National Park to start you safari at around 0230 hrs.
After a 3 hour game drive inside the park where you will witness herds of elephants, the tour will be completed at around 1730 hrs after which you you will heading back to your hotel. You will reach your hotel by around 1830 hrs.
Notes: Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.
