Dambulla and Sigirya are two of the most important cities in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, with abundant cultural and natural heritage. These cities are located at close proximity to each other, just 25 minutes apart. Below is a list of excursions you can enjoy from Dambulla and Sigiriya apart from the most common attractions like Sigiriya rock fortress, Pidurangala and Dambulla Cave Temples.
Hiriwadunna village tour – Hiriwadunna is a small village situated north of Sigiriya town. You can enjoy a boat ride in a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop, join a family for an authentic Sri Lankan meal and spend a splendid, slow evening in the picturesque village which still has its unbeatable natural beauty.
Anuradhapura – This sacred city is the 1st kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka which dates back to 437BC. Buddhism played a major role during this period influencing its culture, architectural monuments and the way of governance. The kingdom was largely based on agriculture, hence the construction of irrigation works was a major achievement of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, ensuring water supply in the dry zone and helping the country grow mostly self-sufficient.
Visit the gigantic Ruwanweli Stupa followed by the oldest recorded tree in Sri Lanka, the Sri Maha Bo Tree which was a gift to the Sri Lankan King of the times, King Devanampiyatissa by the Great Emperor Ashok of India.
In the same sacred site you can see the ruins of the Brazen palace known to Sri Lankans as the Lovamahapaya, which was described as a 9 storied chapter house where monks recited sutras during Poya days. Although what remains today is only the rock columns of the ground flow, it’s described in history as the tallest standing building at least for a millennium from 155BC to 993AD. Among the other sites you can visit in Anuradhapura are, Isurumuniya Temple, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Thuparamaya and Jethawanaramaya which you can select as time permits.
Polonnaruwa – Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. With the invasions from South India, Anuradhapura kingdom collapsed giving birth to the Polonnaruwa era which was a flourishing period with utmost importance to the history and culture of Sri Lanka.Meticulously carved stone statues of Lord Buddha at Gal Viharaya (Stone Temple), buddhist temples with Hindu Influence including Vatadageya, massive brick columns of Lankathilaka Image house and its 41 feet tall brick statue of the Buddha, remains of the ancient palace of King Parakramabahu are just a few highlights among many other significant sites located in the ancient City of Polonnaruwa.
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks – This is home to the largest elephant gathering in South Asia. Enjoy the charm of watching more than 100 elephants majestically roaming in a herd, gathering near water holes to quench their thirst and feeding on the lush greens. This is your best opportunity to have a closer look at their social dynamics.
Wilpattu National Park – Ranging over 131 thousand hectares, it is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the oldest protected areas. The area is one of the most important elephant habitats in the country and is also a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear. This is home to globally threatened mugger crocodiles and a vast array of wetland birds including the unusual looking Lesser Adjutant.