Greetings from Leisure Island Holiday Tours!

2days/1night Excursion Tour #3

On 30th & 31st Dec

Gaze Throughout the Dazzle into Unbelievable Heritage

Moments

Dambulla Cave Temple – the golden temple of bewildering statues and frescoes

(UNESCO world heritage site)

Minneriya National Park – witness for an outlandish experience with the gigantic

elephant gatherings

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – the rock fortress of mysteries and wonder (UNESCO world

heritage site)

2pax (Per Person)

4pax (Per Person)

6pax (Per Person)

8pax (Per Person)

140USD

101USD

84USD

76USD

Above price does include;

Hotel Accommodation (3*) on sharing double basis with Breakfast & Transportation by a luxury, fully air conditioned vehicle from Day 01 to Day 02

Above price does not include; Entrance fees to sites, activities etc. Early check-in or late check-out fees

Subject to room availability

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple is one of the best preserved cave temple in South East Asia. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it was King Walagamba of Anuradhapura who firstly transformed the caves to a temple. By the 11th century, it became a major religious centre whereas King Nissankamalla of Polonnaruwa ornate the caves and also added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. These caves were later revived and painted during the 18th century in by the Kingdom of Kandy. It is the Sri Lanka’s biggest cave temple complex devoted for Buddhist religious activities. The architectural structure and the valuable statues are great contribution to the culture that has been lasted for long period of time. UNESCO has designated this historical place as a World Heritage Site in 1991.

Situated in the North Central Province, covering an area of 8890 hectares, Minneriya National Park was designated as a national park in 1997. The dominant landmark of the national park is the vast Minneriya tank, built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The perfect time to visit the park is May to October, where about 300 wild elephants gather around the Minneriya tank for water. This phenomenon is the biggest Asian elephant gathering in the world. The park is a combination of evergreen forests, wetlands, scrublands, grasslands, rocky outcrops and abandoned Chena land. 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies are homed in this park, whilst two endemic monkeys, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, endemic birds such as Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Black-crested Bulbul and Crimson-fronted Barbet roam throughout the park. Minneriya tank gives habitat to large water birds like Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican whereas it is a quite fine site to witness reptiles like Painted-lip Lizard, Saltwater Crocodile, Indian python, Water monitor and Bengal monitor.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress was built by King Kashyapa in 05th century AD (477-495). This well planned royal city was surrounded by rampart and moats which are partially ruined. Many rock shelters and caves in this site were used by Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BCE. The Aligala (Elephant) rock shelter to the east of Sigiriya rock, displays the earliest evidence of human habitation revealing, that the area was occupied nearly 5000 years ago during the Mesolithic period.

There are many attractive tanks with flowers such as lotus and water lilies. The total height of the rock is close 200 meters and takes about an hour to get into the top of the rock. On the way climbing the steps one could witness the most beautiful frescoes painted on the rock. The paintings were done with local pigments while it is still not faded even after nearly 1500 years. In the middle level entering through a Lion’s mouth and at the top of the rock which is nearly 2.5 acres, the ruins of the King’s palace, pond, seats of the Royal audience, the King’s throne could be seen. This historical place was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1982.

Tour Map