Tales of Ancient Ceylon from Bentota (2 Days)
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
About this experience
Tales of Ancient Ceylon is a short, single night, 2-day tour into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites beginning from the historical Dambulla Golden Cave Temple complex that once served as both an ancient kingdom as well as monastery for Buddhist monks and pilgrims. This site dates back to the 1st Century BC and has a mesmerizing story to tell. Climb the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortification of stone was home to King Kasyapa during the 5th Century AD. The ruined city of Polonnaruwa is the next site on the list and has a history dating back as far as the 10th Century AD. It is considered one of Sri Lanka’s prime examples of ancient culture and heritage. You will also go on a Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
- Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- All prevailing taxes and service charges.
- 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.
Not included
- Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
- Entrance fees to the respective sites.
- Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Visa and Related Expenses.
- Tips & Portages.
Itinerary
- 1
Bentota > Dambulla > Minneriya > Sigiriya
Start your journey at 0600 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. You will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura Travels. After the formalities at the hotel, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla and visit Cave Temple. Golden Temple of Dambulla Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple o Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex. Lovely jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
- 2
Sigiriya > Bentota
Sigiriya Rock Fortress 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. Visit a local village in Sigiriya Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walkthrough the golden fields are ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your tastebuds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day. On completion start your journey back to your hotel in Bentota.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
Know before you go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- Comfortable clothes and hats recommended
- We pickup from your hotel in Bentota Area
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Your Hotel in Bentota
- Address
- Bentota Beach, Bentota, 80500, LK
- How you meet
- Meet on location, or hotel pickup
- Coordinates
- 6.41730, 80.01244
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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- Lakpura®
Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 days.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is available, or you can meet the group on location.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Your Hotel in Bentota, Bentota Beach, Bentota, 80500, LK.
From AED 319 per person (5 travelers)
