(SKU: LK600S1200) During this full-day tour to Sigiriya, you will visit a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site! Enter into a kingdom hailed as one of the greatest in Sri Lanka’s history. Thereafter enjoy the 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:
- Visit the Habarana rock fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- A tour through a traditional village in Habarana.
- Enjoy a Sri Lankan village lunch.
- Elephant Safari at Minneriya National Park.
Includes:
- Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur.
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from/to Habarana.
- 1-Liter of bottled mineral water per person.
- Safari jeep for the safari in Minneriya National park.
- All taxes & service charges.
Exclude:
- Food or drinks.
- Entrance ticket.
- Gratuities (Optional).
- Expenses of personal nature.
Experience:
You will be starting your tour at 0830 hrs from your hotel in Habarana, 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 Habarana rock fortress which you will reach by approximately 0900 hrs.
Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Habarana 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, Habarana, 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 Habarana 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 1200 hrs you will depart from the Habarana Rock to start your village tour in Habarana at around 1215 hrs.
The trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a “Wewa” or a 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 1345 hrs, you will start the journey to reach the Minneriya National Park to start your safari at around 1430 hrs.
After a 3-hour game drive inside the park where you will witness herds of elephants, the tour will be completed at around 1745 hrs after which you will head back to your hotel. You will reach your hotel by around 1845 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.
