Explore the Cultural Triangle; Climb rock fortresses, cycle through ancient cities, head into Buddhist rock caves..
Visit Polonnaruwa which is a city dating from the 10th century AD, planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, which was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are in an excellent state of repair although several of the residential buildings are still to be excavated. We find the best way to do this in by bicycle with your guide meaning you can explore it at your own pace and get a better orientation of how this impressive city looked.
Climb Sigiriya which is a massive rock, rising from the jungle floor, and famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Sigiriya also has galleries with pockets of frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD. You can either do this in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop towering 160m above the surrounding land. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
Another amazing attraction is Minneriya National Park, best visited in August and September when the great elephant migration happens. For the more adventurous, head off the beaten track into the local rural villages being taken on bullock cart.
