3 days tour to Sigiriya, Kandy and a scenic train ride to Ella

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo - Sigiriya

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa who was the son of the rightful king of the Anuradhapura kingdom, King Dathusena. However, Kashyapa was the son of the king’s concubine and not the queen, therefore he had no legitimate claim to the throne, especially when prince Mugalan, the son of King Dathusena and the queen was still alive. It is believed that the frescoes at Sigiriya insinuate the abundant life King Kashyapa. Employing a unique style, techniques regarding colour saturation utilised to illustrate the women, the frescoes has impressed art historians for years.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Dambulla was initially referred to as Jambukola or Jambukolalena. The most significant area of the city are the Dambulla Caves. It is believed that they were inhabited as early as the 3rd to the 5th century BC. Its past is tied to the reign of King Valagamba of Anuradhapura. The interesting story unfolds that King Valagamba, the rightful successor to King Khallata Naga, his brother. The throne was usurped before King Valagamba’s accession by a general named Kammaharattaka. King Valagamaba had to defeat him claim his rightful throne. The king was not ruling for long when an invasion from the south of India took place. King Valagamaba overpowered by the invading armies, fled to the caves of Dambulla and lived in exile for nearly fourteen years. The Theras who were utilising the caves for their meditation practises provided protection for the King and his family.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Sigiriya

Day 2: Sigiriya - Kandy

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The sacred tooth relic is housed in seven caskets made out of gold and engraved with precious stones. Detecting over two thousand years of history, the tooth can be traced to the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It has been the centre of bitter royal rivalries and has witnessed administrative change with each transitioning kingdom. Celebrating its magnitude, the Kandy Esala Perhara takes place every year. A tradition that has a heritage of over 300 years, the procession is a magnificent sight for spectators. Complete with dancers, drummers, nobles and elephants, the Perhara is firmly embedded in local culture. The most dazzling sight here is the sacred casket carried by a noble born elephant during the procession. Another significant element of the temple is its marvellous architecture. The temple is part of the former royal palace compound, and displays intricate designs relevant to that period. At the entrance or the Mahawalkada of the temple is the Moonstoon. The interior bearing artistic motifs common to the Kandyan era is a treat for the viewer. Enhancing their experience, the murals painted on the ceiling is a spectacular sight for any art lover.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
The very origins of the gardens dates back centuries, however the foundation of the gardens as we see today was designed by the British horticulturist George Gardner. The lush estate finished with landscaped gardens inclusive of beds of rare flora and fauna is open all year for sightseers.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
With elaborate costumes, gyrating dance moves and show-stopping, fire-breathing stunts, a Kandyan dance performance is one of the defining experiences of a stay in Kandy. The highlight of the show is definitely the fire walking show, where the artists walk through a specially prepared fire pit, roughly 8 feet by 3 feet covered with red-hot charcoal, completely barefoot and emerges unharmed at the other end! Kandy cultural show leaflet describes the fire walking as having its roots in the Valmiki epic of Ramayana, where the king of Sri Lanka Ravana abducts Sita the wife of Indian prince Rama and after regaining her in an epic battle with Ravana, she is made to prove her chastity by walking through fire barefoot, though the current devotees who perform fire walking in Sri Lanka seek the divine blessings of the Lord Karthekeyan & goddess Pathini.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Kandy

Day 3: Enjoy the most beautiful train ride from Kandy to Ella

Pass By: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
For scenic pleasure, Kandy Lake has been popular choice for visitors. The Kandy Lake also known as Kiri Muhuda or Sea of Milk was built by the king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. There is folklore and mysteries surrounding the lake, including that it was connected to the palace via a secret tunnel.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: No accommodation provided on this day