At 7500 feet up in the sky, the land below is picture-perfect. The majestic Mahaweli River flows calmly alongside lush green mountains and tiered rice fields. Await your pilot’s instructions to look down at the beautiful Dambulla Rock Temple carved into the rocky outcrop. As the Cessna dips to the right behold the incredible sight of the ancient Rock Fortress standing tall and proud. With this head start step out into another adventure. This is how your journey begins…
On arrival you will be met by our representatives and transferred to the Cinnamon Air Domestic terminal at Colombo’s International Airport in time for your flight to Sigiriya, which will give you a bird’s-eye-view of the famous rock fortress before you can even get there. In approximately, 30 minutes, your flight will reach Sigiriya’s Domestic Airport and you will be driven to your hotel.
After check-in at your hotel it is time to give yourself a memorable holiday. Your afternoon will include a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Imagine yourself at this spectacular Rock Fortress: This World Heritage site is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive attractions. British Explorer John Still, who discovered this amazing site exclaimed, “The whole face of the hill appears to have been a gigantic picture gallery…the largest in the world perhaps”. Walk through ruins of an ancient palace built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495AD). Enjoy what was once the artistry of a Frescoes of 500 ladies, the complexities of the Water Gardens, the beauty of the Mirror wall, and walk through the Lion platform and drink in the exhilarating vistas from the summit of this massive rock fortress.
Overnight stay - Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana or similar in the area
Cinnamon Lodge: www.cinnamonhotels.com/CinnamonLodgeHabarana.htm
Early wake up and drive to Hiriwaduna, for an optional trek through a village that lies sprawled around a reservoir located off the main Habarana road.
Hiriwaduna trek- Walk through shaded paths and across reservoir bunds. Step into water or step over grasslands. Enjoy a picnic breakfast under the trees. Cross the gently waters of the reservoir in the traditional ‘oruwa’ or small raft. Visit the local ‘chena’ farmer and enjoy his hospitality. Take a ride in a bullock cart though rice fields and shrub forests. Take in the simplicity and surroundings of a typical village day.
Transfer to the Sigiriya Domestic Airport for your departure flight to Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo).
Sprawled over 27 acres of lush forested land, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, is an exclusive hideaway for the entire family. Rooting over 1700 trees, time stands still enabling guests to experience serenity and tranquillity while walking along the paths that lead up to the chalet-type rooms. The architect of the property derived inspiration from the glorious remains of Ritigala - A monastery that dates back to the 6th Century.
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