From Dambulla: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Minneriya Safari

Climb the 1200 steps to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the Minneriya National Park on a 4x4 jeep safari.
Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and go on a thrilling 4-hour jeep safari through the Minneriya National Park, where nature unfolds in all its splendor.

Walk through the landscaped royal gardens, towards the base of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. These elegantly landscaped gardens, said to be one of the oldest in the world, are dotted with sparkling ponds, pretty water features, cascading fountains, meandering pathways and frescos in the Cobra Hood Cave, a rocky ledge in the shape of a cobra’s hood.

The gardens reveal a trio of distinct forms including terraced gardens, cave and boulder gardens and water gardens. A 1200 step climb leads to the Fortress above. On the climb up, a short detour leads to the magnificent fresco gallery with paintings of the king’s maids in waiting and women of the royal court draping flowers on mere mortals.

The Mirror Wall displays ancient transcripts that closely match the modern-day Sinhalese language (photography is not allowed here) and was polished to perfection as the king often posed and preened himself as he walked past it.

Stop at the caves and platforms on the way up for stunning views and if you do not wish to climb to the top, you can stay in the charming gardens and tour the base of the rock. Climb up late afternoon for magnificent sunset views.

Next, go on a thrilling 4-hour jeep safari through the Minneriya National Park, where nature unfolds in all its splendor. The safari offers a unique opportunity to witness an array of wildlife, with the highlight being the majestic elephants that frequently roam the area.

Alongside elephants, you may also spot other animals such as water buffalo, spotted deer, geckos, squirrels, monkeys, crocodiles, rabbits, tortoises, mongooses, jackals, lizards, and land monitors. For bird enthusiasts, Minneriya is home to a rich diversity of bird species.

While sightings may vary, some of the birds you might encounter include the bulbul, pelican, peacock, seagull, hawk eagle, serpent eagle, cormorant, heron, hornbill, kingfisher, myna, nightingale, greater coucal, swallow, grey heron, sandpiper, bee-eater, black-winged stilt, cattle egret, waterhen, Indian roller, openbill, snowy egret, red-wattled lapwing, lesser adjutant, and ibis.

Please note that while the safari offers a rich variety of wildlife, not all animals and birds can be seen on every visit, as they roam freely in their natural habitats. In addition to the wildlife, the safari provides a chance to admire the serene beauty of the Minneriya Lake and the historic Minneriya Dam, enhancing your experience with breathtaking landscapes.

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