RITIGALA SANCTUARY and ancient Buddhist monastery

07Jul

Ritigala is an world famous ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain range in Sri Lanka . The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BC. It is located 43 km away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura and also 40Km from Dambulla. The interesting feature is  Its height and the local weather patterns create a microclimate difference from that of the surrounding plains. Ritigala is home to a variety of rare species of plant and animal  with immense of  biodiversity which is now strictly protected.

The half-day Ritigala hike excursion is quite unique experience any one can get.  you can walk through a forest decorated with fauna and flora such as orchids, seated on the remains of ancient stone bathing-pools, bridges,  courtyards and other architectural remains, while colourful birds and mischievous monkeys look at you from the treetops of the jungle

  • Time of departure: Any time you can vist , But better early in the morning or evening.
  • Also can couple with Polonnaruwa or Mineriya elephant safari tour if required.
  • Travel Time: 01 hr
  • Tour Duration: 02 hrs Hiking
  • Distance from the hotel: 40 km from Hotel premises
  • Tour inclusions:  water, juice and driver and Guide Optional

PIDURANGALA An Ancient Monastery In The Shadow Of An Ancient Fortress

07Jul

Before King Kasyapa constructed his fortified palace upon Sigiriya, a number of monks resided within the proposed ground area for construction of place complex. To accommodate his kingdom in the clouds, the king graciously relocated the monks to the adjacent rock formation of Pidurangala in the 5th century AD, where he built a humble temple and monastery amidst a religious complex of dagabas and temples.

Today, Pidurangala serves as an additional climb to Sigiriya with panoramic views of the ancient fortress and the surrounding landscapes. Enveloped by foliage from all sides, the irregular steps that lead to a landing which houses a large reclining Buddha statue, which is considered to be the oldest one built in brick within Sri Lanka. Also  Pidurangala  provide breathtaking vistas of the region as well as famous for observing sunrise

  • Time of departure: Any time you can vist but Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. or couple the tour with Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa , Ritigala or Mineriya visit .Consult front desk for more details
  • Tour duration: 2.5 hours
  • Travel duration: 30 mins
  • Distance from the hotel: 20 km via Kandy-Trinco Hwy
  • Tour inclusions:  water, juice and driver and Guide Optional

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

07Jul

The Sigiriya Rock Considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, the fortress on a 600-foot rock is a story of battle for throne between son and father. Prince Kasyapa who took over the throne by killing his own father King Datusena, constructed this architectural and engineering marvel which is  completed with flourishing irrigation systems. Objective of this construction was to seek refuge from his brother Prince Mogallana who wished to exact his revenge.

Due to strong opposition of the  people at that time, Kasyapa had no choice but to flee whilst the people awaited their rightful king, Prince Mogallana. The battle upon the return of his brother, complete with an Indian army, Kasyapa took his own life, thus ending his reign. But this ancient city of Sigiriya prevails.

  • Time of departure: Any time you can vist but Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. or couple the tour with Polonnaruwa , Ritigala or Mineriya visit .Consult front desk for more details
  • Tour Duration: 2.5 hour
  • Travel Duration: 01 hour ( up and down)
  • Distance from the hotel: 20 km via Kandy-Trinco Hwy
  • Tour inclusions: Water, juice and driver and Guide Optional

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

06Jul

The main attraction of Dambulla is cave temple, carved out of solid rock where Buddhist monks once resided. The remarkability of the temple lies mainly in the large no of Buddha statues and traditional Sri Lankan style artwork that fill the cave from end-to-end. The cave complex is one of large in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Rock Temple is on a rock approximately 600 ft above the plain. There is much to be learned about the rich history and culture of the island by visiting this temple. Dambulla cave temple is a best place to see past paintings and sculptures that are displayed in the temple.

As history records, Dambulla cave temple is frequently visited by  many of Sri Lanka’s Kings as they sought refuge and advice from the hermits that reside in the  temple . Some have constructed some of its statues as an act of gratitude and respect.

  • Time of departure: Any time you can vist, But better early in the morning or evening
  • Mode of Travelling – By Bicycle, By Tuk Tuk, By Vehicle
  • Travel Duration: Depend on mode of travelling . But less than ½ an hour
  • Tour Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Distance from the hotel: 3 km from Hotel premises
  • Tour inclusions:  Water, juice and driver and Guide Optional

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs

29Jun

The Ibbankatuwa tomb site was first identified in 1970 by the Archaeological Department who carried out the Radiocarbon dating of the remnants found in the site have revealed that these tombs dated back to 700 – 400 B.C.Currently the tomb site has been designated as an archaeological protected site in Sri Lanka.

The tomb complex covers an area of about 1 km2 (0.39 sq mi) with 42 clusters of tombs and each cluster contains about 10 tombs. Each tombs are enclosed with four stone slabs and covered by another slab on the top. According to the way of interment two distinct burial customs, urn (bodies were placed in urns and interred) and cist (ashes of deceased were interred) have been identified.

Cremated remains with grave goods and tools used by deceased have been found at the site in large terra-cotta urns and cists as well as in the area between the cists. The finds include variety of clay pots, iron, copper and gold artifacts, beads, necklaces, etc. The gemstones found in some necklaces are not naturally found in Sri Lanka which indicates that they may have been imported.

  • Time of departure: Any time you can vist, But better early in the morning or evening
  • Mode of Travelling – By Bicycle, By Tuk Tuk, By Vehicle
  • Travel Duration: Depend on mode of travelling . But less than ½ an hour
  • Tour Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Distance from the hotel: 5 km from Hotel premises
  • Tour inclusions:  Water, juice and driver and Guide Optional