Aukana and Vijithapura are famous historical nearby places of attraction which are closely related with buddism and ancient culture of Sri lanka. Aukana  , Buddha Statue is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka while Vijithapura , strong ancient fort is famous for the  battle between King Dutugemunu and invader king Elara was a decisive and major battle in the history of Sri Lanka.

Kala Wewa, which also in nearby vicinity  built by the King Datusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters together making the biggest tank in Sri Lanka. Water of the tank was transferred to the Thisa Wewa in Anuradhapura by an ancient 86.9 km long canal called  Yodha Ela which has a fine slope of one foot per mile.

Tour details

• Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. in the morning or 3.00pm in the evening due to hot sun

• Tour Duration: 4 hours
• Travel Time: 60 minutes
• Distance from the hotel: 40 km via Kandy-Jaffna Hwy
• Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver

Anuradhapura, is the first capital of  Sri Lanka rich with culture and history, it consists of  ancient ruins of temples, some of the largest stupas of the world and ruins of palaces dating back to the 10th Century BC.  Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like to explore heritage and culture this is  a must-see location.

Tour details

• Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m.
• Tour duration: 6 hours
• Travel duration: 90 minutes
• Distance from the hotel: 65 km via Kandy-Jaffna Hwy
• Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver

Polonnaruwa , which is Sri Lanka’s oldest city after Anuradhapura, situated in the North Central Province a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  . Polonnaruwa is remarkable  in Sri Lanka’s history due to that time great ruler king Parakramabahu, the first king who reigned in the kingdom,
He was a visionary King who constructed the ‘Parakrama Samudra’  ,one largest ancient reservoirs in Sri Lanka and also many irrigation systems that support the region’s cultivations specially paddy. In Polonnaruwa, there are spectacular ruins of  gigantic temple structures, megalith statues of Lord Buddha as well as stupas, tombs, and palaces.

Polonnaruwa’s is an attractive site which is rich with ancient artifacts and historical treasures. The Polonnaruwa Museum, the Lankatilaka, and Gal Vihara, as well as Minneriya, and Kaudulla national parks are the places to visit near Polonnaruwa.

Tour details

• Time of departure: Best time to depart from Tropical Life is at 7:30 a.m. due to hot sun
• Tour duration: 3 hrs
• Travel Time: 1 hr
• Distance from the hotel: 70 km via Kandy-Trinco Hwy
• Tour inclusions:  water, juice, guide, and driver
• OPTIONAL TOUR DURING RETURN JUORNEY ( After 3.00PM)
  • Visit Mineriya National wildlife park for jeep safari to see elephant gathering

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

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

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

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

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