DAY 02: SIGIRIYA
In the morning, the sunlight will wash over the greenery and the auburn stone of Lion Rock, the dramatic summit upon which Sigiriya Fortress was erected. At breakfast, you will find the enticing aroma of steeping black tea among the tropical scents of fresh coconut and pineapple. Your private transfer will greet you after your meal eager to lead you on a private exploration of the mountaintop stronghold. Sigiriya Fortress reaches a height of more than 650 feet above the surrounding canopy with vertical walls that disappear into the jungle brush below.
The dramatic image will evoke a romantic ambiance as you recall your charming dinner and sunset the previous night in view of the stunning monolith. The palace at the top of the summit was the heart of the kingdom of Kassapa in the 5th century. The breeze brushes over the narrow stairway leading up the side of the plateau, and halfway up the spiralling staircase is a sheltered gallery etched into the rock face. The niche contains a series of paintings that depict celestial nymphs and concubines. Due to the way the gallery shelters the images from the sun, the frescoes remain in remarkable condition with their colours glowing against the bright morning.
You will descend to the forest floor after visiting the terraces, water gardens, and grand palace that once stood atop the plateau. Your guide leads you to local village where you step on a small ladder to board the waiting elephant. The seat will sway as your guide will lead the elephant around the jungle that surrounds Lion Rock. You will make your way to the stoic reservoir laden with lily pads, where the elephant may choose to soak in the water, adding to the unforgettable memory of a romantic day in preserved history. Overnight in Dambulla