Sigiriya is one of the most unique historical monuments of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Since 3rd century BC the rocky plateau of Sigiriya served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th century King Kashyapa decided to construct a royal residence here. After his death Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, when it was abandoned.
October – January
Welcome to your “Sigiriya - Mount of Remembrance” tour!
Experience a luxurious and comfortable charter flight without any hassles from airport in Colombo to Sigiriya air strip. On arrival in Sigiriya you will be transferred to your hotel.
Sigiriya is famous for its palace ruins on top. Originally called Sihagiri (Remembrance Rock) and later dubbed Sigiriya (Lion Rock). The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano that long ago eroded away. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, you can opt for shopping.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya. (Dinner)
After breakfast visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya – is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”, built by King Kashyapa. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. Thereafter visit Matale spice garden. Here you will learn about spices and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. Fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, and many other favourites such as chocolate and vanilla. The visit ends at a shop where you can purchase spices. Later, visit Dambulla cave temple built by king Walagambahu, in the 1st Century B.C. It is a World Heritage Site, and the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples, it also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The cave has a mixture of religious and secular paintings and sculptures. These artworks are related to Lord Buddha and his life.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya. (Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, embark on a cycling tour of Sigiriya village where you will explore undiscovered places of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You will ride from Sigiriya to Dambulla through paddy field and, experience bird watching, explore different landscapes and see Kandalama lake. Later visit a typical countryside home and experience their culture and custom. Post lunch, proceed for an Elephant safari at Habarana jungle. The ride takes you on a bund of an ancient lake built for irrigation and then through the jungle crossing a part of the lake.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya. (Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, drive to Hiriwaduna local village where you will experience village lifestyle. Witness their day-to-day tasks such as woodcarving, bakery, farming, coconut tree climbing etc. Enjoy a tour by trolley (Bullock Cart) and a Catamaran ride at the scenic lake & wading through a shallow stream. Experience bird watching during the Catamaran and spot birds such as Peacocks, Green pigeon, Green bitters, King fishers, Eagles and land monitors as well as water monitors. In the afternoon enjoy an authentic home cooked lunch with cooking demonstration by local women where you will have a chance to assist with the preparation. Also, learn how to use clay pots which infuse the meal with their own distinctive taste. Later enjoy a cup of tea with Sri Lankan sweets at a traditional village house.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya. (Breakfast, Enroute Lunch & Dinner)
Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to the airport in Sigiriya. Experience a charter flight from Sigiriya to Colombo for your onward journey (Breakfast)
Arrive Bengaluru and transfer to your hotel. Take rest for some time and in the evening meet other co-riders and the Team Leader will brief you about the route to be taken also will allocate bike to you. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Today start your drive from Bengaluru to Tumkur on the way pass through several villages. On arrival in Tumkur check into the hotel.Overnight stay at Hotel in Tumkur.
Start your drive towards Shimoga passing through Sira. Spend some time near Sira Lake. Proceed towards Chitradurga to visit the Chitradurga Fort. Click some amazing views from the fort. Later drive to Shimoga. Overnight stay at hotel in Shimoga .
You will leave Shimoga early in the morning to visit Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary(Closed on Tuesday). If interested can go on a safari in the morning. Later proceed to Jog Falls via the town of Sagara. Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 m (830 ft), making it the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Spend few hours around the falls and then proceed to Gokarna . The little hills with dense greenery, the quaint beaches with colourful boats, the trekking trails and the few beach shacks makes Gokarna a virgin Goa.On arrival in Gokarna check into your hotel.Overnight stay at hotel.
Drive to Karwar. Karwar is yet another coastal town of Karnataka and a vital port city. Karwar is also known for its seafood cuisine. While here try some local cuisines . Visit the Rabindranath Tagore Beach , Warship Museum - museum is the third of its kind in the country. Later continue your drive along the coastal to reach Panjim. Overnight in hotel in Panjim.
The morning is at leisure for you to relax. Today you are free to take a peek into Goa’s colourful history and the influence of Portuguese rule on religion and architecture or sail down the Mandovi River on a cruise or induge in watersports activities or dive into the mouthwatering food on the beach shacks. Overnight in hotel in Panjim.
Today bid farewell to your biking buddies and proceed to your hometown.
By Air | : The nearest airport is at Colombo (169 kms). Fly from Colombo airport to Sigiriya air strip in Charter Flights. |
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By Rail | : The nearest railhead is Dambulla railway station (24 kms). |
By Road | : Sigiriya is connected by road with Dumbulla 24 kms and Colombo 117 kms. |