EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 16

Kurunegala – Yapahuwa – Anuradhapura – Wilpattu – Kalpitiya – Negombo (5Days/4Nights)

Day 01 – Arrival at Colombo airport – Kurunegala

Stop 01

Athugala Rock

Athugala is one of the prominent landmarks of Kurunegala. The locals use the name of Athugalpuraya to identify the town.

The rock has derived its name as the rock is in the shape of an elephant and is 325 meters tall. There is a myth of the local in the vicinity that the rock has obtained such formation due to animals turning into rocks not being able to withstand the severe drought.

There is a temple on the top of the rock and also, a big Samadhi Buddha statue overlooking the city of Kurunegala though there is a temple on the top of the cliff, individuals from many faiths visiting the temple to enjoy the hike and the adventurous journey towards the top of the mountain.

One could use the stairs to reach the top of the mountain or could use the vehicle to climb up. Hiking your journey to the top of the mountain is more rewarding than using the car to reach the top. Hiking towards the top of the hill is preferred by many young and old individuals.

The best time to start hiking up the rock is during or after the sunset, as it would give a panoramic view of the Kurunegala city, with the sun setting off coloring the sky in the shades of pink and purple, the busy lights of the vehicles begin to appear followed by the bright lights from the shops and other parts gives a breathtaking view.

As you walk to the top of the mountain, you would be able to get a clear glimpse of the snow-white Buddha statue, which is seen as floating from afar.

Stop 02

Kurunegala Lake

Kurunegala Lake is next to Kurunegala North and is placed in North Western, Sri Lanka. Kurunegala Lake has a length of 3.68 kilometers. It is also known as Rantalia Lake or Kurunegala tank. It is a marvelous water body, that is situated away from the metropolis traffic and on the brink of the main city.

Kurunegala Lake may be described as the lifeblood of the people of Kurunegala. It is providing water for agriculture while enhancing the natural beauty of the town. The lake occupies a huge part of the city and positioned in the center of the city. Kurunegala Lake is given a facelift during the last numerous years. Today it has a beautiful, easy, and nicely maintained green surrounding. It makes a stunning sight over the city in the days when the lake is full of freshwater after the rain. The modern promenade around the lake provides a tempting atmosphere for a night walk.

Sitting near the lake or walking around it and enjoying the view is, of course, free of price. While enjoying your time in the lake, you could head to an eating place or bar to enjoy the sunset. It must also be kept in a note that the locals of Kurunegala love to hold their marriage ceremonies at this place due to the picturesque view it offers.

Stop 03

Maraluwawa Temple

Maraluwawa Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple complex lying on the top of Andagala Rock close to the Kurunegala town going as far as King Dutugemunu (161-131 BC). Like an eel, this rock stretches for over 15 kilometers in length giving it a shape of a eel to a person looking at it from ground or from above, giving its name “Andagala” (Eel-Rock).

The history of this temple is well documented in the Andagala Copper Plates which is held by the temple. These copper plates have been offered by the king Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781) of Kandyan kingdom to the temple. According to the copper plate, this temple has been renovated by the son of the sister of king Dutugenunu, prince Pussadeva. According to this copper plate the king has duplicated the content of a previous copper plate handed over to the temple by king Dutugemunu (161-131 BC) since the original had been decayed over time.

Based on the copper plate, the prince has come to a Levana Gal Viharaya to listen to preaching of the Arhath Mahadeva Thero and had built a statue at this temple. It is also told that there had been a stupa and the Buddha statue in lying position when the prince Pussadeva built this statue. Once the renovations were complete, the prince has invited king Dutugemunu to show the renovated temple. Based on this statement, it’s evident this site had been built before the time of King Dutugemunu.

The plates also states that the prince Pussadeva later became a monk under Mahadeva Thero and reached the level of a Arhath and that this temple was visited by Maliyadeva Thero who is considered the last Arhath of Sri Lanka.

On a rock surface near the stupa, a large inscription can be seen. Unfortunately, this massive 33×1 meter inscription is so decayed nothing had been read. But to carve out such a large inscription, this temple must have had a very important place in the history.

An ancient bodhigara, ruins of a pohoya geya and number of dripledge caves can be seen on this site. In addition to the historic and archaeological importance, this site gives a spectacular view of the surrounding Etha Gala, Ibbagala, Dolukanda and the Kurunegala town itself.

Stay Night in Kurunegala

Day 02 – Yapahuwa

Stop 01

Yakdessa Mountain Trekking, Kurunegala

Yakdessagala is situated in Kurunegala. This is a rock where a Princess named Kuweni cursed her husband for leaving her. The meaning of Yakdessagala is “Yaka-des, gala” meaning “The stone where the devil (Yaka) cursed”,

A princess named Kuweni left the palace weeping and lamenting casting a hateful curse on her husband Vijaya because he was getting down a wife from India to fulfill the requirements to ascend the throne. She proceeded to Kurunegala, to a rock overlooking the lake and in desperation and with a broken heart jumped down from the rock which is up to date called Yakdessagala (Yaka-des, Negu, gala).

The origin of Yakdessagala refers to the legend of Vijaya’s castaway queen Kuweni, who is represented in a rock as a woman with her head fumed back before she finally threw herself down the precipitous rock with curses on Vijaya and his clan. The effect of her curse resulted in Vijaya’s successor King Panduwasdeva suffering from a severe skin disease and Vijaya had no children from his second marriage.

The path starts at a small rock pond with lilies and from here onwards it’s an uphill journey through a classical dry zone forest. There are arrows that direct downwards (helping the returning traveler) printed in red and the next arrow usually is seen far away at a higher level. One needs to keep their eyes wide open or you will lose the correct path.

Stop 02

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

During the reign of King Buvanekabahu I, the son of Parakramabahu, yapahuwa was used as the capital, and at one time Yapahuwa housed the tooth relic for over 11 years. Due to many invasions once the city was abandoned the monks used the premises for monastic practices.

As you enter the Yapahuwa rock fortress premises, the dry howling wind will caress on your body and howl away. It’s a nice blend of nature and civilization. The carvings and the architectural artifacts are the pride and glory of the creators of the Yapahuwa rock fortress. Furthermore, it also the home to Sri Lanka’s first and only lion sculpture with Chinese features.

The most remarkable masterwork remains to be the ornamental stairway that was used to conduct the royal palace. Surrounding the beautiful architecture with breathtaking beauty enriches the walk to the top of the hill. rambling jungle, rolling hills, and sunbathed rocks combine to create a picture-perfect tableau. Unlike Sigiriya, however, the palace was not constructed at the summit of the 91-meter flat-topped crag but on a lower level. Meanwhile, evidence suggests that the settlement on the rock was more urban than rural.

It’s recommended to wear the rights cloth and footwear, and clothing as the sun is scorching. As there are stairs carved from stone, it is not that hard to reach the top, and however, once you reach the top of the summit, the fortress is designed in a manner to identify and target even far in advance. Furthermore, as you ascend the mountain, you will be able to get a panoramic view of the Yapahuwa Kingdom.

Stay Night in Yapahuwa

Day 03 – Anuradhapura – Wilpattu

Stop 01

Anuradhapura Temple

Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is well-known for its ancient ruins. This historic city is now a world heritage site and home to a few of the majestic Buddhist temples whose history dates back to several years. The architectural grandeur, the religious significance of these historic temples in Anuradhapura, will make your visit worth it. These eight places are comprised of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Mirisaweti Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Lankaramaya.One of these was established by Anuradha, a minister of King Vijaya, on the banks of a stream called Kolon and was named Anuradhagama. In 377 BC, King Pandukabhaya, grandson of King Panduvasudeva (437–367 BC) made it his capital and developed the city.

Moving to Wilpattu & Stay Night in there

Day 04 – Wilpattu – Kalpitiya

Stop 01

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is world-renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The best time to visit the 'land of the lakes', or Wilpattu National Park, is May to early September during the drought, when animals are drawn out to their waterholes. The biggest draws in Wilpattu are Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus). Apart from those two mammals are Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer Wild Pig, Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Mugger Crocodiles.

Moving to Kalpitiya & Stay Night in there

Day 05 – Kalpitiya – Negombo

Stop 01

Kalpitiya Beach

It has a marine sanctuary with diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal pains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches. It provides nursing grounds for many species of fish and crustaceans. The coastal water is also home to spinner, bottlenose, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the elusive dugong. In there; Go kitesurfing, go dolphin and whale watching, Tour the Dutch Fort, Lounge at the beach.

Negombo City Tour

Departure

Transfer to Airport for departure flight.

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection.

• Include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.

• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour

• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details

• International / Domestic Airfare.

• Any expenses of personal nature.

• Tips & Portages.

• Cost of Beverages

• Meals where not specified.

• Entrance fees.

Book Now