Temples and Wilderness from Colombo (2 Days)

(SKU: LK10207000) Temples & Wilderness is a short, single night, 2-day tour that combines culture with wildlife. From two rather distinctive Buddhist temples to one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most famous Natural Parks, this experience gives visitors the chance to see some Buddha statues over 100 feet in height among other religious murals, figurines, and intricately painted passages. Your journey will also allow you a chance to catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s wildlife in Yala National Park.

Includes

• Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide throughout the tour.
• Half day Jeep Safaris in Yala National Park.
• 1 x 1 Liter Water Bottle Per Person Per Day.

Excludes

• Accommodation for the overnight stay.
• Entrance fees to visiting sites. (Yala National Park)
• Food or Drinks (Not specified above).
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.

What to expect

Day : Colombo > Yala

Start your journey at 0700 hrs from your hotel in Colombo. You will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura Travels. After the formalities at the hotel, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Yala. En-Route visit Weherahena Temple and Wewurukannala Temple.

Weherahena Poorwarama Raja Maha Viharaya

Weherahena Poorwarama Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in the Matara District of Sri Lanka, about 6 kilometers off the Matara town. This rather unique temple is known as the first tunnel temple in the world. The temple hosts a massive 130-ft Buddha image that was built following the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras and also consists of all main features of a Buddhist temple- the pagoda, a sacred bo-tree and Samadhi Buddha statue. The walls of the temple are adorned with Buddha murals. According to the historical records, the tunnel temple paintings narrate the Jātaka tales (legends) of Ummagga Jathaka and Umandawa.

Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya

Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya, this sacred Buddhist temple is located 1.5 kilometers from Dikwella towards Beliatta. The main attraction of the temple is the 160-ft tall statue of seated Buddha. It is the largest statue in the whole of Sri Lanka and dates back to the late 18th Century. The temple has another section named the Tunnel of Hell. It features life-sized models of devils, demons, and sinners going through the torments and horrors of hell. The temple walls show you the path towards enlightenment by depicting hundreds of comic strip representations of events in the Buddha’s life.

Day : Yala > Matara > Colombo

Yala National Park

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based on the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

After the safari return to the hotel, relax checkout and proceed to Mandunagala and visit Mandunagala Hot springs.

Thereafter proceed to Matara and visit Snake Farm.

Matara Snake Farm. For three generations, this farm was run by the Bandara family. Mr. Wikman Bandara, 40 years of age is the man in charge. His father, 76-year-old Wijepala Bandara practices Ayurvedic Snake Medicine. The Snake Farm will give you the chance to learn about the cold-blooded reptiles that roam the island and also a first-hand experience with some of the snakes if you are brave enough for the challenge.

On completion start your journey back to your hotel in Colombo.