Athugala Rock & Silver Temple Cultural Experience in Kurunegala

from $145

Duration

7 hours

Type

Guided, Private

Difficaulty

Easy

Reviews

(4)

4.5 /5

Athugala and Silver Temple Tour from Habarana

About This Tour

Embark on the Athugala and Silver Temple Tour in Kurunegala, starting with a 7:00 AM pick-up from Habarana. Guided by a local expert, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Sri Lanka.

Begin your journey by visiting the majestic Athugala Rock, where the iconic Buddha statue overlooks Kurunegala. Explore the Silver Temple, a serene and spiritual site adorned with intricate carvings and tranquil surroundings.

Following the temple visit, you'll head to a nearby village, where you'll be welcomed by the warm-hearted locals. Enjoy a unique opportunity to interact with villagers, learn about their daily lives, and explore the picturesque paddy fields that define the rural landscape.

This tour not only offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage but also provides an authentic rural experience, making it a perfect blend of culture, nature, and community interaction.

Destinations

Colombo, Kurunegala

Activities

Accessibility

Language

English

Themes

Bus / Minivan Tours

Max People

Operator

Ceylon Travel Dream

Inclusions

Transportation in a A/C Vehicle
English speaking guide for the entire tour
All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges
Mineral Water Bottle

Exclusions

Entrance Fees
Any tours to cities not mentioned above
Any other services not mentioned above

Tour Plan

The Wayamba province was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 12th and14th centuries of our history. Where a tourist sees a totally different side of history and nature, where the entire province is based on coconut and paddy cultivation. Kurunegala is an ancient royal capital located in the north western province of the country. The picturesque town is surrounded by coconut plantations, marshy paddy fields and dense rubber estates and there are eight large rocky outcrops that encircle and dominate the city. The rocks rise from the plain below and characteristically resemble the form of various animals. According to folklore legend, when the animals threatened the city’s water supply during a period of severe drought, they were magically turned into stone by an old woman. The largest among them is Ethagala or the ‘Elephant Rock’ from which Kurunegala got its name. Nearby are three archeological cities with remains of an ancient moated palace and monasteries from the 12th century.

Ethagala or elephant rock Is surrounded by rocks and the Ethagala or elephant rock is the largest among them. The rock is 325meters high and resembles the gigantic shape of an elephant. According to myths, the area around the elephant rock experienced a severe drought which resulted in scarcity of water for animals and those endangered animals later turned into large rocks. The myth was designed to suit the meaning of Athugala, the large elephant. The way along the rock path is very eco friendly. At the top of the rock there is an 88ft Buddha statue. The Kurunegala town is very scenic to view from the top of the rock.

Ridivihara is located at Ridigama village in Kurunegala district. The name "Ridigama'' means "silver village". If you are coming from Colombo, take the Kandy road from Kurunegala and travel around 4km. From the Mallawapitiya Junction take the left turn and travel along with the Keppetipola road. This is not a carpeted road, but road condition is not bad. You have to travel around 15 km then you will reach Ridigama. You can get help from the villages to find the directions. The by road from the Ridigama main road to Ridi Viharaya is a well maintained and, you have to travel around 1 km more. Ridi Viharaya is at your left hand side and you get a enough parking area opposite to the temple.

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

Know Before You Go

Passport required

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable

Cancellation Policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event

Reviews

4.5/5

Wonderful

4 verified reviews

Location (4.25/5)

Amenities (4.5/5)

Services (4.5/5)

Price (4.75/5)

Rooms (4.5/5)

4 Comments

Wolf July 18, 2023
4.6
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Exploring the cultural richness of Habarana in Sri Lanka, we found the serenity of the Silver Temple particularly enchanting, especially as we admired its stunning craftsmanship. While the trek up Athugala Rock offered breathtaking views, the climb felt a bit challenging for our younger ones, slightly dampening the experience.
Fatima O. March 29, 2024
4.6
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
We were captivated by the serene beauty of the rock formations while exploring the cultural depths of an ancient temple, which offered a unique glimpse into local traditions. The journey to the site was a comfortable ride, although the winding roads could be a bit challenging for those prone to motion sickness. Overall, it was an enriching experience that allowed us to connect with the region’s history and artistry, even if the time spent at the temple felt slightly rushed.
PassportReady August 14, 2024
4.4
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Climbing the rock offered a breathtaking view that made every step worth the effort. While the silver temple was a serene place to explore, I found myself wishing for a little more time to soak in the details of the intricate carvings. Overall, this experience beautifully combined nature and culture, leaving me with memories I won’t soon forget.
Michael Diamond November 23, 2024
4.4
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Our time at the Silver Temple was truly enchanting, with the intricate designs reflecting the rich cultural heritage we were eager to explore. While the hike up Athugala Rock offered stunning views, we wished there had been a bit more guidance on the trail to enhance our experience.