Discover Sri Lanka's famous wildlife park and enjoy the presence of many leopards and sloth bears. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world where the population lives side-by-side with free-roaming animals and yala is an ideal witness for wildlife holidaymakers.
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Athugala Rock & Silver Temple Cultural Experience in Kurunegala
$270
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Inclusions
- Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle
- English speaking guide for the entire tour
- 4X4 Safari Jeep
- Mineral Water Bottle
- All Government Tax & Charges
Exclusions
- National Park Entrance fees
- 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.
Itinerary
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Stage 1
safari tour at Yala National Park and witnessing the wide range of animals such as leopards, bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles, and many more who roam freely in the wild. Yala National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife. The Yala National Park Safari Tour from Ella brings you the great opportunity of experiencing a soothing village environment along with the rich cultural composition of Yala.
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
Meeting / Pickup
Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.
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
Reviews
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- • No Tax, No Fees
- • Instant Booking
- • Customizable Tours
- • Guaranteed Departures
- • Flexible Booking Options
- • Verified Local Operators
- • 24/7 Support
4 Comments
4.6
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.
4.6
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.
4.4
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.
4.4
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.