The Origins of Sri Lankan History

Explore the megalithic tombs of Ibbankatuwa, which belongs to the megalithic and protohistoric periods of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the several ancient burial sites that have been found in the country. Studies have revealed that there has been a community of ancient dwellers who had fundamental knowledge of agriculture, irrigation and social structure. The ancient kingdoms of old in Sri Lanka were heavily influenced by this archaic community. After this visit we move on to exploring the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple which belongs to the ancient historical times of Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Cave Temples are the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 m over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. The site is of particular interest for anyone that loves historic art, as five of the caves contain ancient statues and paintings related to and depicting Lord Buddha and his life. Legend has it that the sacred water pot inside the temple never runs dry nor overflows even though it is consistently refilled by a small natural spring on the rock itself. The climb from the base is not strenuous – and can be done at a leisurely pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Your guide will buy your entrance fee and climb with you. There are approximately 200 steps. The best time to climb is in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid the heat. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders – and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks. The entire visit takes approximately 1.5 hours.