Kuwera Eco Lodge lies in a strategic position to start visiting the main sites of the cultural triangle, the most important of Sri Lanka, which still hold invaluable relics.
Excursions of few hours or a day will take you to the discover of this important artistic and cultural heritage.
You will be able to admire elephants in their natural habitat, or enjoy a day at the beach on the north east of the island.
We could organize these and other excursions for you, will be enough asking informations at our front desk, our staff will be happy to explain and advise you at best.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1982, is the largest and most visited archaeological site in Sri Lanka. This Imposing rock formation that emerges from the forest, was chosen in 477 BC by King Kassapa to build his palace, surrounded by terraces and pools still visible today that demonstrate construction techniques very advanced for that time. Along the way you can see precious frescoes portraying naked women.
Distance: 15 minutes
Pidurangala rock
Pidurangala is a less popular site than Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is about one kilometer from it, but very interesting too. A path winds between boulders in the forest and in about 40 minutes leads to the top where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings and the Rock of Sigiriya. Along the way you can see the caves where monks lived and an impressive reclining Buddha.
Distance: 10 minutes
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Royal Rock Temple is the most impressive temple carved into the rock in Sri Lanka and consists of five caves which house about 150 Buddha statues of various sizes and old paintings that illustrate his life. The monastery is situated on top of a hill which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding plain.
Distance: 30 minutes
Polonnaruwa
The wide archaeological site of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, is very special because the ruins emerge from the vegetation and, in part, are covered by moss. Here are the best preserved temples and sculptures from around the country as Gal Vihara, a triptych of statues carved in marble portraying Buddha in the three main positions: standing, lying and in meditation.
Distance: 1 Hour
Minneriya NATIONAL Park
The Minneriya National Park, located on the road between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, includes a forest and the “Minneriya Tank”, a large artificial lake built in ancient times that, between June and September, attracts numerous herds of elephants offering an amazing spectacle for visitors. The park is home to monkeys, birds, deer and some specimens of leopard.
Distance: 40 minutes
Anuradaphura
Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, today is an important archaeological site where next to ruined temples are impressive dagoba, the best known are Ruvanvelisaya, Thuparama and revered tree Sri Maha Bodhi which is derived from a cutting of the tree native, in India, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The particularity of this site is that some temples are still in operation and are very popular among the faithful.
Distance: 1.30 hours
Mihintale
Mihintale is a small site, not far from Anuradhapura, which is of great importance in the history of Sri Lanka because it is considered the place where Buddhism has developed. On the sacred hill, whose summit can be reached via a stone staircase of 1800 steps, there are some of the oldest monuments of the country as the dagoba Kantaka Chetiya.
Distance: 1.45 hours
Trincomalee
Trincomalee, located on the northeast coast of the island, between April and September, is the ideal place to end the tour in Sri Lanka enjoying some relaxing days.
With the nearby Nilaveli and Uppuveli offers golden beaches and the chance to do different activities from snorkeling to the small island of Pigeon island boat trips to spot whales and dolphins.
Worth a one-day visit during other months of the year, to see the Dutch Fort, the port, the great rock called Lover’s Leap or to see the fishermen village.
Distance: 1.30 hours