“From Lion Rock to palace ruins — two capitals, one story.”
Begin before dawn on the climb of <strong data-start="4408" data-end="4434"Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where your guide narrates King Kashyapa’s dramatic tale, the frescoes of heavenly maidens, and the ingenious water gardens. After lunch, drive to <strong data-start="4582" data-end="4597"Polonnaruwa — the medieval capital. Cycle its shaded lanes to discover the <strong data-start="4661" data-end="4675"Gal Vihara rock sculptures, the Royal Palace, and Parakrama Samudra. Your guide links the two capitals: urban planning, hydraulic mastery, and devotional life across centuries.
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Why visit: Together Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa chart the arc of Sri Lankan statecraft, art, and sacred expression — a concentrated study of ancient civilization.