4WD Tour to Ella's Archaeological Sites from Ella
(SKU: LK69090200) The Ella Archaeological tour takes you to five sites of historic importance. Visit the mysterious cave temples of Rakkitha Kanda. Capture in photographic memory the unique rock carvings of Buduruwagala.
Includes
- 4WD Vehicle
- Picnic Lunch
- Snack and refreshments
- Experienced Guide
- All government taxes & service charges
- Lunch
- Snacks
Excludes
- Any additional beverages or food.
- Expenses of Personal needs.
- Any other items not mentioned above.
What to Expect
Your tour will be starting at 9:00 am from the Ella Jungle Resort. Your four wheeled drive vehicle will pick you up and drive you to your first destination, Rakkitha Kanda. This place is a monastic site with many dripping caves and cave temples; containing Brahmi inscriptions, paintings, sculptures and even a stupa. You will be exploring the entire network and getting to see all the interesting sights.
Your next stop will be Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist temple complex belonging to the Mahayana school of thought. Ensconced within is a 10th century carving on a rock cliff that consists of seven distinct figures. The center one is Buddha while those around him are believed to be some of the Bodhisattvas. Do not forget to take note of the strange flame shaped carving known as the oil lamp, which is for some unexplainable always wet with what appears to be Mustard oil.
Along the way to your next destination, you will be stopping at a place with a great view for a picnic lunch. After this you will be visiting Yudaganawa; the ancient battlefield where King Dutugemunu, then a prince, fought his brother Prince Ellara for the throne after the death of his father. The place has seen much blood and death and remains one of the most historic and blood-soaked places in Sri Lanka. Next, you will be visiting a little-known 12th-century stupa known as Chulangani Vihara, that has survived the ravages of time.
Your final destination will be Maligawila. This region is famous for its many monuments. The most notable of those is the giant freestanding Buddha statue of height 14.5m, carved out of a single limestone rock. It is believed to have been created during the rule of Prince Aggabodhi in the 7th century AD. After viewing these wonderful artifacts, you will be beginning your return trip home. Your tour will end at approximately 4:00 pm back at the resort.
