Yapahuwa, Sasseruwa and Auvkana Buddha Statue from Sigiriya

Highlights

• Visit Yapahuwa
• Visit Sasseruwa
• Tour of Aukana Buddha
• Experienced English speaking tour guide

Overview

This memorable tour takes you to see some of the historic highlights of Sri Lanka. See the ancient rock fortress from the kingdom of Yapahuwa. View the remote but beautiful ruins of Sasseruwa with its giant unfinished standing buddha statue. Visit the famous perfectly sculpted Aukana Buddha Statue. Get to know more about historical Sri Lanka with this tour.

What to Expect

You will be picked up from your hotel in Sigiriya at approximately 0700 hrs. You can bring a packed breakfast to eat along the way; as it will take up till 0900 hrs to reach your first destination, Yapahuwa.

The giant rock of Yapahuwa has a history dating back to the 13th century; when King Buvenekabahu (1273-1284 AD) made it the seat of his capitol. He noted its defensive abilities and created a stone fortress on the rock; which withstands the sands of time to this day. You will be able to explore the ancient stone ruins and the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was ensconced during the Yapahuwa era. You will be leaving for Sasseruwa at approximately 1100 hrs.

At 1200 hrs you will get to Sasseruwa, where the Ras Vehera Statue is. This lesser-known statue is almost as tall as the Aukana Buddha at 36 m tall, though it remains incomplete. However, the style of the statue is completely different from the Aukana Buddha. Little is known about who created it and why it was abandoned halfway; though archaeologists have confirmed that it is at least seven centuries old. You will be able to see remains of the image house that the statue originally stood within, and view the ruins of the monastic complex and cave temples around the statue. You will finish your tour of the statue by approximately 1245 hrs and will be retiring for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. After an enjoyable meal (at your own expense) you will restart your tour at approximately 1500 hrs.

You will get to your final destination, the Aukana Buddha Statue, by 1540 hrs. This statue gets its fame from the perfection used during sculpting it from the rock. The Aukana Buddha statue is the largest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka at 46m of height; and is believed to be from the 6th century AD, while there are some who say it’s may also be from the 13th century AD. While you’re there, you will be able to visit the Aukana Greta Royal Temple and view the ancient rock inscriptions on its premises. At approximately 1630 hrs you will be completing your tour of the Aukana Buddha Statue and will be returning to your hotel.

The entire tour will end once you get dropped off back in Sigiriya by approximately 1800 hrs.

Additional Note

Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.

What's Included

• Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide.
• 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.
• Hotel Pick & Drop.
• All Taxes & Service Charges.

What's Excluded

• Entrance Fees (If any).
• Food or Drinks.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.