Matale Highlands and Cooking Experience from Sigiriya

(SKU: LK60211400) This tour takes you to three lesser knowns, but amazing, locations in the area of Matale. You will first view the beautiful, historic and completely mysterious Nalanda Gedige. Then you will have a fun-filled visit in the form of the Euphoria Spice and Herbal Gardens in Matale, where you learn more about spices and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use. You will then move onto a serious note with the secretive and ancient rock temple Aluvihara. Finally, you will visit the spectacular Sembuwatta Lake at sunset, making for some amazing views


Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Central Province

Sigiriya, located in central Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock fortress. Rising dramatically 200 meters above the surrounding plains, Sigiriya is a remarkable testament to ancient engineering and architectural prowess. Also known as Lion Rock, it boasts exquisite frescoes, landscaped gardens, and the remnants of an extensive network of water gardens and reservoirs. The site offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Stop At: Nalanda Gedige, Matale 21152 Sri Lanka

Nalanda Gedige is an old Dravidian (Pallava era) structure believed to have been built between the 8th to 10th centuries. At first view, it’s an obviously Hindu temple from the detailed wall and roof architecture, to the little windowless main shrine. However, the site’s erotic tantric sculptures, along with its plain moonstone, point to a more Buddhist origin.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Euphoria Spice and Herbal, Kandy Road Arunaloka Farm Madawalaulpatha, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka

Europia Spice Garden

Start your visit with a 1 to 1.5-hour tour of the spice and herbal gardens. During the tour, you will learn more about the gardens’ different spices and herbs, as well as how they are grown and harvested and watch a traditional cooking demo that puts them to good use.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple, Matale, Aluvihara Aluvihara Junction, Matale Rd, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka

Aluvihara is most famous as the place of creation of the Buddhist religious script ‘Tripitaka’. The stupa is literally built on top of a large rock. Meanwhile, the rock itself is riddled with a cave system. So far 13 caves have been found, with much more buried under old cave-ins. You will have to climb up and through the rock to see the historic and interesting insides of these caves and learn more about the history within.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sembuwatta Lake, Sri Lanka

You can return to Kandy at this time, or opt for a sunset visit to Sembuwatta Lake located in the Elkaduwa area. You will get there by 4:30 pm. Sembuwatta is an artificial lake made from a natural spring in the area. It’s famed for its amazing views and natural swimming pool. You will be spending a relaxing hour here, allowing you to take some spectacular photos with the setting sun.

Duration: 1 hour



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time: 08:00 AM
Duration: 10 Hours
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Your Hotel In Sigiriya.

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Sigiriya.
• Transport by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• Cooking demo with traditional lunch.

Not Included

• Entrance tickets to the visiting sites. (Sembuwatte Lake, Nalanda Gedige)
• Food and beverages.
• Expenses of personal nature.
• Gratuities.

Facilities