Sigiriya Lion's Rock Fortress Day Tour And Polonnaruwa from Kandy

It's time to head out of the city and go on an incredible journey to what locals call the Eighth Wonder of the World: Sigiriya, or Lion's Rock Fortress. Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the heart of the island, between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana, on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. From the main entrance, walk to a series of charming symmetrical water gardens, including curved tanks, bathing pools, little islands with pavilions that were used as dry-season palaces, and landscaped borders. You can either spend a couple of hours here just taking in this marvelous sight, or, should you feel up to the task, begin your 1,200 step climb up to the top of the fortress. Halfway up the Sigiriya rock, an open-air spiral stairway leads to a long, sheltered gallery in the sheer rock face, with the paintings of the buxom, wasp-waisted women are popularly believed to represent either apsaras (celestial nymphs) or King Kasyapa’s concubines. At the top, take in the awesome view of the surrounding area, before you begin your descent to Polonnaruwaa, an ancient capital and home of kings. In the company of the villagers, you'll savor a delicious lunch. You'll get to see some of the incredible archaeological treasures of this area, allowing you a glimpse back into ancient times when the kings ruled. Once you're done, you'll pack up for the day and head back to the city, where you'll get dropped off back at your accommodation.