Lanka Challenge Guideline Route Information - 2012

* Route is subject to change - we reserve the right to modify the itinerary as necessary. For further details please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Kurunegala

Kurunegala has been named after the Elephant rock (The city of the Elephant rock) and was the capital city of Sri Lanka in the thirteenth century. Today it is the capital city of the North Central province and a major transport hub. It is also famous for the range of rocky outcrops, some of which give names to the animals they resemble: Elephant rock, Tortoise rock etc.

Dambulla

Dambulla is part of the Cultural Triangle declared by UNESCO. Its history dates back to the 1st century B.C. There are over 80 caves in the surroundings and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain original statues and paintings.

Sigiriya

Located in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is the most recognizable landmark in the island. It is a city, palace and extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures centering a 200 metre high rock. The name Sigiriya, literally translates to “Lion Rock”, and is also famous for its ancient frescos. It was built in (AD 477 – 495), and is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

This park covers 979 km². Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife. Yala has the world's highest concentration of Leopards although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires some luck. There are good numbers of Asian Elephants Crocodile, Wild Boar Water Buffalo and Grey langurs amongst other large animals.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Established in 1972, the Elephant Orphanage provides you with the opportunity to see some 60 or more elephant orphan baby jumbos wondering around their foster home or being bottle fed and bather by their human foster fathers at Pinnawala.