1. From Kandy: Mahiyanganya and Dambana Day Trip
Begin you tour at 7:00 AM with a pickup from your guide. First, drive along the famous 18 Bend Road to Mahiyangana. 18 Bend Road is known for being one of the most dangerous and spectacular roads in the world. While the recent road renovations have widened the road therefor reducing the danger factor, it still remains an amazing experience with dramatic views over the valley of Mahiyangana. Your first stop lies within the valley and is of great archaeological value. Sorabora Wewa, also known as the Sea of Bintenna, is an ancient reservoir believed to have been constructed over two millennia ago. Created by damming Diyawanna Oya with a 485-meter embankment, the reservoir uses the natural rock around it to its advantage to form a channel that acts as a sluice gate. Observe this unique sluice gate as you walk along the embankment. Afterward, head to Ulhitiya Reservoir, one of the most important reservoirs in the area. Formed by the damming of Ulhitiya Oya, it is a tributary of Mahaweli River. After learning more about the history of this reservoir, continue on to Mahiyangana. Reach this historic city at about 9:30 AM. Hear about how Mahiyangana is said to be the site of Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Visit Mahiyangana Temple and learn about its history and development starting from before 543 BC to the present day. See how the temple continues to be a place of tranquility and peace. At approximately 10:00 AM start your hike to the Dambana Veddah village. Arrive after about 30-minutes and be introduced to the community of locals and see their rustic homes and lifestyles. Learn how these tribes hunt and farm to sustain themselves. Have the opportunity to join a short hunt if you desire or examine their longbows and arrows. Leave the village at 12:30 PM and return to Mahiyangana. Have some lunch before returning to your hotel, arriving at about 3:00 PM.