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Lush green jungles of Sri Lanka still holds many unrevealed secrets. Among them, perhaps the most remarkable are forgotten stone cities, buried by voracious and unstoppable nature. Capitols of ancient kingdoms with their intriguing tales of revenge, murder and foreign invasions, giving glimpses of a vast cultural heritage, remain yet to be fully discovered. This time we take you on an adventure, that would make Dr. Jones jelly and perhaps bit anxious too, as he would have to swap his horse for a bike! :)Our cycling journey starts at the city of Negombo with its own rich history and thriving markets, through lagoons of lush jungle and mangrove forests, and eventually to the royal remains of Dambadeniya atop rock towers buried in green vines. Surely one of the best cycling expeditions for a short weekend!
The forgotten Kingdom of Dambadeniya is rich with stories of distant kings, hidden palaces atop rock tower fortresses, and fortifications protecting gardens, relics and frescos, that are still mostly untouched and undiscovered, compared to more popular ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka!
In the mid-13th Century, King Vjayabahu III established his capital in Dambadeniya, for the first time in the long history of the island. On the summit of the Dambadeniya rock lies a fortification of sturdy walls and gates, secured by moats, marsh and ramparts, and capped by the royal palace. The era marked an important period in the Sri Lankan history and its heritage, beyond mere buildings, paintings or literature.
You will find here a very obvious resemblance to Sigiriya - world famous Lion Rock, the difference being in size, and the fact that this one is practically unknown!
Negombo lagoon, only a short distance from Colombo it is one of the most scenic landmarks of Sri Lanka, and filled with hundreds of species of birds among lush mangroves, was formed where the Ma Oya river meets the Indian Ocean, and known for its thriving fish auctions and industry of cinnamon, ceramics and brass.
The city is also rich in Portuguese and Dutch influence with a canal which flows through, and is still used to this day by outrigger canoes and modern watercraft, trading and transporting the goods of the day. Remains of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings and churches with frescoed ceilings.
Get ready for a weekend full of adventure, exotic beaches, history, archaeology and the purest nature. All this wrapped in the intense green of the jungle!
Day 0 // Thursday // Departure to Colombo
Departure from Dubai Airport at 10:30, immigration, check in to our beach resort, free time at leisure.
Day 1 // Friday // Cycling the Lagoons
Shortly after breakfast we’ll do covid test for return flight and start our cycling journey with discovery of Negombo - to Muthurajawela wetland sanctuary for a quick boat trip with the soothing sounds of birds and nature, to replenish your energy before lunch. Continue through villages, lagoons and fish markets before return to hotel in the afternoon for beach time, dinner and rest.
Cycling distance: 30km.
Day 2 // Saturday // Hidden Rock
We start the day with fishermen boat trip that will show us how to catch shrimps. With this knowledge, but after breakfast, we will head to Dambadeniya with stop at fruit vendors for refreshment before the climb to mini-Sigiriya with spectacular views and no tourists in sight! After descent, cycle back to hotel to freshen up and spend some time relaxing at the beach.
Cycling distance: 42 kms.
After some rest, we will invite you to one of top Sri Lanka’s restaurants before the airport transfer. Back home 5:25 AM Sunday morning.
Grade:
Easy - depending on fitness level.
Activities:
Leisure cycling, sightseeing, boating.
Cost: 2900 AED all incl. flights
Room & Meals:
Beach resort and meals included.
Sneak peak:
https://vimeo.com/230556292
See yah at Dambadeniya x
Piotr
0504848238
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International, 2525 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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