Early morning leave for Dambulla (approx. 3 ½ hours drive from Colombo) and climb the Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla. The Dambulla cave Temples are another UNESCO World Heritage site which date back to the 1st Century BC. This cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings' mage further improvements and the caves now contain 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls. The hike up to the caves is short but steep (approx. 15-40 mins depending on route taken). At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

After lunch head out on a Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park (3 hrs) and travel to the hotel for one night stay. Do not miss out on this quintessential safari destination that offers the best spotting of wildlife in its strikingly beautiful forest. This National Park with 8889 hectares in extent is famous for it large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Capture the golden opportunity to witness the Asia’s largest gathering of mighty elephants, wandering in the green grassland overlooking the beautiful Minneriya reservoir- the heart of the life of the national park. Elephants, about 300 wild elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, sambhur, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of reptiles, 160 spececies of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties f butterflies are recorded from the Minneriya National Park. Get a thrilling look at the elephants of Minneriya National Park during this 3-hour private Jeep safari. Travel to a wilderness refuge known for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth (each June through September), observing these giant creatures as they drink, feed, and congregate. The chance to observe numerous species of birds, amphibians, and fish is an added bonus. With the grace of majestic giants and pristine tropical dry forest settings, Minneriya National Park is a perfect spot to spend few hours witnessing one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on earth.