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Sri Lanka has the richest biodiversity in the whole of Asia per
square kilometer of land area. You can encounter more than 3,360
species of flowering plants, 1,920 fungi, 242 butterflies, 78 species
of fresh water fish, 322 non-migrant birds and 250 amphibians. Two of
the three monkey species you see in Sri Lanka are endemic. Sri Lanka
also has the highest concentration of leopards in the world. There are
hundreds of mammals, reptiles, birds and other types of species that
you can see only on this small tropical island. The Heritance
Kandalama, with its unique environment friendly design and philosophy,
offers a perfect location for you to enjoy watching these animals in
their own natural habitat.
A hike to the historic Aligala
(Elephant Rock) cave (3rd Century BCE) in the jungle, to the east of
the hotel, will take just 40 minutes. The name is derived from the
likeness of the rock formation to an elephant.
We also offer an exciting night hike for the more adventurous guest.
Aligala Caves – Commences at 9.00am – 2 ½ hours
The caves’ history dates back to the 1st Century BCE, when King Walagamba, defeated at Anuradhapura, took refuge in one. There are five caves containing 150 Buddhist statues. Many of the paintings in the temple date back to the 19th Century CE. The Dambulla Cave Temple is located just 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Enjoy the unique experience of cycling through secluded Sri Lankan villages and farmland. The cycling route of 28 km around the hotel is virtually traffic-free, and will take you through a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty. We provide excellent mountain bikes, which are suited to rugged terrain, on rent to our guests. All our bikes are regularly checked and maintained for maximum safety and comfort.
Night Hike – From 8.00pm to 9.00pm – 1 hour
Sri Lanka has the richest biodiversity in the whole of Asia per square kilometer of land area. You can encounter more than 3,360 species of flowering plants, 1,920 fungi, 242 butterflies, 78 species of fresh water fish, 322 non-migrant birds and 250 amphibians. Two of the three monkey species you see in Sri Lanka are endemic. Sri Lanka also has the highest concentration of leopards in the world. There are hundreds of mammals, reptiles, birds and other types of species that you can see only on this small tropical island. The Heritance Kandalama, with its unique environment friendly design and philosophy, offers a perfect location for you to enjoy watching these animals in their own natural habitat.
A hike to the historic Aligala (Elephant Rock) cave (3rd Century BCE) in the jungle, to the east of the hotel, will take just 40 minutes. The name is derived from the likeness of the rock formation to an elephant.
We also offer an exciting night hike for the more adventurous guest.
Aligala Caves – Commences at 9.00am – 2 ½ hours
Kandalama Rock – From 9.00am to 3.00pm – 1 ½ hours
Puranagama (Ancient Village)
Night Hike – From 8.00pm to 9.00pm – 1 hour
The 8,889 hectare Minneriya National Park includes the catchment area of a reservoir 249 square kilometers in extent, built by King Mahasen about 15 centuries ago. One hour's drive from the Hotel, this park is easily accessible from the main road to Polonnaruwa. In the dry months from August to October, more than 300 wild elephants gather on the shores of the Minneriya reservoir. This gathering of elephants is the highlight of the National Park and is one the largest gatherings of elephants in the wild anywhere in the world. Watch spotted deer, sambur, water birds and the mating dance of peacock.
Puranagama Ancient Village Tour
Enjoy our special tour to Puranagama, which means ancient village in Sinhala. It is located adjacent to a restored irrigation reservoir in the midst of a tropical jungle. The Heritance Kandalama has a very special relationship with this village, nurturing and protecting its cultural heritage while giving our guests the unique experience of visiting it. The Puranagama offers a rare opportunity to see traditional Sri Lankan village life. Puranagama is located at 25 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
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