Sigiriya & Hiriwaduna Village Tour From Sigiriya

Sigiriya , Sri Lanka

Sigiriya & Hiriwaduna Village Tour From Sigiriya

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5h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

•Pick you up from the hotel in Sigiriya
•Our driver/guide will pick you up at 6 : 30 AM
•We take you Sigiriya lion rock for the trekking before sunrise.
•You can have your breakfast after the trekking
•We take you to Hiriwadunna,
•A village where trees outnumber people and enjoy a trek across natural trails
•After arriving to hiriwadunna, you can start a village trail on this beautiful village
•A catamaran boat trip and a bullock cart ride
•Also you will be able to see the views of Sigiriya in the distance.
•Upon reaching the shore you will be escorted to the house of a village local where your authentic Sri Lankan lunch will be cooked from freshly grown produce.
•You can have a lunch there
•You will also climb to a tree house which is used as a watch.
•End of the day take you back to the hotel in sigiriya Approx. 1 hour

Available options

Sigiriya & Hiriwaduna Village Tour From Sigiriya

Pickup included

What's included

All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges

Transportation in a A/C Vehicle

Entrance fees

Lunch

English speaking guide for the entire tour

Mineral Water Bottle

Detailed itinerary

• Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock Situated in central Sri Lanka consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold that was built in the late 5th century on a remarkable monolithic rock pillar. Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. The rock, which is so steep that its top overhangs the sides, rises to an elevation of 1,144 feet above Sea level and is some 600 feet above the surrounding plain. The Sinhalese king Kashyapa built a palace in the shape of a monumental lion on the several acres of ground at the summit, intending it to be a safeguard against his enemies. However, the king was defeated in 495, and the palace fell into ruin. The site soon became a pilgrimage destination, however, and it is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors begin the final ascent to the top through the open paws of the lion, one of the few remaining portions of the palace that are still intact.

• A village where trees outnumber people and enjoy a trek across natural trails
• After arriving to hiriwadunna, you can start a village trail on this beautiful village
• Hiriwadunna is a beautiful village shaded on either side by a dry zone shrub forest, with unpaved gravel paths and humble village folk will give you a chance to witness the environment of a typical Sri Lankan village life and spot a few unique species of birds . A ride on a bullock cart along a dirt track and through rice paddies down to the picturesque Hiriwadunna Lake will leave you with a sense of peacefulness. This is an unforgettable experience for visitors and will most definitely be one of the places they feel most at peace, during the time spent in Sri Lanka.

What's not included

Usage of guide beyond mentioned timings or anything beyond the itinerary

Any tours to cities not mentioned above

Any other services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Sigiriya

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient palace ruins and stunning frescoes. This 5th-century rock fortress offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and culture.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a 5th-century palace and fortress complex built by King Kasyapa. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into ancient Sri Lankan history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours USD 30 (foreign tourists)

Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock offers an alternative climb with breathtaking views of Sigiriya and the surrounding landscape. It's less crowded and more affordable than Sigiriya Rock.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours USD 5 (entry fee)

Sigiriya Museum

The Sigiriya Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history and significance of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It houses artifacts and exhibits related to the ancient site.

Historical/Museum 1 hour USD 10 (foreign tourists)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian (unless served with egg or meat)

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat, cooked on a hot plate with spices.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour and spicy fish curry made with goraka (a type of sour fruit) and a blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian, contains seafood

Popular Activities

Rock climbing (Sigiriya and Pidurangala) Jeep safaris (Minneriya National Park) Tea tasting Spa treatments Visiting ancient temples and ruins Watching cultural shows Boat rides on Habarana Lake Elephant rides

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This is the best time to visit Sigiriya due to pleasant weather and minimal rainfall. The clear skies offer the best views of the rock and surrounding landscapes.

25-32°C (77-90°F) 77-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sigiriya is generally safe for tourists, but common sense and precautions should be taken to ensure a smooth trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices before starting a journey or purchasing items.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 160 km (100 miles)
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Habarana Railway Station

By bus

Habarana Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sigiriya Village Habarana

Day trips

Dambulla Cave Temple

30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five intricately decorated caves with statues and frescoes of the Lord Buddha and various deities.

Minneriya National Park

20 km (12.4 miles) • Full day

Minneriya National Park is famous for its elephant gathering, especially during the dry season. The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It features well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, temples, and monuments.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Sigiriya Festival • August/September

Pro tips

Start your climb to Sigiriya Rock early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Hire a local guide for a more detailed and engaging experience at Sigiriya.
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection when exploring the rock fortress.
Visit the Sigiriya Museum before climbing the rock to gain context and historical insights.