Dambulla, Sigiriya and National Park Safari Tour from Kandy

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Dambulla, Sigiriya and National Park Safari Tour from Kandy

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(2 reviews)

6h - 9h

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

I will pick you up from Kandy town or the hotel you're staying at in Kandy, and begin our journey to Sigiriya. Our first stop will be the historic Dambulla Cave Temple, where you can explore the ancient rock temples.

After Dambulla, we’ll continue our drive towards Sigiriya, with an optional visit to a Sri Lankan herbal garden along the way, where you can learn about traditional herbal remedies (if you wish to stop).

Next, we’ll visit the stunning Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you can hike to the top and enjoy breathtaking views and explore the ancient palace ruins.

After Sigiriya, we’ll head to Minneriya National Park for an exciting safari, where you’ll have the chance to see wild elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Once the safari is complete, I’ll drive you back to Kandy or your hotel in Kandy, concluding a memorable day of sightseeing and adventure."

Available options

By Mini Van

Pickup included

By airconditioned bus

Air conditioned Bus<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla It is renowned for its stunning rock cave complexes filled with ancient Buddhist art and statues.

Here's what travelers can see:

Rock Cave Complex: The temple consists of five main caves carved into a 160-meter high rock. Each cave showcases a unique theme and purpose.
Buddha Statues: Over 150 Buddha statues are spread across the caves, depicting various poses and historical periods. Some include statues of Hindu deities and Sri Lankan kings.
Wall and Ceiling Paintings: The caves are adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from Buddha's life, Jataka stories, and Buddhist history.
Stunning Viewpoint: From the temple, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including nearby mountains and paddy fields.
Historical Significance: This site has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years and is an essential landmark in Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.

Stop 2

Ancient Fortress: The rock rises 200 meters above the surrounding jungle and was once the site of a royal palace built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. Travelers can explore the remnants of the fortress.

Lion's Gate: The main entrance to the fortress is marked by a massive lion’s paw, which gives Sigiriya its name ("Lion’s Rock").

Frescos: On the rock face, travelers can view well-preserved frescoes depicting celestial maidens. These vibrant paintings are located in a sheltered alcove halfway up the rock.

Mirror Wall: A section of the rock features a highly polished surface, once so reflective it was known as the "Mirror Wall." It’s inscribed with ancient graffiti from visitors who wrote their thoughts on the site over the centuries.

Water Gardens: At the base of the rock, travelers can visit the beautifully landscaped water gardens, complete with ponds, fountains, and water channels.

Minneriya National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It’s best known for its large elephant populations and scenic landscapes. Here’s what travelers can expect to see at Minneriya:

Elephant Gathering: Minneriya is famous for its "Gathering", which is one of the largest concentrations of wild elephants.

Rich Biodiversity: In addition to elephants, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including sambar deer, wild boars, and leopards (although sightings are rare). It also hosts many species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

What's not included

Entrance tickets to the Attractions

Entrance tickets to the National park and Safari jeep

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

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

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.