Sigiriya Village Tour and Lunch with Hotel Pick up from Sigiriya

Sigiriya , Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Village Tour and Lunch with Hotel Pick up from Sigiriya

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About this experience

This 3-hour private village tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka with all its authenticity. Spend time with the villagers and engage in many village activities that form everyday life; such as an oxen cart ride, a catamaran ride, and a walk through the fields. Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. You will finish off with an exceptionally delicious buffet lunch, served in classic Sri Lankan style. This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience.

Available options

Sigiriya Village Tour and Lunch with Hotel Pick up from Sigiriya

What's included

Oxen cart ride.

Traditional catamaran safari.

Authentic Sri Lankan village lunch.

Local guide.

Complimentary hotel pick up and drop off by Tuk Tuk from a hotel in Sigiriya.

Detailed itinerary

You will be starting your Village Tour at 10:30 am. You will be provided with directions to the village, where you will be met by your tour guide at the time of starting. You will have a quick walk around the village while your guide tells you more about village life.

You will begin the first of your activities at approximately 10:45 am. The oxen cart is commonly used as the primary mode of transport in Sri Lankan villages. You will have a 15-minute oxen cart ride, ending at the banks of an artificial reservoir.

From this point, you will continue on to a 15-minute traditional catamaran ride. The area has many types of aquatic and plant life. You may be able to catch sight of an occasional crocodile or water monitor as you glide along. Another possible sighting are cormorants and other waterbirds. After you enjoy your time with nature, you will be deposited on a bank adjoining some paddy fields.

These seasonal paddy cultivations, also called ‘Chena’ cultivations, are dependent on the two major monsoon rain periods that take the place of winter in Sri Lanka. The walk through the fields will allow you to see the paddy cultivation first-hand.

You will then move back to the village and be introduced to a local, who will give you a half-hour cooking demonstration on traditional Sri Lankan cooking. The demonstration will also allow you to make your own attempt at cooking a Sri Lankan dish.

You will be having lunch right after at 12:15 pm. Lunch will be a buffet of perfectly cooked rice with 6 traditionally cooked Sri Lankan curries and fresh fried fish. You will also have a green salad and crunchy papadum, practically an essential addition for meals in most Sri Lankan and Indian homes. You will be eating on woven trays with clean lotus leaves on top. Your food which will be cooked in the traditional way, in clay pots over wood fires.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified.

Gratuities.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your Hotel in Sigiriya

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.