From Colombo to Sigiriya Fortress, Dambulla & Minneriya Safari

Colombo , Sri Lanka

From Colombo to Sigiriya Fortress, Dambulla & Minneriya Safari

Active

(18 reviews)

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The excursion commences at either Colombo or Negombo at the early hours of 6:00 am or 7:00 am. Our premium service includes transportation in a luxurious air-conditioned car to Sigiriya. Following the main leg of the journey, we enhance your experience with a 4x4 safari jeep adventure in Minneriya. Subsequently, we ensure your return to your designated accommodation is seamless, utilizing another comfortable air-conditioned car. This comprehensive and professionally curated tour guarantees both comfort and an unforgettable exploration of the remarkable Sigiriya and Minneriya locales.

Available options

From Colombo to Sigiriya Fortress, Dambulla & Minneriya Safari

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

King Coconut Water

What you'll see

Journey from Colombo to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock and the captivating Minneriya Safari.

Our adventure begins with a scenic drive to the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress with a rich historical legacy. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking views from the summit.

Following the exploration of Sigiriya, brace yourself for a remarkable 4-hour Minneriya Safari, renowned for hosting the largest gathering of elephants in South Asia. Traverse the enchanting landscapes and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

On the way back to your accommodation, we offer a unique detour to the Dambulla Cave Temple. Marvel at the intricate cave paintings and sculptures that depict centuries of cultural and religious significance. This half-day tour promises a perfect blend of history, wildlife, and cultural immersion, leaving you with lasting memories of Sri Lanka's diverse wonders.

What's not included

Entrance Tickets (Sigiriya/Dambulla/Minneriya Park)

4x4 Safari Jeep

Available languages

Guide guide

EN TA

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Colombo City to 15km Free pickup and Drop off and all Colombo hotels pickup and drop off

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

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

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat