Tour to Dambulla Cave, Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock from Kandy

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Tour to Dambulla Cave, Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock from Kandy

Active

(3 reviews)

10h

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

Itinerary Overview

Pickup: Depart from your hotel in Kandy and transfer to Dambulla (approximately 3 hours).

Morning Activity:
Dambulla Cave Temple:** Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning cave paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha, believed to date back to the 2nd century.

Lunch:- Enjoy a meal at a highly recommended local restaurant.

Afternoon Activities:- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Visit this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site at 3:30 PM. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, Sigiriya is celebrated for its impressive frescoes and architectural ingenuity.

Pidurangala Rock: Embark on a moderately challenging climb to Pidurangala Rock. Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring plenty of water and be mindful of the cultural and religious significance of the area.

Return Transfer:Conclude your day with a transfer back to Kandy (approximately 3 hours).

Available options

Tour to Dambulla Cave, Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock from Kandy

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a site of remarkable historical significance. It boasts the most extensive rock temples on the island, dating back to ancient times and remarkably well-preserved.

Located on Dambulu-gala (Dambulla Rock), the temple is nearly isolated and rises about six hundred feet above the surrounding plains. Its surface is mostly bare and black, with only a few areas covered in vegetation.

The temple complex consists of five caves, each serving as shrine rooms filled with statues of the Buddha and notable figures from Buddhist history. In total, there are around 150 Buddha images across these caves. Cave No. 5, the most recent addition, was created in the early 20th century and lacks historical significance compared to the others.

The earlier caves feature statues and murals that reflect various periods of Sinhalese art, with some of the paintings believed to date back to the 8th century AD.

Stop 2

Visiting the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a highlight of any tour in Sri Lanka. This ancient city is a premier eco-tourism destination and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Some even propose that it should be considered the eighth wonder of the world, alongside other global marvels like the Grand Canyon and the Pyramids of Giza.

The landscape surrounding Sigiriya is predominantly flat, except for the towering rock formation of the fortress, which rises an impressive 600 feet above the lush jungle below. The unique flat top of the rock, nearly an acre in size, served as the foundation for King Kasyapa's fortress complex, with extensive ruins still visible today. Additionally, the base of Sigiriya Rock is an excellent spot for birdwatching, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Absolutely! Pidurangala Rock offers a more tranquil experience compared to the bustling Sigiriya Rock, making it perfect for those looking to connect with nature. The climb is less crowded, allowing for peaceful contemplation at the summit. Plus, the views of Sigiriya, especially at sunrise, are breathtaking—it's a photographer's paradise! The ancient temple at Pidurangala adds an intriguing historical layer, too. Have you had the chance to visit either of these iconic sites?

That sounds like the perfect plan! Starting the day with the serene sunrise views from Pidurangala and then enjoying the sunset from the top of Sigiriya is an incredible way to experience both sites. Each location offers its unique charm, and seeing them at different times of day really highlights their beauty. Plus, the contrast between the quiet of Pidurangala and the historical significance of Sigiriya makes for a memorable day

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes

Meals or refreshments

Entry fees for the mentioned attractions and activities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Meeting point

Opposite Java Cofee Shop,D.S.Senanayake Veediya,Kandy Situated No,11 D,S Seananayake Veediya The Prince Of Wales Taxi Service

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.