Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Tour with Lunch (Group)

Negombo , Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Tour with Lunch (Group)

Active

12h - 15h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an iconic place for Sri Lanka and something you should not miss if you happen to visit this beautiful country.
We have included 03 key activities to this day tour and ideally will suit for solo travelers and couples those who are not willing to go for an expensive private tour. Also for those who are in a tight schedule or on a transit stop to Sri Lanka, this will be the ideal option. We have got well experienced chauffer guides with vehicles of very good standards. And guests are free to adjust the tour as per their willingness by avoiding the places they do not like to visit. They can wait in the vehicle or roam around and visit any other place in the area until others return after the particular visit. For those who are planning to stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla or any other place en route, we can drop you after the tour.
(Total duration mentioned with the travel time and time required for the activities and departure time from Sigiriya at 5.00 p.m )

Available options

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Tour with Lunch (Group)

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Guide

Parking Fees

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Lunch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.

Inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed continuously throughout the historical period into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in the Southern and South Eastern Asian region, The vast internal spaces of the cave shrines are not compartmentalized, but are spatially differentiated by a deliberate and subtle arrangement of polychrome sculpture of craftsmanship and decorated with compositions of mural paintings. Spatial hierarchy and purposive interior layout devoid of physical divisions lead the devotees systematically through the spaces from one ritual function to the next. The site is remarkable in the Buddhist world for its association for more than two millennia.

We will be visiting Elephant Fence restaurant for the lunch. This is located close to Habarana Junction. A Sri Lankan lunch served with steamed white rice, local vegetable curries, some salads, fried dry fish, Chicken or Fish and Pappadam.
Those who prefer vegetarian options we have arranged it too. There will be a dessert offered at the end.

Hurulu Eco Park is the ideal location to witness wild Elephants. There will be hundreds of Elephants in their natural habitat you can spot during this safari tour. An off road Jeep with come and pick you from the Elephant fence restaurant where we have our lunch.
Safari takes around 2 - 2 and a half hours to complete. Those who do not want to take this activity, can wait the the lobby of the restaurant where they have got Wi-Fi, some books and recreational activities.

Stop 4

A must visit place if you are touring in Sri Lanka. We wil be arriving the place by 4.00 pm and that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from the top. Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress known for its massive column of rock that reaches nearly 200 meters high. The site dates back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), who chose this site as his new capital. He decorated the walls with frescoes, and built an impressive palace right on top of the rock column, accessible only through the mouth of an enormous carved lion.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicles this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill. King Kashyapa built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.

What's not included

Tickets can be purchased at the gates. Dambulla Cave Temple US$7, Sigiriya Rock US$36, Safari US$28

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Will be ideal for those who are staying in transit hotels near the airport.

Important notes

Please send us the nearest pick-up point once you make the booking. You can send it as a message (Whatsapp) to our contact number or through the viator platform with the BR number. We will advise you the exact pick-up time from the location picked by you as we have to consider the travel time from one pick-up point to the next.

About Negombo

Negombo is a vibrant coastal city in Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, historic Dutch-era architecture, and the bustling fish market. Often called 'Little Rome' due to its significant Catholic population and churches, it offers a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and lively local life.

Top Attractions

Negombo Beach

Negombo Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand along the Indian Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers stunning sunsets.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Negombo Fish Market

The Negombo Fish Market is one of the largest and most vibrant fish markets in Sri Lanka. It's a bustling hub where fishermen sell their daily catch, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood.

Market 1-2 hours Free (Food purchases extra)

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church is a historic Catholic church in Negombo, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. It's a popular pilgrimage site and a key landmark in the city.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Dutch Canal

The Dutch Canal is a historic waterway built by the Dutch during their colonial period. It's a scenic spot for a leisurely walk or boat ride, offering glimpses of local life and nature.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (Boat rides extra)

Anguruwankanda Forest Hermitage

Anguruwankanda Forest Hermitage is a peaceful retreat nestled in a lush forest. It's a great place for meditation, hiking, and experiencing the serenity of nature.

Nature Half day Free (Donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked with spices and served with gravy.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Seafood Curry

A flavorful curry made with fresh seafood, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, served with rice.

Dinner Contains seafood and coconut.

Hoppers (Appa)

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

Breakfast Vegetarian (unless with egg).

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in meat stock, wrapped in a banana leaf with meat, sambol, and a hard-boiled egg.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and fish.

Popular Activities

Water sports Boat safaris Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Visiting temples and churches Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rain, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. The city is bustling with tourists during this period.

26-30°C 79-86°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

Negombo is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or app-based taxis.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km (22 miles)

By train

Negombo Railway Station

By bus

Negombo Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Negombo. They connect the city center with beaches, markets, and other attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Negombo City Center Negombo Beach Lunuwila

Day trips

Colombo

35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day

Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, offering a mix of modern and colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions.

Kelani River Safari

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

A scenic boat safari along the Kelani River, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.

Muthurajawela Marsh

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A unique wetland ecosystem located near Negombo, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boat rides, and nature walks.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year) Christmas Celebrations • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the Negombo Fish Market early in the morning to see the fresh catch and experience the bustling atmosphere.
Take a boat ride along the Dutch Canal to enjoy the scenic views and learn about its history.
Try local seafood dishes, particularly grilled fish and prawn curry, for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the historic St. Mary's Church and learn about its significance to the local Catholic community.
Relax on Negombo Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.