Sigiriya Fortress & Dambulla Day Tour From Colombo, Bentota Area

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Fortress & Dambulla Day Tour From Colombo, Bentota Area

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(6 reviews)

8h - 12h

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

Experience a mesmerizing day trip from Colombo or any city to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple. Marvel at sacred Buddha images in the caves and enjoy breathtaking views from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Immerse in Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
*The UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple can be visited, which consists of a series
*Experience a comprehensive private tour of Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave temple
*The 1st-century caves are filled with Buddha statues and elaborate frescoes.
*If you like, explore Sri Lanka's interior with visits to traditional villages and a safari jeep tour of Minneriya National Park, where you can see over 100 forest elephants.

Available options

Pick up for Sedan Car

Sedan Car<br/>Pickup included

Pick up for Mini Bus / Van

Van / Mini Bus<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

Transport The tour with an air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first stop is climbing the 5th-century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where King Kasyapa ruled . Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, 'the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that bring Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Dambulla Cave Temple, a Cliffside cave complex packed with Buddha images and frescoes. Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

Sigiriya is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, known for its ancient rock fortress, lush greenery, and rich history. A village tour in Sigiriya offers a unique opportunity to experience the local culture, traditions, and way of life. Here's what you can expect on a Sigiriya village tour
The tour often begins with a ride on a traditional bullock cart, a common mode of transport in rural Sri Lanka. This slow and steady ride through the village allows you to take in the scenic views and observe daily village life
You may visit a local home where you can see how traditional Sri Lankan food is prepared. You might even have the chance to participate in cooking and taste authentic local dishes like rice and curry, made using fresh ingredients from the village
A peaceful boat ride on a nearby lake is usually part of the tour.

National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its incredible wildlife safaris, particularly the sighting of wild elephants. Here's what you can expect from a safari in Minneriya:
One of the most famous attractions in Minneriya is "The Gathering," which is considered one of the largest wild Asian elephant gatherings in the world. During the dry season, typically from July to September, hundreds of elephants migrate to the Minneriya reservoir, seeking water and food. This spectacle is a prime reason for visiting the park, offering breathtaking views of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

What's not included

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Available languages

Guide guide

AR HI EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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