From Colombo Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari

Sri Lanka , Sri Lanka

From Colombo Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari

Active

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

Climb to the ruins on Sigiriya Rock and explore the Buddha-statue-packed caves of Dambulla—this small-group tour from Colombo removes the stress from visiting two of Sri Lanka’s highlights. Settle into an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide, and admire the scenery on route into the island’s lush heartlands. Visit Dambulla and then stop at Sigiriya, where you can climb the rock or just stroll its gardens. Admissions are at your own expense.

* Visit Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla’s temples on a day trip from Colombo
* Experience two UNESCO-listed sites with ease and a driver-guide for info
* See Dambulla’s Buddha-filled caves and ascend to Sigiriya’s

Available options

From Colombo Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometres east of Colombo and 72 kilometres north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The Sigiriya Museum known to be the most beautiful museums in all of South Asia is managed by the central Cultural Fund. This museum represents the cultural, technological and archeological value of Sigiriya. The Sigiriya Museum allows its visitors to explore three decades of archeological research on Sigiriya. The design of the Sigiriya museum was inspired by the complex design systems evident in Sigiriya itself. Most importantly the cleaver use of water, where it both enhances the beauty and quality of the environment as well as the conservation of it for the purpose of irrigation is been replicated here at the Sigiriya Museum.

Stop 3

Sigiriya is the most exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art, architecture and landscaping. Built over 1,600 years ago, the now sinister-looking 600 ft high black rock once appeared like a massive dazzling white cloud floating above the surrounding forests. Its sides were painted with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. A large gatehouse in the form of a lion guarded the entrance to the innermost sanctum of the city – the Sky Palace on top of the rock. Sigiriya burst briefly into pre-eminence and was then abandoned and lay hidden in the forests for nearly 1,500 years. The climb to the top is strenuous but it is worth it.

Finally, visit the Minnariya National Park, famous for its large population of wild elephants and is known as one of the best places in Sri Lanka for elephant sightings. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the park, allowing you to get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

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 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Nature Full day Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Course 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 Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Street Food Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife safaris Surfing White-water rafting Beach lounging Ayurvedic spa treatments Tea plantation tours Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.

25°C to 30°C 77°F to 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

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Galle Fort Colombo Fort

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

180 km from Colombo • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Adam's Peak

40 km from Ratnapura • Full day

A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.

Festivals

Vesak • April/May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)

Pro tips

Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving