Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Trip with Safari from Colombo

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Trip with Safari from Colombo

Active

10h - 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

Discover the cultural heart of Sri Lanka in one unforgettable day. This private day trip combines ancient wonders with thrilling wildlife encounters—perfect for travelers short on time but eager for authentic experiences with pickup available from Colombo or Negombo.

- Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire breathtaking panoramic views.
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples, home to centuries-old Buddha statues and vibrant murals.
- Experience a safari at Minneriya National Park, where wild elephants roam freely in their natural habitat.
- Travel in comfort with a private, air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver cum guide.

Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, or first-time visitor to Sri Lanka, this tour offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and comfort—making it one of the most rewarding day trips.

Available options

Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Trip with Safari from Colombo

Pickup included

What's included

King Coconut - subject to available

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

English Speaking Driver cum Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Rising nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains, Sigiriya Rock Fortress—often called the Eighth Wonder of the World—is one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa, Sigiriya was once a royal citadel and palace complex. At its base, visitors can explore the sophisticated Water Gardens, moats, and terraced landscapes, which highlight the advanced urban planning and engineering of the ancient kingdom.

As you ascend the rock, you’ll encounter the world-famous Sigiriya Frescoes—colorful paintings of celestial maidens—considered masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan art.

Stop 2

The Dambulla Cave Temple is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex and has been a place of worship for over two millennia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is both a spiritual sanctuary and a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship.

The temple complex consists of five main caves, carved into a massive granite outcrop that rises more than 160 meters above the surrounding plains. Inside, travelers will discover over 150 statues of the Buddha, along with figures of ancient kings and Hindu deities. The walls and ceilings are covered with vibrant murals spanning more than 2,000 square meters, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and important moments in Sri Lankan history.

Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is one of the island’s premier wildlife destinations and is especially famous for its large population of wild Asian elephants. Covering nearly 8,900 hectares, the park is centered around the historic Minneriya Tank, a reservoir built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. Today, this ancient water source provides life to the park’s diverse ecosystem.

The park is best known for “The Gathering,” a natural spectacle that occurs during the dry season (July–September), when hundreds of elephants migrate to the Minneriya Tank in search of water and fresh grasslands. This extraordinary event is considered the largest meeting of Asian elephants in the world, offering visitors an unparalleled wildlife experience.

Beyond elephants, Minneriya is home to spotted deer, wild buffalo, toque macaques. Bird enthusiasts can also spot over 150 bird species, including pelicans, and endemic species unique to Sri Lanka.

What's not included

Lunch

Safari Jeep Cost

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Dambulla Cave Temple

Minneriya National Park

Available languages

Written guide

DE IT FR ES

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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