Day Tour from Colombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Active
11h - 13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Forget transport worries and experience three Sri Lanka highlights in one easy day trip on this private tour from Colombo or Negombo. Put your focus on the sights as a private chauffeured vehicle ferries you to Sigiriya Rock to view its ancient fortress and murals, and on to Polonnaruwa’s 11th-century ruins and Dambulla’s art-filled cave-temples. Your experience includes pickup and drop off
Available options
Day Tour from Colombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Driver
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Sigiriya Rock is an extinct volcanic magma outcrop located 200 m above the ground, and the chronology of Sigiriya dates back to the prehistoric era. However, historic genealogy describes an epic legend about a rebel Prince who fled his great dynasty and built this Splendid Kingdom beyond human imagination. The meticulously designed Sigiriya Fortress and elongated grasslands have protected by massive ramparts and deep moats, and its castles with 360 degrees views of the surround, cave frescos, mirrored walls, lively fountains, and Lion Mouth ravishingly formed.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Polonnaruwa became the 2nd kingdom of Sri Lanka in the 11th century and had comprehensively famed for its unique irrigation system, architecture, art, culture, and prosperous social style. The kingdom has created by different dynasties with variant cultural, religious, and architectural clouts in Sri Lanka and Southern parts of India, and located at a borderland of a huge Man-made lake. The citadel complex consists of Palaces, Royal Courts, Auditoriums, Ponds, and Religious Monuments.
UNESCO accredited Polonnaruwa with World Heritage as an essence of a great civilization.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Lunch
All the entrance fees
National Guides are available at your own Fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
6 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
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Tripadvisor
4.9
14 reviews
5★
12
4★
2
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
