From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip with Safari
Overview
Set out from Kandy in the early morning, leaving the city behind as you travel through Sri Lanka's tranquil countryside. The journey north offers a peaceful start to your day, with misty landscapes, green fields and glimpses of rural life as you make your way towards the cultural heart of the island.
Your first major stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll discover a series of ancient rock caves adorned with vivid murals and golden Buddha statues. A short but rewarding climb leads to the temple's entrance, where sweeping views and a sense of history await. Arriving early allows you to experience the temple's serene atmosphere before the midday closure for worship.
Next, the adventure continues to the dramatic Sigiriya Lion Rock. This ancient fortress rises above the surrounding plains, challenging you to ascend its 1,200 steps. Along the way, you'll pass intricate frescoes and the famous Lion's Paws carved into the stone. At the summit, panoramic views stretch in every direction, rewarding your effort with both natural beauty and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's royal past.
After exploring Sigiriya, you have the choice to unwind with a leisurely lunch or dive deeper into local culture. Opt for a village experience that includes a bullock cart ride through lush paddy fields, a peaceful canoe crossing and a traditional meal in a welcoming village home. Alternatively, you can choose a wildlife safari in one of the region's renowned national parks, where elephants and a variety of birds roam freely in their natural habitats.
As the day winds down, enjoy the scenic drive back to Kandy
Highlights
- Get stunning views from the rock fortress of Sigiriya
- Explore the well-preserved cave temples of Dambulla
- Watch traditional craft demonstrations and purchase amazing souvenirs
- Wildlife Viewing
Places featured
- Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Dambulla Cave Temple
Additional information
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
Not allowed
- Pets
Know before you go
- If you haven't chosen the all-inclusive option, entry fees for Sigiriya Lion Rock (approx. 11,100 Sri Lankan Rupees or $36) and the Dambulla Cave Temple (approx. 3,000 LKR or $10) must be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees on the day of the tour – cards and foreign currency are NOT accepted.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and a climb of 1,250 steps at Sigiriya.
- When visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples, guests are required to remove shoes and hats, and ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
- Transfer times may vary depending on traffic and time of day.
- Please bring a valid passport for the tour.
- The tour depends on weather conditions; in case of cancellation due to bad weather, you'll be offered an alternative date.
- The breakfast stop is scheduled between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Pick-up is available only within Colombo city limits.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle (car/van/bus)
- English-speaking driver
- Guide Assistance in Sigiriya Lion Rock (English, German, French, Spanish)
- Optional National Park Jeep safari
- King coconut
- Bottled water
Not Included
- Sigiriya Lion Rock $ 36.00
- Dambulla Cave Temple $ 10.00
- National Park Jeep safari
- Food and drinks (unless specified)
- Optional tips
- Breakfast and lunch
USD 101.20
Cancellation terms follow the selected product and supplier policy.
Secure checkout - Full payment is collected at checkout unless the product explicitly states otherwise.
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