Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Dambulla Highlights Day Tour And Safari

Set out on a captivating day tour that promises to unveil the stunning natural and cultural wonders of Sri Lanka. Explore the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the awe-inspiring Dambulla Golden Temple. The adventure continues with a thrilling jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, where you’ll have the chance to witness the majestic elephants in their natural habitat. This comprehensive tour offers a seamless blend of history, spirituality, and wildlife, leaving you with lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s remarkable treasures.

Key Points

• This 8-hour day tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, priced at €165.51 per person.
• Hike the 1,200 steps to the summit of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, admiring ancient frescoes and panoramic views.
• Discover the Dambulla Golden Temple, an ancient cave temple complex with impressive Buddha statues and murals.
• Set out on a thrilling jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Asian elephants.
• The tour includes comfortable transportation, professional guide, and all entrance fees, meals, and gratuities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Dambulla Highlights Day Tour And Safari offers an enriching 8-hour experience, priced at €165.51 per person.

An 8-hour Sri Lankan day tour exploring Sigiriya and Dambulla, priced at €165.51 per person.

The tour, limited to 8 participants, is conducted in English and includes pickup from specified locations in the western province. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Highlights include hiking the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, exploring the Dambulla Golden Temple, and a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park to see wildlife, including elephants.

Transportation is via a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and all costs, including meals, tickets, and tips, are included.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Firstly, the tour offers a chance to hike the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century. Participants can enjoy breathtaking scenery and encounter the ancient fresco pocket.

Next, they’ll visit the Dambulla Golden Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cave temples.

The tour also includes a thrilling jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, where travelers can spot wild elephants and other wildlife.

Throughout the day, guests will journey through picturesque countryside, passing through forests, rice paddies, and traditional villages.

Hiking Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

One of the highlights of the tour is the hike up the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century.

Visitors will be awestruck by the stunning vistas as they ascend the 1,200 steps to the summit. Along the way, they’ll encounter the ancient fresco pocket, a remarkable sight showcasing the talent of Sri Lankan artists.

The hike can be challenging, so proper footwear and modest attire are essential. Guests will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s captivating history.

Exploring Dambulla Golden Temple

After marveling at the stunning vistas from atop the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, the tour next takes visitors to explore the Dambulla Golden Temple.

This ancient cave temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC and is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple sites in Sri Lanka.

Visitors can wander through the five main caves, admiring the impressive collection of Buddha statues, murals, and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings.

The temple’s golden-colored roof tiles give it a distinct and captivating appearance, earning it the name "Golden Temple."

Exploring this historical and cultural gem is a highlight of the day.

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Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park

The tour’s final highlight takes visitors on an exhilarating jeep safari through Minneriya National Park. This protected area is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the majestic Asian elephants.

Participants may spot:

• Herds of elephants grazing in the grasslands

• Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks

• Sambar deer and other herbivores

• A variety of bird species, from peacocks to kingfishers

The safari provides a thrilling opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Traversing the park’s rugged terrain, guests can enjoy the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

Scenic Journey Through the Countryside

As the tour departs from the national park, participants embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside.

The air-conditioned vehicle winds its way through lush, verdant landscapes dotted with rice paddies, forests, and quaint villages.

Along the way, travelers catch glimpses of locals tending to their fields and going about their daily lives.

The scenic drive offers a chance to absorb the serene rural ambiance and take in the country’s natural beauty.

This tranquil journey sets the stage for the upcoming visits to Sigiriya and the Dambulla Golden Temple.

Tour Features and Inclusions

This private tour is customized to meet the specific requirements and pace of each participant.

Travelers will enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle for a safe journey. The tour includes:

Travelers will enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle for a safe journey. The tour includes:

• Hotel drop-off/pick-up

• Ground transportation and highway tolls

• Professional guide/driver

• All government taxes, meals, drinks, entrance tickets, tips, and gratuities

The tour provides a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the highlights of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Minneriya National Park without worrying about logistics.

This comprehensive package ensures a memorable and seamless sightseeing adventure.

Important Information and Restrictions

Who should avoid this tour? Children under 3 years, pregnant women, and individuals with back or heart problems aren’t recommended for this activity.

Modest attire is required at Sigiriya – shorts up to the knee and cotton t-shirts. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and loud noises that disturb wildlife are prohibited.

Photography isn’t allowed at the fresco pocket of Sigiriya. Participants should bring their passport or ID card and hiking shoes.

The tour provides a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and includes hotel transfers, meals, entrance tickets, and gratuities.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes meals and drinks, so bringing your own food and beverages isn’t necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring snacks or bottled water if you prefer. The tour provider recommends following the dress code and other guidelines for a comfortable experience.

Is There an Age Limit for the Jeep Safari?

There’s no age limit for the jeep safari. However, it’s not suitable for children under 3 years old, pregnant women, or individuals with back or heart problems. The tour operator recommends considering these restrictions when booking.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility to reschedule the tour if needed without incurring any penalties.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Using a Camera or Video Recorder?

There are no additional fees for using a camera or video recorder. However, photography is restricted at the fresco pocket of Sigiriya to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Can I Make Stops Along the Way for Personal Needs?

Yes, the tour allows for personal stops along the way. The private nature of the tour means the driver-guide can accommodate personal needs and requests, ensuring a comfortable and flexible experience for participants.

The Sum Up

This Sri Lanka day tour offers a captivating blend of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Visitors will be awestruck by the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, awed by the expansive Dambulla Cave Temples, and thrilled by the Minneriya National Park safari. With comfortable transportation and an expert guide, this adventure showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s diverse heritage and stunning landscapes in a single remarkable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: