From Bentota: Sigiriya Lion Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Tour

The "From Bentota: Sigiriya Lion Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Tour" promises an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s captivating cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a vibrant herbal garden, ascend the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, witness the intricate art of batik-making, and marvel at the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple. This day-long adventure offers a well-rounded experience, showcasing the country’s diverse historical wonders. With so much to uncover, one can’t help but wonder what other treasures this tour has in store.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Bentota to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple.
• Tour includes transportation, hotel pickup, refreshments, and entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free cultural experience.
• Itinerary highlights include visiting an herbal garden, a batiks factory, and a gem store.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, and certain items are prohibited.
• Tour concludes with return to Bentota, allowing time to reflect on the day’s culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Sigiriya Lion Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Tour" is a day-long excursion that departs from Bentota, taking visitors on a journey to explore two of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The tour lasts one day and is priced from $228.23 per group of up to 2 people. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and payment can be made at a later time.

The tour includes transportation, hotel pickup, refreshments, and entrance fees to the sites. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, and certain items are prohibited.

Itinerary Highlights

Early starts at 6:00 am or 7:00 am from Bentota kick off this day-long tour.

The first stop is an herbal garden, where visitors can explore traditional Sri Lankan spices and their culinary and medicinal uses.

Next, the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site, awaits. Visitors can ascend the ancient fortress, view stunning frescoes, and enjoy panoramic scenery.

The tour also includes a visit to a batiks factory and gem store, followed by the historic Dambulla Cave Temple and Golden Temple, showcasing impressive Buddhist art and architecture.

• Sigiriya Lion Rock

• Dambulla Cave Temple

• Batiks Factory

• Gem Store

• Herbal Garden

Included Features

This comprehensive tour includes an array of convenient features.

Travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned luxury car with an English-speaking driver throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Bentota and Kaluthara are complimentary.

Refreshments, such as a water bottle or king coconut water, are provided. Entrance fees to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock and the historic Dambulla Cave Temple are all-inclusive.

Plus, gratuities are covered, allowing guests to fully enjoy the cultural and historical exploration without any added expenses.

Important Information

Two groups this tour may not be suitable for are pregnant women and individuals with back problems.

Visitors are advised to bring the necessary items such as sunglasses, sun hats, and sports shoes. Prohibited items include alcohol and drugs.

The itinerary is flexible, and visitors should check availability for starting times. The tour concludes with a return to Bentota, allowing guests to cherish the memories of their cultural and historical exploration.

Key highlights to remember are:

• Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems

• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, and sports shoes

• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited

• Itinerary subject to change; check availability for starting times

• Tour concludes with return to Bentota

More Great Tours Nearby

Herbal Garden Visit

Visitors explore a traditional Sri Lankan herbal garden, where they discover the culinary and medicinal uses of native spices. The garden showcases a variety of aromatic plants, each with its unique properties.

| Spice | Culinary Uses | Medicinal Uses |

| — | — | — |

| Cinnamon | Curries, baked goods | Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic |

| Turmeric | Curries, rice dishes | Anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial |

| Ginger | Teas, stir-fries | Digestive aid, anti-nausea |

Guests learn from knowledgeable guides about the rich heritage and practical applications of these integral ingredients in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional medicine.

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya, a majestic 5th-century rock fortress, stands tall in central Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its fascinating history and breathtaking vistas.

Ascend the 1,200 steps to the summit, where ancient ruins and painted frescoes await. Marvel at the iconic lion paws carved into the rock, remnants of the grand entrance.

Soak in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with verdant forests and sparkling lakes below. Explore the palace gardens, water gardens, and the famous mirror wall, all offering glimpses into the glory of this historic site.

• Iconic 5th-century rock fortress

• UNESCO World Heritage site

• Ascend 1,200 steps to the summit

• Painted frescoes and ancient ruins

• Panoramic views of the landscape

Batiks Factory & Gem Store

After exploring the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock, the tour continues to a local Batiks Factory and Gem Store.

Visitors witness the intricate process of Batik fabric creation, where skilled artisans use wax and dyes to craft vibrant, traditional patterns.

Skilled artisans use wax and dyes to craft vibrant, traditional patterns in the intricate process of Batik fabric creation.

The tour then explores a Gem Store, showcasing the natural beauty of Sri Lankan gemstones. Guests can admire the sparkling array and learn about the country’s rich gemstone heritage.

This stop provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the island’s renowned craftsmanship and gain insights into its thriving gem industry.

Dambulla Cave Temple & Golden Temple

The tour now proceeds to the historic Dambulla Cave Temple, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors will explore the impressive cave complex, which houses over 150 Buddha statues and stunning murals depicting Buddhist art and culture.

The highlights include:

• Exploring the 5 main caves, each containing unique religious artwork and architectural elements

• Admiring the towering 14-meter-tall Buddha statue in the Golden Temple

• Learning about the site’s rich history dating back to the 1st century BC

• Appreciating the intricate carvings, frescoes, and paintings across the temple walls

• Experiencing the serene atmosphere and spiritual significance of this important Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Common Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to suit the traveler’s preferences. The tour operator typically offers flexibility in adjusting the schedule and activities based on the customer’s interests and needs.

What Kind of Food Will Be Provided During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, but it provides a water bottle or king coconut water for refreshment. Travelers can have the flexibility to enjoy local cuisine during their own time on the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The itinerary is set for 1 day, covering the main highlights of Sigiriya and Dambulla. Travelers must adhere to the scheduled timeline for the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment for Photography?

Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own camera equipment for photography during the tour. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the stunning scenery and historical sites along the way.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point in Bentota From My Hotel?

The tour provider offers free hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Bentota and Kaluthara. Guests can arrange their transportation to the pickup location with the tour company to get to the starting point conveniently.

The Sum Up

The "From Bentota: Sigiriya Lion Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Tour" offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock to the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temple, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the country’s historical treasures, complemented by insights into local craftsmanship and natural wonders. It’s an unforgettable day-long adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: