Day Tour From Kandy:Explore Sigiriya Lion Rock & Cave Temple

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Kandy to explore the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock and the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple. This 8-hour experience takes you on a cultural journey, immersing you in the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. Climb the iconic Sigiriya, marvel at the Dambulla Cave Temple, and discover the charm of a local village. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch included, this tour promises an enriching exploration that will leave you captivated.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day tour from Kandy to visit Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple, including round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and guided visits.
• Climb 1,200 steps to the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock and explore the UNESCO-listed ancient fortress and gardens.
• Immerse in local culture with a village tour and traditional Sri Lankan lunch during the tour.
• Optional add-on elephant-watching safari at Hurulu Forest Reserve for an additional cost.
• Moderate fitness level required for climbing and walking, and modest dress for religious sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day tour from Kandy allows visitors to explore the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock and the renowned Dambulla Cave Temple. Priced from $100 per person, the 8-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, and guided visits to the UNESCO sites.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Though moderate fitness is required, the tour offers the flexibility to book now and pay later.

With stunning views and culture, this day trip from Kandy is an excellent way to discover the wonders of central Sri Lanka.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Kandy.

The tour begins with pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Kandy.

The first stop is the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, where they’ll spend 2.5 hours climbing, sightseeing, and taking in the scenic views.

Next, they’ll experience a village tour to learn about local culture and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.

The tour then moves to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a 75-minute exploration of the ancient caves.

Optionally, they may visit the Hurulu Forest Reserve for an elephant-watching safari, subject to conditions and additional costs.

The return to Kandy takes approximately 2 hours.

• Sigiriya Lion Rock

• Village Tour & Lunch

• Dambulla Cave Temple

• Optional Elephant Safari

• Return to Kandy

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned private car for transportation. Plus, it provides water bottles and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch to sustain travelers. The tour also includes a village tour experience, allowing visitors to enjoy local culture. Entrance fees to the Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple are covered, and a guide service is provided at the UNESCO sites. However, personal expenses such as souvenirs and snacks are not included.

| Inclusions | |

| — | — |

| Private car | Water bottles |

| Traditional lunch | Village tour |

| Entrance fees | Guide service |

Important Information

Moderate physical fitness is required for climbing and walking during this tour. Visitors should be prepared for:

• Climbing up 1,200 steps to reach the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock

• Walking through the expansive Dambulla Cave Temple complex

• Navigating uneven terrain during the village tour

• High temperatures and humidity, especially during the midday

• Dressing modestly to respect cultural and religious norms at the sites

The optional elephant-watching safari at Hurulu Forest Reserve is subject to availability and may incur additional costs.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so visitors need only provide their hotel details upon booking.

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What to Bring

When embarking on this day tour, visitors should remember to bring their passport, as it may be required at certain sites. Plus, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves moderate physical activity, including climbing at the Sigiriya Lion Rock. Sunglasses and a sun hat can help protect against the Sri Lankan sun, while any light, breathable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended for visiting the religious sites. Consider bringing a small backpack or day bag to carry personal items throughout the day.

| What to Bring | Why |

| — | — |

| Passport | May be required at sites |

| Comfortable shoes | For walking and climbing |

| Sunglasses | Protect from sun |

| Sun hat | Protect from sun |

| Comfortable clothing | Cover shoulders and knees for religious sites |

Exploring Sigiriya Lion Rock

As visitors ascend the winding staircase to the summit of Sigiriya Lion Rock, they’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch out across the lush, verdant landscape.

The ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history.

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich and storied history.

Highlights of exploring Sigiriya include:

• Admiring the impressive ancient frescoes adorning the rock’s walls

• Discovering the remains of the former royal palace and gardens

• Navigating the "Mirror Wall," a polished stretch of masonry

• Climbing the final set of steps to reach the summit’s iconic lion paws

• Marveling at the sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside

Visiting Dambulla Cave Temple

After exploring the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock, visitors can venture to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Buddhist complex features five caves with over 150 statues of Buddha, as well as impressive wall and ceiling paintings. Visitors can spend around 75 minutes exploring the caves and admiring the intricate carvings and frescoes.

| Top Attractions | Key Features | Interesting Facts |

| ————— | ———— | —————— |

| Dambulla Cave Temple | 5 caves, 150+ Buddha statues | Oldest and largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka |

| Cave 1 | Largest, 15th century murals | Depicts the life of Buddha |

| Cave 2 | 40 ft statue of recumbent Buddha | Carved out of the rock |

| Cave 3 | Impressive rock carvings | Depicts religious events |

Cultural Immersion: The Village Tour

Following the tour of the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, visitors embark on a captivating village tour to enjoy the local culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.

This enriching experience offers a glimpse into the authentic rural lifestyle:

• Witness traditional craftsmanship, such as pottery making and batik printing

• Explore a typical Sri Lankan home and learn about the family’s daily routines

• Savor a homemade, authentic Sri Lankan lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients

• Interact with the friendly villagers and gain insights into their way of life

• Stroll through the lush, picturesque countryside and appreciate the serene, peaceful ambiance.

Common Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to fit your interests. The provider offers flexibility, and you can discuss any changes or additions you’d like to make when booking the tour.

Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers group discounts. Travelers can save up to 10% on the total price when booking with a group of 4 or more people. Discounts are applied at the time of booking.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour has some accessibility challenges. While the vehicle is wheelchair-accessible, climbing Sigiriya Rock and exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Visitors should contact the tour operator to discuss their needs and accommodations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an option to extend the duration, but customers can inquire about this with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for extending the tour time or adding extra activities.

Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Date of My Choice?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a specific date of your choice. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to reserve your spot and pay later to accommodate your schedule.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable day tour from Kandy offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture. Visitors will scale the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, explore the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple, and enjoy local village life, creating an enriching and unforgettable experience. Priced from $100 per person, this 8-hour tour provides round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, making it a must-do for any traveler to the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: