From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Guided Tour With Safari

The "From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Guided Tour With Safari" offers a captivating one-day adventure in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla cave temples and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. The tour also includes an evening safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its impressive elephant population. With thoughtful inclusions and a knowledgeable guide, this guided tour promises an enriching experience for those seeking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Key Points

• A 1-day guided tour from Colombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla, priced at Kč 2,184 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour includes hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off, English-speaking chauffeur, professional tourist guide, and air-conditioned vehicle with refreshments.
• Highlights include visits to the Dambulla Golden Cave Complex and Sigiriya Lion Rock, along with an optional evening safari at Minneriya National Park.
• Entrance tickets to UNESCO sites are included, while safari charges and meals are excluded from the package price.
• Guests should bring comfortable shoes, camera, rain gear, and personal items, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour from Colombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla is priced at Kč 2,184 per person and lasts for 1 day.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off, a certified English-speaking chauffeur, a professional tourist guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, and unlimited bottled water, refreshments, and snacks.

Entrance tickets for the UNESCO sites are also included, costing approximately $35.

However, safari charges and meals aren’t part of the package.

Itinerary Highlights

This guided tour offers a captivating itinerary, beginning with a visit to the renowned Dambulla Golden Cave Complex.

Explore these ancient cave temples, home to impressive Buddhist murals and statues.

Next, venture to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once an ancient royal capital.

Opt for a canoeing experience and local food tasting in the quaint Hiriwadunna village.

The tour culminates with an evening safari at Minneriya National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot wild elephants in their natural habitat.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Pickup locations for this guided tour span a range of destinations, including Colombo, Kalutara, Dehiwala, Katunayake, Mount Lavinia, Aluthgama, Bentota, and Kurunegala.

Guests will travel via shared transfer, though early or late pickups aren’t possible. Drop-off locations are the same as pickup points, but additional charges may apply for different drop-off destinations.

The tour features:

• Shared transfers for the group

• No special arrangements for early or late pickups

• Ability to be dropped off at different locations, with potential extra fees

• Same pickup and drop-off points, with some exceptions

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes several key services and amenities.

The tour package includes several key services and amenities.

Guests will receive hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking chauffeur and professional tourist guide.

The air-conditioned vehicle provides unlimited bottled water, refreshments, and snacks.

Entrance tickets to the UNESCO sites, including the Dambulla Golden Cave Complex and Sigiriya Lion Rock, are covered.

However, safari charges at Minneriya National Park aren’t included.

The package doesn’t provide breakfast or lunch, and guests should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, rain gear, and other personal items.

Activities and fees not mentioned in the package are subject to change.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information and Guidelines

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, rain gear, personal medication, and cash, as well as a copy of their passport.

Certain items aren’t permitted on the tour, including:

• Pets

• Short skirts

• Drones

• Smoking

• Flash photography

• Alcohol in the vehicle

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

All activities and fees not included in the package price are subject to change.

Exploring the Dambulla Golden Cave Complex

The Dambulla Golden Cave Complex stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, housing an impressive collection of over 150 Buddha statues and intricate mural paintings dating back to the 1st century BC. Visitors can explore the five main caves, each showcasing the country’s artistic and religious traditions. The caves feature stunning depictions of Buddha’s life, as well as vibrant paintings of deities, royalty, and mythical creatures. A true feast for the senses, the Dambulla Golden Cave Complex offers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s captivating past.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Caves | 5 main caves to explore |

| Statues | Over 150 Buddha statues |

| Paintings | Intricate mural paintings dating back to 1st century BC |

| Highlights | Depictions of Buddha’s life, deities, royalty, and mythical creatures |

| Significance | A testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage |

Ascending the Sigiriya Lion Rock

Soaring nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains, the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock stands as a breathtaking testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy.

Visitors ascend this ancient royal fortress via a series of steep staircases, marveling at the well-preserved frescoes and the famous mirror wall along the way.

At the summit, they’re rewarded with panoramic views of the lush central highlands and the remnants of the palace complex below.

The climb is challenging but the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled, offering a truly immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s captivating history.

• Steep, winding staircases carved into the rock

• Intricate frescoes and the iconic "mirror wall"

• Panoramic vistas of the central highlands

• Exploring the ancient royal palace ruins at the top

Optional Activities and Safari Experience

While the ascent of Sigiriya Lion Rock is the main highlight of the tour, the guided experience also offers optional activities and a captivating safari.

Visitors can explore the Hiriwadunna village, where they can enjoy canoeing on the lake and a taste of local cuisine.

The tour also includes an evening safari at Minneriya National Park, where guests have the chance to witness the majestic wild elephants in their natural habitat.

These additional experiences provide a well-rounded adventure, allowing visitors to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural wonders beyond the iconic Sigiriya landmark.

Common Questions

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes complimentary bottled water, refreshments, and snacks, but guests can supplement this with their own provisions if desired.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?

Travel insurance is not required for this tour, but it’s recommended to protect against unexpected events. The tour operator doesn’t provide travel insurance, so purchasing it separately is the customer’s responsibility.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Activities?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, certain activities like the optional village visit and safari may not be suitable for very young children or seniors. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific requirements.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. Customers can work with the tour operator to adjust the schedule, activities, and add-ons to suit their interests and needs within the overall package.

How Do I Communicate With the Tour Guide During the Trip?

The tour guide will be available throughout the trip to answer questions and provide commentary. Travelers can communicate with the guide in English to customize their experience and learn more about the sights visited.

The Sum Up

This Sigiriya and Dambulla guided tour with safari offers an enriching one-day exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Guests can marvel at the Dambulla Golden Cave Complex, conquer the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, and witness wild elephants during an evening safari at Minneriya National Park. With hotel pick-up, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments provided, this tour promises a memorable adventure for all.

You can check availability for your dates here: