From Kalutara: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Full-Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Kalutara to the iconic Sigiriya Rock and UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. This full-day tour offers a seamless experience, with air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees included. Explore the breathtaking cave complex adorned with ancient Buddha images, then marvel at the stunning views from Sigiriya’s summit. With a lunch break at your leisure, this tour blends culture and natural beauty in an unbeatable way. What awaits you on this captivating adventure?

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Key Points

A full-day guided adventure from Kalutara to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Tour priced at €128.73 per person and includes air-conditioned transport, English-speaking guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and all entrance fees.
Itinerary highlights include visiting Dambulla Cave Temple, having lunch at a location of choice, and climbing Sigiriya Rock.
Dambulla Cave Temple features an expansive cave complex with numerous Buddha images and frescoes, as well as a giant golden Buddha statue.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress offers panoramic views from the summit and provides insight into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and architectural feats.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a full-day guided adventure from Kalutara to the iconic Sigiriya Rock and the renowned Dambulla Cave Temple.

Set out on a guided adventure from Kalutara to the iconic Sigiriya Rock and the renowned Dambulla Cave Temple.

Priced from €128.73 per person, the tour lasts 16 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all entrance fees.

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Recommended items include a passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.

Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Looking for more options in Kalutara? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup from Kalutara begins the day at 0600 hrs, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple by around 1000 hrs.

Visitors will have 2 hours to explore the expansive cave complex, which features ancient Buddha images and frescoes.

Lunch follows at a location of the traveler’s choice, at their own expense, around 1230 hrs.

The tour then heads to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, arriving by 1400 hrs.

Guests will have 2.5 hours to climb the 5th century AD fortress and take in the panoramic views from the summit.

The tour returns to Kalutara by approximately 2200 hrs.

Dambulla Cave Temple Details

As a UNESCO-listed site dating back to the 1st century BC, the Dambulla Cave Temple features an expansive cave complex housing numerous Buddha images and ancient frescoes. Visitors can explore the key caves, including the Cave of the Divine King and the Cave of the Great King. The temple also boasts a notable giant golden Buddha statue outside the complex. Entrance to the Dambulla Cave Temple costs USD 11 per person.

| Key Details | | |

| — | — | — |

| Designation | UNESCO World Heritage Site | |

| Date Established | 1st century BC | |

| Entrance Fee | USD 11 per person | |

| Notable Features | Cave complex, Buddha images, frescoes | Giant golden Buddha statue |

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Details

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an iconic rocky outcrop and a significant historical site in Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb the 5th century AD fortress, known as Lion Rock.

The fortress features:

Terraced gardens with remnants of ancient structures, impressive murals adorning the rock’s walls, and panoramic views from the summit.

Terraced gardens with remnants of ancient structures.
Impressive murals that adorn the rock’s walls.
Panoramic views from the summit, offering a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress provides a unique opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and marvel at the architectural and engineering feats of its past.

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Tour Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes air-conditioned transport throughout the day and the service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. Entrance fees for Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave are included in the tour price. However, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Recommended items include a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Pets, luggage, or large bags are not allowed.

| Important Information | | |

|———————-|————————|————————|

| Not Suitable For | Pregnant Women | Wheelchair Users |

| Recommended Items | Passport or ID | Comfortable Shoes |

| | Sunglasses | Sun Hat |

| | Sunscreen | |

| Not Allowed | Pets | Luggage or Large Bags |

There's plenty more to explore in Kalutara

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Kalutara at 6:00 AM.

After a scenic drive, the first stop is the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple around 10:00 AM.

You’ll have 2 hours to explore the ancient cave complex with its impressive Buddha statues and frescoes.

Next, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour lunch break at a location of your choice at your own expense around 12:30 PM.

The tour then proceeds to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, arriving by 2:00 PM to climb the 5th-century fortress and take in the panoramic views.

The tour concludes with drop-off back in Kalutara around 10:00 PM.

Recommended Items

Visitors are recommended to bring a passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. These items will ensure a comfortable and safe experience during the tour.

The rocky terrain of Sigiriya and the cave complex of Dambulla require proper footwear. Sunglasses and a sun hat will protect against the strong Sri Lankan sun, while sunscreen will prevent sunburns.

It’s also important to note that large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so travelers should pack light. By bringing the right items, visitors can fully enjoy the natural beauty and historical significance of these iconic sites.

Tour Restrictions

Although the tour is designed for a wide range of visitors, there are a few restrictions in place. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the physically demanding aspects, such as climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Plus, pets, luggage, or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour recommends bringing:

Passport or ID
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen

These restrictions and recommendations help maintain the safety and convenience of all participants.

Common Questions

Can I Bring Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour information states that large bags are not allowed, so it’s recommended to pack light and bring only essential items needed for the day.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera?

You don’t need to bring your own camera. The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide who can take photos for you throughout the day at the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. The tour operator offers a private tour option, which provides a personalized experience with a private vehicle and guide for guests.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to the customer’s preferences. Travelers can select the lunch location and schedule, and request additional stops or adjust the itinerary within the tour’s 16-hour duration. Flexibility is available to meet individual needs.

Is It Possible to Visit Additional Sites During the Tour?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites, though this may affect the overall duration and price. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the tour operator to see if modifications are possible within the tour schedule.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Kalutara to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple provides an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the ancient cave complex, marvel at the iconic rock fortress, and enjoy stunning natural scenery. With convenient transportation, an expert guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers a seamless and memorable adventure for those seeking to discover Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites.