From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour

The "From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour" promises an enriching adventure for those seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. This full-day excursion takes travelers on a journey to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering guided tours, unique village experiences, and the chance to take in the country’s captivating history. With an array of inclusions and a competitive price point, this tour presents a compelling opportunity for visitors to uncover the wonders of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. What intrigues travelers most about this tour, however, is the promise of unveiling the hidden gems that lie beyond the iconic landmarks.

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Key Points

A private day tour from Kandy to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, priced at $130.00 per person.
Includes a 2-hour guided tour of Sigiriya and a 1-hour guided tour of Dambulla, as well as a village experience with a bullock cart ride and catamaran safari.
Offers panoramic views from the summit of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the opportunity to explore the ancient cave carvings and murals at Dambulla.
Provides hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver/guide.
Allows for full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private day tour from Kandy to Sigiriya and Dambulla is priced from $130.00 per person and lasts for approximately 7 hours.

The tour includes pickup from the hotel in Kandy at 7:00 AM, guided visits to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, and a village experience with a bullock cart ride, catamaran safari, and traditional lunch.

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver/guide, and entrance fees are included.

Travelers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour’s itinerary may vary due to traffic, and photography stops can be arranged.

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Itinerary Highlights

The private day tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Kandy at 7:00 AM.

The private day tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Kandy at 7:00 AM.

First, you’ll visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress for a guided tour. Spend 2 hours exploring the 5th-century fortress, admiring the murals, and taking in the stunning views from the terraced gardens.

Next, you’ll head to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. During the 1-hour guided tour, you’ll marvel at the hundreds of Buddha images and ancient murals.

Later, you’ll experience village life with a bullock cart ride, catamaran safari, and traditional lunch prepared by local women.

Exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress

As the first stop on the private day tour, visitors explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 5th century.

Led by an expert guide, they’ll embark on a 2-hour tour, climbing the 5th-century fortress and admiring the ancient murals and terraced gardens.

From the summit, they’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

This architectural and archaeological marvel offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Guests can expect an immersive experience, learning about the fortress’ history and significance during their guided visit.

Discovering Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

After exploring the grandeur of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the private day tour continues to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

This ancient rock temple complex boasts an impressive collection of over 150 Buddha statues and elaborate murals across five caves.

Visitors can expect to:

Admire the incredible craftsmanship and artistry of the cave carvings and paintings dating back to the 1st century BCE.
Discover the spiritual significance of the site, which has been a place of Buddhist worship for centuries.
Learn about the history and legends surrounding the temple from the knowledgeable local guide.
Marvel at the sheer scale and architectural feat of excavating and transforming these caves into a revered religious site.

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Sigiriya Village Experience

Following the Dambulla Cave Temple visit, the private day tour offers a unique immersion into the Sigiriya village experience. Travelers can hop aboard a traditional bullock cart for a scenic countryside ride. Then, they’ll embark on a relaxing catamaran safari along a tranquil lake. Finally, a highlight is enjoying a homemade, local lunch prepared by the village women. This provides an authentic taste of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine. Through these immersive activities, the Sigiriya village segment allows visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.

| Activity | Duration | Description |

| — | — | — |

| Bullock Cart Ride | 30 mins | Traditional transportation through the countryside |

| Catamaran Safari | 45 mins | Leisurely boat ride on a serene lake |

| Traditional Lunch | 1 hour | Homemade Sri Lankan meal cooked by local women |

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The private day tour from Kandy to Sigiriya and Dambulla includes several key services and amenities. These cover:

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
An English-speaking driver/guide
1 liter of water per person
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Plus, the tour includes entrance fees for Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave.

However, gratuities and personal expenses are excluded. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, and pets, luggage, or large bags aren’t allowed.

Photography stops can be arranged, but drive times may vary due to traffic.

Important Information

When visiting the Sigiriya and Dambulla sites, travelers should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses.

Photography stops can be arranged with reasonable parking, but pets and large bags aren’t allowed. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Travelers should be aware that drive time may vary due to traffic conditions. Though transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, additional expenses like gratuities and personal items aren’t included.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mixed reviews for this Sigiriya and Dambulla private day tour. The overall rating is 4.5/5 based on 6 reviews.

While there’s positive feedback on the sites visited and guides, some customers have criticized the driver’s knowledge, communication, and service issues.

Key points from the reviews include:

Guides praised for expertise, but concerns raised about driver’s limited knowledge and poor communication skills, as well as service issues.

Guides were praised for their expertise and helpfulness.
Concerns raised about the driver’s limited knowledge and poor communication skills.
Service issues, such as disorganization and lack of attention to customer needs.
Overall, a positive experience marred by a few notable shortcomings.

Common Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not suitable for children as it is not mentioned in the tour details. The itinerary includes a challenging climb at Sigiriya Rock Fortress and may not be appropriate for young travelers.

Can the Pickup or Drop-Off Location Be Customized?

The tour’s pickup and drop-off locations can be customized. Customers can request pickups from their hotel in Kandy and drop-offs at their desired location. This flexibility allows for a more personalized tour experience.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Commentary in Any Other Languages?

The tour guides can provide commentary in multiple languages, including English. Guests are advised to inquire about language preferences when booking the tour to ensure they receive the desired level of service and commentary.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Traditional Lunch?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions for the traditional lunch. It’s likely the local women can accommodate common dietary needs with prior notice. Guests should inquire about any specific requirements when booking the tour.

What Is the Policy for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour accommodates travelers with disabilities, but specific needs should be communicated in advance. Wheelchair accessibility is limited at some sites, and travelers may require assistance from their companions. Early coordination with the tour operator is recommended.

The Sum Up

The "From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour" offers an enriching experience to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visitors can marvel at the ancient murals and breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, while also seeing a traditional village experience. With a guided tour, cultural insights, and delectable local cuisine, this tour provides a well-rounded adventure for those seeking to discover the cultural wonders of Sri Lanka.