From Kandy: Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock Tuk Tuk Safari

Embarking on the Tuk Tuk Safari from Kandy promises an exhilarating journey filled with culture and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can explore the sacred Matale Hindu Temple, the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, and a spice garden before venturing into a charming village. The highlight? Scaling either the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock or the scenic Pidurangala Rock, offering unparalleled panoramic views. With hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, this safari promises an unforgettable experience. What awaits at the top?

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Key Points

Experience a Tuk Tuk Safari from Kandy to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock, with a range of $156-$195 per group (up to 3 people).
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 150 Buddha statues and intricate ceiling paintings.
Visit a Hindu temple in Matale for a spiritual start to the day and learn about the symbolism of the deities.
Tour a spice garden in Ranweli and interact with the local community in Sigiriya Village.
Choose to climb either the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock or the scenic Pidurangala Rock, with entrance fees included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a Tuk Tuk Safari experience from Kandy to explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock.

Set out on a Tuk Tuk Safari from Kandy to explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock.

Priced from $195.00 to $156.00 per group (up to 3 people), the 8-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes entrance fees, a spice garden visit, a village tour with lunch, a choice of climbing either Sigiriya or Pidurangala, a cultural culinary experience, water, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Meals, additional drinks, and personal expenses are excluded.

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Itinerary Highlights

One of the highlights of the Tuk Tuk Safari tour is the pickup from any hotel in Kandy, where guests are asked to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

The tour then takes visitors to:

Matale Hindu Temple, providing a spiritual ambiance.
Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site to explore for 2 hours.
Ranweli Spice Garden, offering a tour to discover the world of cinnamon and other spices.

After these initial stops, the safari moves on to a Sigiriya Village tour, allowing interaction with the local community, followed by the choice to climb either Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala Rock.

Visiting Matale Hindu Temple

As visitors embark on the Tuk Tuk Safari, they’ll first stop at the Matale Hindu Temple, a sacred site that provides a spiritual ambiance to kick off the day’s adventures.

This 19th-century temple showcases intricate carvings and vibrant colors, offering a glimpse into Sri Lankan Hindu traditions. Guests can explore the temple grounds, observing devotees in prayer and learning about the symbolism of the deities.

The tranquil atmosphere sets the tone for the day, preparing travelers to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Exploring Dambulla Cave Temple

Following the Matale Hindu Temple visit, travelers make their way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla Cave Temple.

Travelers make their way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla Cave Temple after visiting the Matale Hindu Temple.

This historic cave complex dates back to the 1st century BC and features five main caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and colorful murals.

The highlights include:

The Golden Buddha statue, a colossal 15-meter-high image carved into the cave wall.
Intricate ceiling paintings depicting the life of Buddha and Hindu deities.
An impressive collection of statues, including reclining Buddhas, standing Buddhas, and Hindu gods.

Visitors have 2 hours to explore this remarkable ancient site.

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Herbal Cinnamon and Spice Garden Tour

After exploring the historic Dambulla Cave Temple, the tour continues with a visit to a Herbal Cinnamon and Spice Garden. Here, guests can enjoy the aromatic world of Sri Lankan spices. The garden tour provides an opportunity to learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and traditional uses of various herbs and spices. Visitors can see, touch, and smell the different plants, from cinnamon and cardamom to turmeric and lemongrass.

| Spice | Usage |

| — | — |

| Cinnamon | Cooking, baking, and traditional medicine |

| Cardamom | Flavoring curries, teas, and desserts |

| Turmeric | Culinary and medicinal applications |

| Lemongrass | Aromatic ingredient in Thai and Sri Lankan cuisine |

The Herbal Cinnamon and Spice Garden tour offers a captivating sensory experience, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich culinary and medicinal heritage.

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Sigiriya Village Safari

After discovering the spices and herbs of Sri Lanka at the Herbal Cinnamon and Spice Garden, the tour proceeds to the Sigiriya Village Safari.

This culture experience offers:

Interaction with the local villagers to learn about their traditional way of life.
Observation of craftspeople demonstrating age-old artisanal techniques.
A delicious Sri Lankan lunch prepared by the villagers, providing a taste of authentic cuisine.

The Sigiriya Village Safari allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage and connect with the local community.

Climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala Rock

Travelers have two choices when it comes to climbing during the Tuk Tuk Safari – the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock or the scenic Pidurangala Rock.

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the challenge of climbing the ancient fortress with its dramatic views from the top.

Pidurangala, on the other hand, provides panoramic vistas without the grueling ascent.

Whichever option they choose, guests can expect a unique cultural experience, guided by knowledgeable hosts.

The tour includes entrance fees and allows ample time for exploration, ensuring a memorable day immersed in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The tour includes entrance to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a guided tour of the Ranweli Spice Garden, a Sigiriya Village Tour with lunch, and the choice of climbing either Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock, with the entrance fee covered.

Discover the wonders of Dambulla Cave Temple, Ranweli Spice Garden, Sigiriya Village, and Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock with this comprehensive tour.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking and pets aren’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems.

Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guide, Fernando, for fulfilling wishes and showcasing breathtaking landscapes.

Key exclusions are meals, drinks, and personal expenses.

What to bring: comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen, water
Not allowed: pets, smoking
Not suitable for: wheelchair users, people with back problems

Common Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is 1. The price is from $195.00 to $156.00 per group (up to 3 people), so a single traveler can book and enjoy the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though it may not be recommended for those with back problems or wheelchair users given the physical activities involved.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The pricing is offered on a per-group basis, allowing up to 3 people to join the tour together for a discounted rate.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

According to the tour overview, there doesn’t appear to be an option to customize the itinerary. The tour follows a set schedule with fixed activities and experiences. However, guests can choose between climbing Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can book their spot without upfront payment, allowing them to reserve their place and pay later.

The Sum Up

This Tuk Tuk Safari from Kandy offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks, discover local traditions, and choose between the majestic Sigiriya Rock or the scenic Pidurangala. With all the necessary inclusions and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an excellent way to explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: