From Kandy: Sigiriya/Dambulla and Minneriya Park Safari

Exploring the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Dambulla, coupled with an exhilarating safari in Minneriya National Park, makes for an unforgettable one-day adventure from Kandy. Priced at Kč 2,426 per person, this carefully curated tour offers a seamless experience, complete with convenient transportation, guided visits, and delectable local cuisine. Whether you’re captivated by the UNESCO-listed sites or eager to witness the majesty of Sri Lanka’s elephants, this tour promises an enriching day filled with remarkable sights and experiences.

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Key Points

One-day tour from Kandy to Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for an elephant safari.
Price is Kč 2,426 per person, with a maximum of 6 participants, and includes pickup, safari jeep, and lunch with drinks.
Highlights include climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock, exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple, and experiencing a 2-hour elephant safari.
The tour also includes a 1-hour visit to the Matale Herbal & Spice Garden for an educational and culinary experience.
The tour has a structured schedule with specific durations for each activity, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the key sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For this one-day tour, travelers can expect to depart early from Kandy at 7:00 am to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and embark on an elephant safari through Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.

Priced at Kč 2,426 per person, the tour is limited to a small group of 6 participants. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can book and pay later.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off within 10km of Kandy, a safari jeep, and lunch with water and coconut water.

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Itinerary Highlights

After an early morning departure from Kandy at 7:00 am, the tour first visits the Matale Herbal & Spice Garden. Here, participants explore the culinary and medicinal uses of various herbs and spices. The next stop is the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views. The tour then heads to either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for an elephant safari, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The final stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple, featuring ancient Buddhist murals and statues.

| Site | Activity | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Matale Herbal & Spice Garden | Explore herbs and spices | 1 hour |

| Sigiriya Lion Rock | Climb to the top | 2 hours |

| Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park | Elephant safari | 2 hours |

| Dambulla Cave Temple | Explore ancient caves | 1 hour |

Matale Herbal & Spice Garden

The tour’s first stop is the Matale Herbal & Spice Garden, where participants explore the culinary and medicinal uses of various herbs and spices.

The Matale Herbal & Spice Garden offers a journey into the culinary and medicinal wonders of Sri Lankan herbs and spices.

The highlights include:

Guided tour through the lush garden, showcasing over 50 different herbs and spices.
Demonstrations on how these plants are used in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.
Opportunity to sample and purchase a variety of fresh, high-quality spices, herbs, and herbal products.
Learning about sustainable farming practices and the importance of preserving local agricultural knowledge.

Sigiriya Lion Rock

After departing the Herbal & Spice Garden, visitors make their way to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Towering 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views. Guests ascend the 1,200 steps to reach the summit, encountering well-preserved frescoes and the legendary lion’s paws along the way.

At the top, they can explore the ruins of King Kasyapa’s former palace and gardens, marveling at the engineering feats of this 5th-century wonder.

Sigiriya’s cultural significance and natural beauty captivate all who visit this remarkable Sri Lankan landmark.

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Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park

Following the visit to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, guests board the safari jeep and head to either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, two of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations.

These parks offer:

Excellent chances to spot wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat, with herds often numbering over 100 individuals.
Diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Guided safaris in open-air vehicles, allowing for close-up views of elephants, birds, and other wildlife.
The opportunity to witness the natural behaviors and social dynamics of these majestic pachyderms.

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Dambulla Cave Temple

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 1st century BC.

Travelers will explore these ancient caves containing over 150 remarkable Buddhist murals and statues. The temple’s five main caves showcase the development of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture, showcasing techniques like frescoes and rock carvings.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive Buddha statues, some reaching up to 14 meters in height. This spiritual site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.

Gem and Souvenir Shopping

The tour also includes an opportunity for gem and souvenir shopping.

Discover the local craftsmanship of Sri Lanka. Here’s what you can expect:

Gem shop: Browse a selection of precious and semi-precious stones, including famous Ceylon sapphires.
Handcrafted souvenirs: Find unique items like wooden carvings, batik fabrics, and traditional masks.
Knowledgeable guides: Learn about the history and significance of these local products.
Haggling encouraged: Negotiate prices to get the best deals on your purchases.

With time set aside for browsing and shopping, you can learn about the vibrant local culture and bring home authentic mementos.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour provides free pickup and drop-off service within 10 kilometers of Kandy area hotels.

Free pickup and drop-off service within 10 kilometers of Kandy area hotels for convenient transportation.

A safari jeep is included for the excursion, ensuring a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to diverse mobility needs.

Participants should wear suitable sports shoes for the activities and bring along sunglasses and a sun hat to protect themselves from the elements.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those over 95 years of age due to safety concerns.

Common Questions

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

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though some refreshments like water and coconut water are already included. Consuming alcohol and drugs during the tour is not permitted.

Is There an Age Limit for Children Participating?

The tour is not suitable for children under a certain age. Specifically, it’s not recommended for those over 95 years old or pregnant women due to the active nature of the activities.

Do I Need to Have Any Special Skills for the Sigiriya Climb?

No special skills are required to climb Sigiriya. The climb is suitable for most visitors, though it does involve steep stairs and ladders. Proper footwear and physical fitness are recommended to comfortably complete the ascent.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Exclude Participation?

According to the tour details, the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 95 years old. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?

The tour does not offer an option to extend for an additional day. The 1-day itinerary is fixed, and there’s no ability to prolong the experience beyond the specified duration.

The Sum Up

This one-day tour from Kandy offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can marvel at the iconic Sigiriya Rock, explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, and spot majestic elephants on a thrilling safari, all while enjoying convenient transportation and a guided exploration of a herbal garden. At Kč 2,426 per person, this tour provides an exceptional value for a comprehensive and enriching adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: