From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Wildlife Safari

Setting out on a day trip from Kandy, travellers can enjoy the rich history and natural wonders of Sri Lanka. The tour allows them to explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embark on a thrilling wildlife safari at the Hurulu Eco National Reserve. With flexible booking options and expert guidance, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience, blending the country’s captivating past with its diverse ecosystems. However, the true highlights of this journey are yet to be unveiled, as the tour promises to unveil…

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Key Points

Take a day trip from Kandy to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and embark on a guided wildlife safari at Hurulu Eco National Reserve.
Discover the ancient ruins, gardens, and frescoes of Sigiriya Fortress, learning about its history as the former capital of King Kasyapa.
Visit the Sigiriya Museum to gain insights into the advanced engineering and architectural feats of the Sinhalese civilization.
Observe a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and monkeys, during the 3-hour guided safari at Hurulu Eco National Reserve.
The full-day tour includes roundtrip transportation, expert guides, entrance fees, and a visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple before returning to Kandy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Hurulu Eco National Reserve is priced at Kč 5,257 per person.

Booking is flexible – reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is flexible – reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The one-day excursion lasts from pickup in Kandy to return, a total of approximately 8 hours.

Highlights include guided tours of Sigiriya Museum and Fortress, a wildlife safari at Hurulu Eco Reserve, and a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple.

Services covered are expert guide, entrance fees, and transportation.

Meals, drinks, personal expenses, and tips are extra.

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Itinerary Highlights

The trip begins with pickup from Kandy, which is located approximately 2.33 hours away from Sigiriya Rock Fortress by car.

Upon arrival, guests will explore the Sigiriya Museum for a 1-hour guided tour, learning about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, they’ll visit the Sigiriya Fortress itself, spending 2 hours discovering the ancient ruins and admiring the frescoes.

After Sigiriya, the tour continues to the Hurulu Eco National Reserve for a 3-hour guided wildlife safari, where they’ll have the chance to spot elephants, deer, monkeys, and diverse bird species.

The final stop is the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, before returning to Kandy.

Exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands tall as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors ascend the 1,200 steps to reach the summit, rewarded with breathtaking views over the surrounding plains. Along the way, they’ll discover the ancient ruins, including the remains of a palace, gardens, and frescoes depicting celestial nymphs.

The Sigiriya Museum provides insights into the fortress’ fascinating history as the former capital of King Kasyapa in the 5th century.

With its strategic location and ingenious engineering, Sigiriya remains a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Museum and History

The Sigiriya Museum provides invaluable insights into the captivating history of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Visitors can explore:

Exhibits chronicling the rise and fall of the Sigiriya Kingdom, including the legendary reign of King Kasyapa.
Artifacts and replicas that offer a glimpse into the advanced engineering and architectural feats of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.
Interactive displays that bring to life the colorful frescoes and intricate water gardens that once adorned the royal palace atop the iconic rock.

With a guided tour, travelers can explore the rich tapestry of Sigiriya’s past and appreciate the enduring legacy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Hurulu Eco National Reserve Safari

Nestled within the lush greenery of central Sri Lanka, the Hurulu Eco National Reserve offers visitors a captivating wildlife safari experience.

Home to a diverse array of species, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and a rich bird life, the reserve provides a unique opportunity to observe Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

Teeming with a vibrant array of wildlife, the reserve offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s natural splendor.

The 3-hour guided tour takes guests on a thrilling journey through the reserve, where they can spot the majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat.

With expert guides providing insights into the ecosystem, the safari promises an immersive and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.

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Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

Situated northeast of Sigiriya, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple stands as a revered religious site and a remarkable example of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore the series of five interconnected caves, which house an impressive collection of Buddhist statues and murals dating back to the 1st century BC.

The temple’s highlights include:

The colossal 14-meter-high Buddha statue carved directly into the cave wall
Intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and the ancient kingdom of Kandy
A diverse array of over 150 statues, including Buddha, Hindu deities, and Sri Lankan kings

Included Services and Amenities

Although the tour price doesn’t include meals and drinks, it covers a range of essential services and amenities.

Travelers will have an expert guide to lead them through the day’s activities. Entrance fees to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Museum are included, as is the wildlife safari at the Hurulu Eco National Reserve.

Transportation by Jeep or SUV is provided throughout the tour. While personal expenses and tips are extra, the package ensures visitors can fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders without worrying about logistics.

This comprehensive offering allows for a seamless and enriching experience.

Important Tips and Recommendations

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so these travelers should consider alternative options.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking during the day. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, as the sites can be exposed to direct sunlight.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the sites can be exposed to direct sunlight.

Photography is permitted, but the use of drones isn’t allowed.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking
Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection
Photography is permitted, but drones aren’t allowed

Common Questions

Can I Customize or Extend the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized or extended. Travelers can add or modify activities, adjust timings, and personalize their experience to suit their interests and preferences. The tour company offers flexible booking options to accommodate such requests.

Do You Provide Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off?

Yes, the tour includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Kandy. The driver will collect you from your hotel and return you there at the end of the day’s activities.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. With a private tour, you’ll have a dedicated driver and guide for a more personalized experience. This upgrade is available for an additional fee.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour offers flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve now and pay later, providing a convenient cancellation policy.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for children aged 5-12 and seniors aged 65+. Children get a 20% discount, while seniors receive a 10% discount off the standard per person price.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable day trip from Kandy offers a captivating blend of historical significance and natural splendor. Visitors can explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore its rich history, and embark on a thrilling wildlife safari at the Hurulu Eco National Reserve. With flexible booking options and expert guidance, this tour promises an unparalleled experience, allowing travelers to enjoy Sri Lanka’s remarkable heritage and diverse ecosystems.