The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour from Hikkaduwa promises an exceptional cultural experience for travelers seeking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich history. Blending breathtaking natural landscapes with remarkable architectural wonders, this tour offers a chance to discover the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the awe-inspiring Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. With round-trip transportation and an expert guide, participants can expect an engaging and informative exploration of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, leaving them captivated by the country’s enduring legacy.
Key Points
- Full-day tour from Hikkaduwa to Sigiriya and Dambulla, priced from $145 per person and lasting approximately 16 hours.
- Includes round-trip transportation, English-speaking driver, bottled water, and guide assistance at Sigiriya.
- Highlights the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the climb to the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock for breathtaking views.
- Optional wildlife safari available at an additional cost.
- Moderate walking and climbing involved, may not suit all visitors; proper attire required for temple visits.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day tour from Hikkaduwa offers an opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.
Priced from $145 per person, the tour lasts approximately 16 hours and includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and a guide at Sigiriya.
Travelers can also opt for an additional wildlife safari. The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a pay-later booking option.
Opt for a wildlife safari. Free cancellation up to 24 hours and pay-later booking available.
Moderate walking and climbing are involved, so the tour may not be suitable for all visitors.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, where travelers can explore the complex of five caves housing over 150 statues of Buddha and ancient wall paintings.
Next, the tour takes visitors to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, which offers:
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Breathtaking views from the summit after climbing approximately 1,250 stairs.
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An opportunity to witness the ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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A chance to learn about the history and architecture of this remarkable archaeological site.
The tour also includes an optional wildlife safari at Eco Park, Kaudulla, or Minneriya National Park, subject to additional fees.
Transportation and Pickup Details
For the Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour, the operator provides shared vehicle transportation for hotel pickup and drop-off. The pickup time will be confirmed by the operator, so guests should arrive 10 minutes early at their hotel lobby. Additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.
| Pickup Location | Vehicle Type | Pickup Time | Drop-off Location | Additional Charges |
| ————— | ———— | ———– | —————– | —————— |
| Hikkaduwa | Shared | Confirmed | Hikkaduwa | No |
| Kalutara city | Shared | Confirmed | Kalutara city | No |
| Other locations | Shared | Confirmed | Other locations | Yes |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour includes air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and guide assistance at Sigiriya.
Includes air-conditioned transportation, English-speaking driver, bottled water, and guide assistance at Sigiriya.
However, the tour doesn’t include:
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Food and drinks (unless specified)
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Entrance fees
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Optional gratuities
Guests are encouraged to bring the following items: passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and cash.
This tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, allergies, or motion sickness.
Proper attire is required, including removing shoes and hats in temples and covering shoulders and knees.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information and Recommendations
Moderate walking is involved in this tour, including climbing approximately 1250 stairs at the Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Visitors must remove shoes and hats when entering temples.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, allergies, or motion sickness. It’s weather-dependent, so the tour may be rescheduled due to poor conditions.
Guests should bring their passport and cash for optional activities and entrance fees.
This tour offers an immersive cultural experience, but requires a moderate level of fitness.
What to Expect at Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
As visitors approach the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, they’ll be greeted by a series of impressive cave complexes carved into the side of a massive rock formation.
The temple complex features:
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Five main cave shrines, each containing statues and paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
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Intricate wall and ceiling paintings that date back to the 1st century BC.
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The largest collection of Buddha statues in a single place, with over 150 statues of varying sizes.
Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and impressive architectural achievements.
Exploring the Majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock
Though towering over the surrounding countryside, the Sigiriya Lion Rock captivates visitors with its sheer size and historical significance.
Guests climb over 1,250 steps to reach the ancient citadel at the summit. Along the way, they’ll marvel at the well-preserved frescoes adorning the rock’s western face.
Upon reaching the top, they’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas across the lush central plains.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese past, from its ancient royal palace to the iconic lion-shaped gateway.
A must-visit highlight on the day tour.
Optional Wildlife Safari Experience
For those interested in a more immersive nature experience, the day tour offers an optional wildlife safari at one of the nearby national parks.
Explore the lush landscapes of Eco Park, Kaudulla, or Minneriya National Park, where you may spot:
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Majestic elephants roaming freely
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Vibrant birdlife, including migratory species
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Rare and elusive wildlife, like the sloth bear or leopard
Please note that additional fees apply for the wildlife safari, and advance booking is recommended to secure your spot.
This add-on activity allows you to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems and witness its rich biodiversity.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, so you can bring your own. However, the operator provides bottled water. Additional expenses for other food and drinks not specified in the inclusions would be at the participant’s own cost.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $145.00 per person is fixed regardless of age. Any additional costs for optional activities like the wildlife safari would also apply to all participants.
How Long Is the Drive From Hikkaduwa to the Tour Sites?
The drive from Hikkaduwa to the tour sites takes approximately 4-5 hours. The exact duration may vary depending on traffic conditions and the specific pickup and drop-off locations within the Hikkaduwa and Kalutara city area.
Can I Visit the Sites at My Own Pace or Is It a Guided Tour?
The tour provides a guided experience at Sigiriya and Dambulla, with set durations for each site. Visitors don’t have the flexibility to explore the sites at their own pace. The driver will coordinate the pickup and drop-off times.
What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Tour?
The tour uses a shared vehicle for hotel pickup and drop-off. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early at the hotel lobby, as the operator confirms the pickup time. Additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.
The Sum Up
The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour from Hikkaduwa is a remarkable opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the stunning Dambulla Royal Cave Temple to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to uncover the country’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
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