Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Full-Day Tour

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Full-Day Tour is a popular excursion that allows visitors to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress for breathtaking vistas. With a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, nature enthusiasts can spot diverse wildlife. This comprehensive tour provides a seamless, informative experience – but there’s more to discover about this fascinating journey.

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Key Points

This private full-day tour offers visits to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
The tour is priced at $59.66 per person and is not recommended for individuals over 275 lbs or over 70 years old.
Customizations are available, and an optional site guide can be added for an additional fee.
Past customers have praised the tour’s value for money, though some have reported concerns about high costs and pushy sales tactics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour takes visitors to two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations – the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.

Priced from $59.66 per person, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets, and a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

A private full-day tour priced at $59.66 per person, including hotel pickup/drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets, and a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

The tour covers key highlights like climbing Sigiriya Rock, exploring the Dambulla cave temples, and experiencing the local village life.

Customizations are available, and the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations.

Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and value for money, though some note the high costs.

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Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, where visitors can marvel at the ancient Buddhist statues and intricate wall paintings adorning the cave interiors.

Next, you will make the ascent up the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, offering panoramic vistas from the summit.

The experience is further enriched by:

Exploring a traditional Sri Lankan village, gaining insight into the local customs and way of life
Setting out on a thrilling jeep safari at Minneriya National Park to spot wild elephants and other wildlife
Engaging with a knowledgeable guide who can provide valuable context and commentary throughout the journey.

Inclusions in the Tour Package

The tour package includes various amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle and driver, are provided. Admission tickets to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Sigiriya Lion Rock are included. Guests will also receive a water bottle and enjoy a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

An optional site guide can be arranged for an additional fee, offering insights in multiple languages.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 275 lbs, over 70 years old, or wheelchair users due to the walking and stair requirements.

Restrictions and Requirements

While the Sigiriya and Dambulla tour offers a comprehensive experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers. Certain restrictions and requirements apply:

This tour isn’t recommended for individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg) or over 70 years old, as well as wheelchair users due to the physical demands.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring a daypack to navigate the stairs at both Sigiriya and Dambulla.
A site guide can be provided for an additional fee, offering multilingual support to enhance the cultural and historical learning experience.
Advance booking is recommended, as cancellations within 24 hours may result in a loss of the full tour cost.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have shared a mix of feedback on their experiences with the Sigiriya and Dambulla tour. The tour receives an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 90 reviews.

Positive experiences include satisfaction with tour customization, knowledgeable guides, and the overall value. However, some customers found the costs to be high, especially for the optional site guide.

There were also concerns about pushy sales tactics at spice gardens. Despite these issues, the tour is generally well-received, with one reviewer describing it as "fantastic value for money" and another highlighting the importance of having a knowledgeable guide.

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Customization Options

This tour can be tailored based on traveler preferences. The itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate travelers’ interests and needs.

Some key customization options include:

Customize your tour with options like adjusting duration, prioritizing sites, and incorporating cultural experiences.

Adjusting the duration and pace of the tour
Prioritizing certain sites or attractions over others
Incorporating additional cultural experiences, such as visiting a local village or participating in a cooking demonstration
Customizing the transportation, such as upgrading to a private vehicle or adding a chauffeur-driven service

These customization options allow for a more personalized and enriching tour experience.

Transportation and Pickup/Drop-off Locations

The tour includes pickup and drop-off services from various locations in Sri Lanka, including Kandy, Bentota, Negombo, Colombo, and Kalutara.

This makes the tour convenient for travelers staying in different parts of the country. Guests are picked up from their hotel or designated meeting point in the morning and transported to the tour sites in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

At the end of the day, travelers are dropped off at their original pickup location. This door-to-door service ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility should plans change.

This cancellation policy offers several benefits:

Peace of mind knowing you can get a full refund if needed
Ability to reschedule the tour for another day
Avoidance of non-refundable fees if plans unexpectedly change
Option to transfer the booking to another person if you can’t make it

This flexible cancellation policy sets travelers’ minds at ease and allows them to book the tour with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.

Common Questions

Is Food Included in the Tour Package?

No, food is not included in the tour package. The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, entry tickets, a jeep safari, and an optional site guide for an additional fee. Meals are not provided as part of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own camera equipment on the tour. The tour overview states that visitors should bring a "daypack" which would likely include personal items like a camera. As long as the equipment is portable, it should be allowed.

Is There an Option for a Shorter or Longer Tour?

Yes, the tour can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. Customers can opt for a shorter or longer itinerary to suit their needs and interests. The tour provider is flexible in accommodating such requests.

Can I Pay in My Local Currency?

Yes, you can typically pay for the tour in your local currency. Many tour providers offer this option to accommodate international travelers. However, it’s best to confirm the accepted payment methods and currencies when booking the tour.

How Many People Typically Participate in the Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size typically ranges from 1 to 10 people. The exact number can vary depending on the preferences and needs of the travelers booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Full-Day Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Combining visits to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Lion Rock and the ancient Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, along with a jeep safari, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and traditions. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a range of inclusions, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking an enriching cultural adventure in Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: