Set out on a captivating 12-hour adventure with the "Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour from Kandy." This tour promises to immerse you in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, from the stunning Matale Hindu Temple to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. With a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and all entrance fees included, you’ll discover the country’s most remarkable sites for just $50 per group. Prepare to be enchanted by the ancient wonders that await.
Key Points
- This day tour from Kandy explores the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The tour includes a visit to the Matale Hindu Temple, a spice and herbal garden, and demonstrations of wood carving and batik-making.
- The tour is priced starting from $50 per group and lasts for 12 hours, with a maximum of 7 participants.
- The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, bottled water, and entrance fees to the attractions.
- Participants can enjoy discounts at the Gem Museum and Spice & Herbal Garden as part of the tour.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour from Kandy," offers a comprehensive exploration of two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural and historical sites.
Priced from $50 per group, the 12-hour tour departs from Kandy’s Radh Hotel. With a maximum group size of 7, the experience includes a professional guide, bottled water, and entrance fees to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.
Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour’s flexibility allows for optional activities like wildlife safaris, spice garden visits, and factory tours, providing a well-rounded Sri Lankan adventure.
Looking for more options in Dambulla? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse range of cultural and historical experiences.
Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and colorful statues of the Matale Hindu Temple. They’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s spices and their medicinal uses at the Spice and Herbal Garden.
The UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple features over 150 Buddha statues and stunning murals.
The tour culminates with a climb up the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, known for its frescoes and panoramic views.
Travelers can also witness Sri Lankan artistry at a wood carving factory and batik-making demonstration.
Matale Hindu Temple
Matale Hindu Temple stands as an architectural masterpiece, its intricate carvings and colorful statues captivating visitors. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the temple’s stunning design features elaborately sculpted columns, ornate entryways, and vibrant deities adorning the exterior.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Architecture | Intricate carvings and ornate design |
| Statues | Vibrant, colorful Hindu deities |
| History | Centuries-old place of worship |
| Atmosphere | Serene, spiritually uplifting |
| Photography | Excellent opportunities for unique shots |
Visitors can explore the temple’s sacred spaces, marvel at the craftsmanship, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla Cave Temple
While nestled within the iconic Dambulla Rock, the Dambulla Cave Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting an impressive collection of over 150 Buddha statues and stunning murals dating back centuries.
Visitors can explore five interconnected caves, each showcasing ornate religious artwork and ancient artifacts.
This spiritual site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage, with the largest and most well-preserved cave temple complex in the country.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is a must-visit destination, providing an opportunity to take in the country’s profound cultural and religious traditions.
More Great Tours NearbySigiriya Rock Fortress
Towering majestically above the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s central plains, Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a remarkable architectural and historical marvel.
Climbing this 5th-century royal palace is a highlight of the tour. Visitors ascend 1,200 steps, passing by the famous frescoes depicting beautiful maidens. At the summit, they’re rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the serene landscape.
The fortress’ unique rock gardens, water features, and vast ruins offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s ancient past. Exploring Sigiriya is a captivating and unforgettable experience, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of Sri Lanka’s medieval civilization.
Wood Carving Factory
The tour includes a visit to a wood carving factory, where visitors can witness the extraordinary craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans.
These skilled craftsmen meticulously carve intricate designs and figures from wood, showcasing their remarkable talent. Visitors can observe the intricate process, from selecting the wood to the final polishing.
The factory offers a wide range of wooden items, including statues, furniture, and decorative pieces. Guests can browse the collection and purchase unique souvenirs to take home, supporting the local artisanal community.
The factory offers a variety of wooden items, including statues, furniture, and decorative pieces, allowing guests to purchase unique souvenirs supporting the local artisanal community.
This cultural experience adds depth to the overall Sigiriya and Dambulla tour.
Lanka Batik and Silk Factory
As visitors continue their cultural exploration, the tour includes a visit to the Lanka Batik and Silk Factory.
Here, they can observe the captivating batik-making process. Artisans meticulously apply wax designs onto fabric, then dye it, creating the iconic batik patterns.
Travelers can browse the vibrant selection of silk scarves, sarongs, and other handcrafted items. The factory offers unique souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of Sri Lankan craftsmanship home.
This stop provides an engaging glimpse into the island’s rich textile heritage and the skilled artistry behind traditional batik and silk production.
Inclusions and Costs
The tour package includes several key components.
Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle from Kandy. A professional guide is also included to accompany travelers. A 1-liter bottle of water is given to each participant.
Entrance fees cover access to the Sigiriya Fortress ($35), Dambulla Cave Temple ($6), and either Minneriya National Park ($90) or Hurulu Eco Park ($70) for the evening elephant safari.
Discounts of 5% at the Gem Museum and 10% at the Spice & Herbal Garden are offered to tour participants.
The total cost for this comprehensive day tour starts from $50 per group (up to 1 participant).
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Activities Can We Expect During the Tour?
The tour includes visiting a Hindu temple, spice garden, UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a wood carving factory, and a batik and silk factory. Guests may also experience an evening elephant safari in a national park.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age or fitness requirements, but it may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities. Participants should be able to climb stairs and walk for extended periods.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?
The tour can be customized to suit travelers’ preferences. Clients can discuss their interests with the guide and adjust the itinerary accordingly, within the tour’s timeframe and logistical constraints. Some flexibility is offered to accommodate individual needs.
What Should We Bring With Us for the Tour?
For this tour, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, water, and a small snack. Layered clothing is also advisable to accommodate the varying temperatures and environments during the day.
Is There an Opportunity to Interact With the Local Community?
Yes, the tour provides opportunities to interact with the local community. Visitors can observe artisans crafting wood carvings and batik, and learn about Sri Lanka’s spices and their medicinal uses from a guided demonstration at the Spice and Herbal Garden.
The Sum Up
This day tour from Kandy provides an excellent opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s remarkable cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and discover local crafts like wood carving and batik. The all-inclusive package, including transportation and admission fees, makes it a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the highlights of this region.
You can check availability for your dates here:More 3-Day Experiences in Dambulla
- Sri Lanka: 3-Day Tour to Discover Anuradhapura and Sigiriya
- Sri Lanka 3-Day Tour:Explore Sigiriya Kandy and Nuwara Eliya
- Sri Lanka 3-Day Temple, Wildlife, Waterfalls, Hill Country
- From Colombo: 3-Day Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella, Nuwara Eliya Tour
- Sri Lanka 3-Day Top Temple Tour To The Cultural Triangle
- 3-Day Private Tour: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Ella With Train Tour
More Wildlife Experiences in Dambulla
More Tour Reviews in Dambulla
Still browsing? Here are more Dambulla experiences we've covered recently
- 04 Days Explore Sri Lankas Treasure
- Sri Lanka: 10-DAY Luxury Tour With Guide
- 7 Night 8 Days Tour in Srilanka
- Sri Lanka: 8-Day Round Tour From Katunayake Airport
- 7 Days Round Tour in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya: 2-Day Guided Tour With Dambulla Caves Visit
- From Colombo: 4-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour With Airport …
- 5 Days Different Cities With Different Natures Round Tour
- Sri Lanka Culture Triangle: 4-Day Journey With 3 Nights Stay
- Sri Lanka: 3-Day Tour to Discover Anuradhapura and Sigiriya
- Sri Lanka 3-Day Tour:Explore Sigiriya Kandy and Nuwara Eliya
- Sri Lanka: 4-Day Ancient City Tour