Sri Lanka Bentota: Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple

Sri Lanka’s cultural gems await adventurous travelers in Bentota. A day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple promises an immersive experience, from scaling the iconic fortress to marveling at ancient cave murals. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a seamless way to discover the country’s rich heritage. But the journey doesn’t end there – a visit to a local spice garden promises to ignite the senses, leaving you eager to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s captivating wonders.

Key Points

• This one-day tour from Bentota or Kalutara offers visits to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress and the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver, but excludes entrance fees and meals.
• Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the historic Sigiriya Fortress, which dates back to the 5th century AD, for approximately 2 hours.
• The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, with its impressive collection of over 150 Buddha statues and ancient wall paintings, will be visited for around 1 hour.
• The tour also includes a visit to a traditional Sri Lankan spice garden, where visitors can learn about the cultivation and usage of various spices.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The trip is titled "Sri Lanka Bentota: Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple" and is priced from $150.00 per person.

The tour lasts 1 day and includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in Bentota and Kalutara. The group size is limited to 10 participants.

The highlights are visits to the Sigiriya Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, along with a spice garden tour.

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Entrance fees for the two main sites aren’t included.

Air-conditioned transportation with an English-speaking driver. Entrance fees for Sigiriya Fortress and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple not included.

Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is allowed for a full refund.

Sigiriya Fortress

Sigiriya Fortress stands as a majestic and ancient rock fortress, perched atop a towering rock outcrop in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Visitors embark on a 3-hour journey by car to reach this iconic site. Once there, they can spend 2 hours exploring the fortress, marveling at its ancient architecture and taking in breathtaking vistas.

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Travel Time | 3 hours |

| Activities | Sightseeing, walking |

| Duration | 2 hours |

Entrance to Sigiriya Fortress comes at a cost of $30 per person, but the experience is widely regarded as a highlight of any visit to Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

After visiting the majestic Sigiriya Fortress, the day trip continues with a 30-minute scenic drive to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of five caves containing over 150 statues of Buddha, as well as ancient wall paintings.

Travelers will have an hour to explore the temple’s rich history and impressive religious artwork.

The cool, calm atmosphere inside the caves provides a welcomed respite from the heat.

With an entrance fee of $7 per person, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Spice Garden Visit

Following the sightseeing at the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, the day trip includes a visit to a spice garden. Here, visitors can experience the traditional Sri Lankan spices and learn about their cultivation and use. The spice garden visit offers a sensory experience, allowing participants to see, smell, and even taste the various spices grown on-site.

| Spice | Uses |

| — | — |

| Cinnamon | Baking, flavoring, and medicinal purposes |

| Cardamom | Curries, teas, and baked goods |

| Turmeric | Curries, rice dishes, and natural dye |

| Cloves | Teas, mulled wines, and marinades |

| Pepper | Seasoning, pickling, and preserving |

This interactive and educational experience provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional practices.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple includes several key inclusions to provide a comprehensive experience for participants. These include hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver. Bottled water is also provided.

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and entrance fees for Sigiriya and Dambulla.

It’s important to note that the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors should also be aware of the dress code and restrictions on photography when visiting the temples.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, which allows for a full refund if participants need to cancel their trip.

This flexible policy ensures that travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if unexpected circumstances arise.

Whether it’s a change in plans or a last-minute conflict, the cancellation policy provides peace of mind and the ability to adjust the trip as needed.

This customer-centric approach demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Important Information

Visitors must remove their shoes and hats when visiting the temples, and dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

Flash photography and video recording aren’t allowed. The tour is subject to cancellation in unfavorable weather conditions. If the tour is canceled, alternative dates will be offered.

Travelers should bring their passport and wear comfortable shoes. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mixed reviews for this day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla. The overall rating is 4 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Customers were generally satisfied with the tour’s quality, giving high ratings to the English-speaking driver and transportation. However, some felt the price was too high, considering it was primarily a taxi service.

The guide and value for money received 4.5 out of 5 ratings. While most found the experience worthwhile, a few participants thought the cost didn’t align with the services provided, leading to a slightly lower overall score.

Common Questions

What Is the Weather Like in Sri Lanka During the Tour?

The weather in Sri Lanka during the tour can be variable. The tour is subject to cancellation in unfavorable weather, and alternative dates may be offered if conditions are poor.

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

The tour does not allow bringing your own food and drinks. The inclusions cover bottled water, but all other food and drinks must be purchased separately. Participants are advised to follow the tour guidelines and restrictions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $150 per person is the same regardless of age. Travelers must pay the full cost for each participant.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour offers a standard itinerary, but you can likely customize it to suit your preferences. Contact the tour provider to discuss any changes, such as adding or removing activities or altering the schedule. They’ll work with you to create a personalized experience.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?

Travelers should be aware of local customs when visiting religious sites. They’ll need to remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees. Flash photography and video recording may also be restricted. The tour provider can advise on any other important safety precautions.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Bentota to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple offers a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the ancient Sigiriya Fortress, discover the captivating Dambulla Cave Temple, and enjoy the aromas of a local spice garden. With hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: