Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Tour

Your tour in Sri Lanka would be incomplete without a Cultural tour to Sigiriya Sri Lanka. Sigiriya has an extensive history stretching back to approximately 477 CE. As per ancient readings of Culavamsa, the ancient rock citadel of Sigiriya was selected by the King Kashyapa for establishing his new capital. It was a plain rock he chosen to build his royal palace, then transformed into a mind-boggling construction. Even today, the planning behind this ancient architecture remains unrevealed and keeps us mesmerised. The king made his palace on this 200-meter high pillar rock and ornated the surfaces with vibrant frescoes. The entrance shaped like a lion gives it the name Sinhagiri, also recognised as Sigiriya. Today, it remains as one of the most visited tourist attractions and world heritage sites of Sri Lanka.

Dambulla and Sigiriya are the best neighbours. It is the next close by location to visit after a Cultural tour to Sigiriya Sri Lanka. The cave temple complex of Dambulla, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium and Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site are the major sightseeing points of Dambulla. Dambulla’s highlights continue to South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain series and biggest ironwood forest so-called Na Uyana Aranya.

IS THIS DAY TOUR FOR ME?

This tour is mainly designed for travellers interested and passionate about cultural tours. Feel the history and culture of the country by embarking on Cultural tour to Sigiriya Sri Lanka.

Can it be tailor-made?

Yes, this tour can be tailor-made to meet your needs. If you wish to include additional places to visit within the trip, just feel free to request in advance. We will tweak the itinerary.

When to go

This is a year-round destination. However, January to April is the perfect timing when the climate is moderate. The dry season in Sigiriya lasts from May to August.

Transfers

Airport – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Airport

Tour Plan

1

Sigiriya lion rock fortress

Begin your Cultural tour to Sigiriya Sri Lanka by visiting Sri Lanka’s ancient monument, Sigiriya. The site will be open for visitors from 7.00 am to 5.30 pm, and the last entrance ends at 5.00 pm. Be there at sharp 7.00 am to visit during the daylight or after mid-afternoon when it is not too sunny. Start your walk on the flat ground surrounded by greens and water ponds. The climbing point will begin from easy steps of the fountain garden area. Next up, you will find the terrace garden also known boulder gardens. You will spot several colourful caves as walking through this place. It is the challenging part of the climb with zigzag steps which lead you to mirror wall.

Walking further, you will meet narrow spiral stairs leading to the Frescoes of Sigiriya. This part contains paintings of the females of King Kashyapa’s harem – a win-win to see. Then, you will lead to the lion staircase and sky palace; they are the most challenging areas of the hike. Don’t give up – There is something marvellous to catch at the summit. Take deep breaths and ample breaks to finish the journey. Finally, you will make it up to the rock peak where true beauty lies. Take the panoramic view from the height to discover Sigiriya’s marvels.
2

Dambulla cave temple

Dambulla boasts of a lengthy history existing from the 1st century BC. Regarded as a world heritage, Dambulla cave temple is famous for Sri Lanka’s best-preserved cave temple series built on a large rock. The leading five caves scattered within the temple include many paintings and sculptures of Gautama Buddha’s life and statues of legendary emperors.

We will drive you to the accommodation at the end of the trip.

Tour Location

Travellers will be visiting Sigiriya and Dambulla during this tour. Sigiriya and Dambulla are located in the Central province of Sri Lanka, which makes easy access from each point.

Tour Gallery