Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Colombo with Safari
Overview
See two of Sri Lanka's great heritage sights in a single day: the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave temples of Dambulla. This shared day trip runs from Colombo with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking driver, guide assistance at Sigiriya, a king coconut and bottled water. Choose from three options: a standard trip with entry fees paid on the day, an earlier departure from the south-west coast, or the all-inclusive option with entry fees and an optional national park jeep safari included.
Highlights
- Sigiriya Lion Rock, the ancient rock fortress rising above the jungle
- Dambulla Cave Temple, with painted caves and dozens of Buddha statues
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Colombo, Negombo or the south-west coast, depending on the option
- Optional national park jeep safari, included in the all-inclusive option
- Guide assistance at Sigiriya Lion Rock and an English-speaking driver
- King coconut and bottled water included
- Three options to match your budget and starting point
Full Description
Sigiriya Lion Rock
Sigiriya is a massive rock rising about two hundred metres from the jungle plain in central Sri Lanka, crowned by the ruins of a palace built by King Kashyapa in the fifth century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the reason many travellers book a Sigiriya day trip from Colombo. The climb passes water gardens, boulder gardens and the Mirror Wall, and there are famous frescoes of women in painted colours.
Halfway up, giant lion paws frame the stairway that gives the rock its name. The climb involves more than a thousand steps, so go slowly, bring water and start early to avoid the midday heat. Many visitors ask whether Sigiriya is worth the climb; the views from the top across the forest are the answer. Our driver and guide assistance help you plan your time.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a working Buddhist monastery in five caves beneath a huge rock, with a history reaching back more than two thousand years. Inside you find statues of the Buddha, kings and gods, and ceilings covered in painted murals. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dambulla and Sigiriya are often combined for that reason.
You climb a stairway to the caves and remove your shoes before entering. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. People ask how long to spend at Dambulla Cave Temple; about an hour is enough to see all five caves. Entry fees are included only in the all-inclusive option; in the others they are paid on the day at the site.
Optional jeep safari
Central Sri Lanka has national parks where wild elephants gather, especially in the dry season. The all-inclusive option includes an optional national park jeep safari, which lets you look for elephants, birds and other wildlife in an open vehicle. In the other options a safari can be arranged and paid for directly, if you choose one.
Which park we visit depends on the season and wildlife movement. Safari time is limited on a long day, so treat it as a bonus rather than the focus. Bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars, and be ready for dust on the tracks.
The journey and the practical details
The journey from Colombo to Sigiriya takes about four hours each way, so this is a long day. Pickup at your hotel is at about 06:00 from Colombo or Negombo. For guests staying in Kalutara, Galle, Bentota or Hikkaduwa, an earlier departure at about 04:45 is needed.
The vehicle is air-conditioned, and along the way you can rest, taste king coconut and see village life. Breakfast and lunch are not included. Bring cash for meals and personal expenses, wear comfortable shoes and expect a return to your hotel in the evening after about 14 hours, or 16 hours from the south-west coast.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupAt about 06:00 in Colombo or Negombo, or about 04:45 on the south-west coast, depending on the option.
- Drive to SigiriyaA scenic drive of around four hours with a rest stop on the way.
- Sigiriya Lion RockClimb the rock fortress with guide assistance, about two to three hours.
- Lunch stopTime to eat; lunch is not included.
- Dambulla Cave TempleAbout one hour among the five painted caves.
- Optional jeep safariIncluded in the all-inclusive option; otherwise arranged and paid for directly.
- Return to your hotelDrop-off in the evening after about 14 hours, or 16 hours for the south-west coast option.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Guide assistance at Sigiriya Lion Rock
- King coconut
- Bottled water
Not included
- Sigiriya Lion Rock entry fee (paid on site)
- Dambulla Cave Temple entry fee (paid on site in rupees)
- Optional activities such as the jeep safari (paid directly)
- Breakfast and lunch
- Optional tips
Not suitable for
- Guests with serious mobility impairments (the Sigiriya climb involves many steps)
- People who cannot manage a very long day and long drives
- Pregnant women and those with back problems
- Guests who cannot climb steep stairs
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is included in all options. From Colombo or Negombo the pickup is at about 06:00, and from Kalutara, Galle, Bentota or Hikkaduwa it is about 04:45. We confirm the exact time after booking, so please wait in the lobby.
Important information
- Entry fees to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple are included only in the all-inclusive option; in the other options they are paid on site (Dambulla in rupees).
- Dress modestly for the temple, with shoulders and knees covered, and bring socks or be ready to walk barefoot.
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and carry water for the climb.
- Breakfast, lunch, shopping and personal expenses are not included; tips are optional.
- Jeep safaris depend on the season and park conditions.
- Sigiriya can be crowded and very hot, so an early start is important.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Sigiriya and Dambulla day trip from Colombo cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the date. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
What is the difference between the options?
The standard options leave entry fees to be paid on the day. The all-inclusive option covers the Sigiriya and Dambulla entry fees and includes an optional national park jeep safari. There is also an earlier departure for the south-west coast.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in every option, from the area shown in the option name.
How long is the tour?
About 14 hours from Colombo or Negombo, and about 16 hours from the south-west coast.
Is lunch included?
No. Breakfast and lunch are not included in any option. A king coconut and bottled water are provided.
How hard is the climb at Sigiriya?
It involves over a thousand steps, some of them steep, but you can go at your own pace. Many visitors take a couple of hours.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, there are categories for children in the booking panel. The climb and the long day suit active children.
What should I wear and bring?
Modest clothing for the temple, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and some cash for meals.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Availability is shown in the booking panel. Booking a day ahead is best because of the early pickup.
What is the best time to visit Sigiriya?
Early morning, before the heat and crowds. The dry season from December to April is popular.
