From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla from Colombo can be a captivating day trip for travelers. This excursion promises a remarkable journey through Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, offering a chance to marvel at the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and take in the serene atmosphere of the Dambulla Cave Temples. With convenient pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an expert guide, the tour provides a well-rounded experience. However, the true allure of this day trip lies in the opportunity to delve deeper into the country’s natural wonders, as an optional wildlife safari can elevate the adventure to a new level.

Key Points

• This day trip from Colombo offers guided visits to the UNESCO sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla, including transportation and an optional wildlife safari.
• The tour is priced between $63-$70 per person, with flexible pickup options, free cancellation, and a reserve now, pay later policy.
• The comprehensive 14-16 hour itinerary includes exploring the Dambulla cave temples, climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock, and an optional 2-hour lunch and wildlife viewing.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver and guide, and a complimentary king coconut are included in the tour package.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 stars from 268 reviews, with high praise for the guides, transportation, and overall experience.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Colombo offers travelers the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla, providing a comprehensive introduction to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

With a duration of 14-16 hours, the tour includes pickup from several locations across the island, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Priced at $63-$70 per person, the tour represents excellent value, especially with the option to save up to 10%.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the reserve now, pay later option, making the booking process seamless.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this day trip is an ideal way to experience the highlights of Central Sri Lanka.

Pricing and Inclusions

The day trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla is priced at $63 to $70 per person, offering savings of up to 10% compared to the standard rate.

While the tour duration spans 14 to 16 hours, the pricing represents excellent value for the comprehensive itinerary and included services.

The package includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking driver and guide assisting at the Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Plus, visitors can enjoy a complimentary king coconut during the excursion.

Travelers also have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, as well as the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip begins with pickup from Colombo or 5 other convenient locations, including Bentota, Kalutara, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Kurunegala.

The first stop is the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, where visitors can spend an hour exploring the impressive cave complex housing ancient Buddha statues and intricate rock paintings.

Next, the tour heads to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, allowing 105 minutes to climb to the top and take in the breathtaking views.

Depending on time and interest, an optional 2-hour lunch at Hiriwadunna and a 2-hour wildlife viewing session can be added.

The return journey includes a stop at Dambulla to further explore the cave temples and Buddhist artwork.

Pickup and Transportation

After exploring the historical and cultural sites of Dambulla and Sigiriya, the day trip includes convenient pickup from various locations around Colombo and the surrounding areas. Guests can be picked up from Colombo, Bentota, Kalutara, Galle, Hikkaduwa, or Kurunegala, allowing for maximum flexibility. The transportation is provided in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey. An English-speaking driver and guide are on hand to assist throughout the day, providing valuable insights and information.

Pickup Locations	Additional Charges
Colombo	None
Bentota	None
Kalutara	None
Galle	None
Hikkaduwa	None
Kurunegala	May apply

Optional Activities

Besides the core itinerary, travelers can opt to enhance their day trip by partaking in additional activities. One such option is the National Park Jeep safari, which offers an immersive wildlife viewing experience for an extra fee.

The safari costs $100 for solo travelers and $50 per person for groups of two or more, providing a chance to spot diverse fauna in their natural habitat. While the entrance fees and food/drinks aren’t included in the tour price, the organizers do provide a refreshing king coconut during the excursion.

These optional add-ons allow visitors to customize their experience and make the most of their time exploring the scenic landscapes of Sigiriya and Dambulla.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Sigiriya and Dambulla day trip, with the tour earning an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 268 reviews.

Reviewers were particularly impressed by the professionalism and expertise of the guides, who received a stellar 4.9/5 rating. The transportation service also received high marks at 4.8/5, with customers highlighting the reliability and comfort of the air-conditioned vehicles.

While the service and organization were rated slightly lower at 4.4/5 and 4.8/5 respectively, the tour still received rave reviews overall, with many recommending the experience and specific guides to future travelers.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can conveniently book this Sigiriya and Dambulla day trip, with a Reserve now & pay later option available. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for participants.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Travelers can select their preferred pickup location from Colombo or nearby cities like Bentota, Kalutara, Galle, Hikkaduwa, or Kurunegala.

• They can pay securely online or choose to pay later, depending on their preference.

• The tour operator confirms the pickup details in advance, and travelers are advised to arrive 10 minutes early.

• Additional charges may apply for pickups outside the city limits or for different drop-off locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. The tour offers pickup from multiple locations and shared vehicle transport, suggesting it accommodates individual travelers as well as small groups. The pricing is provided on a per-person basis.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for children. The trip includes both historical sites and optional wildlife viewing, providing a diverse and engaging experience for families. Transportation is comfortable, and the guides are attentive to the needs of all participants.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Guests can often customize the tour itinerary, subject to availability and additional costs. They may be able to adjust the duration, activities, or pickup/drop-off locations based on their preferences. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator for specific customization options.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour provider does not specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Customers can likely request accommodations for dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, when booking the tour or upon arrival.

Can I Book This Tour in My Native Language?

The tour can likely be booked in your native language. Many tour operators offer multi-lingual support and accommodate various language preferences. You’ll need to check with the specific tour provider to confirm availability in your preferred language.

Recap

This day trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla offers an unforgettable adventure.

Explore the UNESCO-listed sites, ascend the iconic Sigiriya, and enjoy optional activities like a wildlife safari.

With convenient pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an expert guide, it’s perfect for solo travelers and groups alike at an attractive price.

Don’t miss the chance to experience these stunning Sri Lankan landmarks.