From Kalutara: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Full-Day Tour

Exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders is an unforgettable experience, and the full-day tour from Kalutara to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple promises just that. Priced at $140 per person, this guided adventure takes travelers on a journey through the country’s rich history and culture. From the stunning 1st-century Dambulla caves to the majestic 5th-century Sigiriya Rock, the tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. With an expert English-speaking guide, convenient hotel pickup, and air-conditioned transportation, this tour is an excellent choice for able-bodied travelers seeking an enriching experience. But the real question is, what other surprises await along the way?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Kalutara takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off, priced from $140 per person.
• Visitors will have approximately 2 hours to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple and 2.5 hours at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• The tour is suitable for able-bodied travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity, including significant walking and climbing to reach Sigiriya.
• Reviewers have praised the tour’s punctual service, knowledgeable guides, and seamless execution, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day guided tour from Kalutara offers visitors the opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, providing a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $140 per person, the 16-hour tour includes pickup from Kalutara and a live English-speaking guide.

Travelers can expect to reach Dambulla Cave Temple by 10 AM and spend around 2 hours exploring the first-century caves adorned with Buddha statues and frescoes.

After a lunch break, the tour proceeds to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where participants can climb to the top and admire the ancient ruins and murals.

The tour concludes with a return to Kalutara by approximately 10 PM.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup from a hotel in Colombo at 6:00 AM, followed by a 4 to 4.5-hour drive to the Dambulla Cave Temple, where visitors arrive around 10:00 AM. After exploring the ancient cave complex for 2 hours, the group will have an hour-long lunch break at a location of their choice. The tour then proceeds to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, arriving by 2:00 PM. Here, guests will climb the 5th-century rock fortress and view the ancient ruins and murals before returning to Kalutara by approximately 10:00 PM, with an optional dinner stop along the way.

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Depart Colombo
10:00 AM	Arrive at Dambulla
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Dambulla Cave Temple
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Lunch Break
2:00 PM	Arrive at Sigiriya
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Sigiriya Rock Fortress
10:00 PM	Return to Kalutara

Highlights

The tour highlights the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, allowing visitors to explore Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.

At the Dambulla Cave Temple, you’ll discover 1st-century caves adorned with stunning Buddha statues and frescoes. The tour also includes a visit to the giant golden Buddha statue outside the cave complex.

Later, you’ll climb the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the ancient ruins and murals.

Along the way, you’ll experience the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside and traditional villages, with personalized commentary from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Inclusions

The tour package includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, the services of an English-speaking chauffeur guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Plus, it covers all taxes and service charges, as well as the entrance fees for both the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Participants can also opt to leave gratuities and cover personal expenses at their discretion.

This comprehensive tour ensures that travelers can fully enjoy the cultural and historical wonders of these two UNESCO-listed sites without having to worry about the logistical details.

The inclusions provide a hassle-free and seamless experience, allowing guests to focus on creating unforgettable memories during their Sri Lankan adventure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Participant Information

Certain individuals may not be suited for this tour, such as pregnant women or wheelchair users, due to the physical demands involved in exploring the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.

The tour requires a significant amount of walking and climbing several hundred steps to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock. Plus, the cave temples at Dambulla feature uneven surfaces and narrow passageways that may be challenging for some.

However, the tour is suitable for most able-bodied travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sun protection, and any necessary medication.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide assistance to ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Pricing and Duration

This full-day guided tour from Kalutara to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple costs from $140.00 per person and lasts approximately 16 hours.

The tour includes pickup service from Kalutara within a 5 km radius and the services of a live English-speaking guide.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary involves a 4 to 4.5-hour journey to Dambulla, where visitors will spend 2 hours exploring the UNESCO-listed cave temple.

After a lunch break, the tour continues to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which takes around 2.5 hours to visit before the return trip to Kalutara by approximately 10 PM.

Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, which highlight the punctuality of the service, the helpfulness of the guides, and the availability of additional activities.

Reviewers praise the tour’s seamless execution, noting that the driver and guide arrived on time and were accommodating throughout the day.

Customers also appreciate the guide’s extensive knowledge, which enhanced their understanding and enjoyment of the historic sites.

Plus, the reviews mention that the tour offers flexibility, allowing participants to engage in optional activities beyond the core itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch break is provided during the tour where customers can purchase food at their own expense at a location of their choice.

What Are the Best Photo Spots During the Tour?

The best photo spots during the tour include the ancient cave paintings and sculptures at Dambulla Cave Temple, as well as the stunning vistas from the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Guests can capture breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes at both sites.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping at Local Markets?

The tour does not include dedicated time for shopping at local markets. The focus is on visiting the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Participants can explore the area during the lunch break at their own discretion.

Can I Request a Different Language-Speaking Guide?

Yes, you can request a different language-speaking guide. The tour provider offers the flexibility to accommodate your language preference, subject to availability. Just let them know your requirements when booking the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for children on this tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any concerns about your child’s participation.

Recap

This full-day tour from Kalutara to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple promises an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.

Guests will explore ancient sites, admire stunning vistas, and savor local cuisine, all while benefiting from convenient transportation and an expert guide.

With its reasonable price and inclusive features, this tour offers an enriching and memorable adventure for able-bodied travelers seeking to discover the wonders of Sri Lanka.

You can check if your dates are available here: