From Negombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip

Set out on a captivating day trip from Negombo to uncover the rich cultural heritage of Sigiriya and Dambulla. This 14-hour journey promises a scenic drive, a delightful breakfast, and guided tours of the impressive Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable driver, you’ll explore ancient history and stunning vistas, making it a memorable adventure for all healthy travelers. But the true allure of this excursion lies in the stories it has yet to unveil.

Key Points

• This day trip from Negombo includes a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple.
• The trip lasts approximately 14 hours and is priced starting at €68.48 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes hotel pickup in Negombo, transportation, and entrance fees, but excludes meals and gratuities.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the significant walking and climbing involved.
• Customer reviews indicate the transportation and service quality are good, but the guide performance could be improved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip is priced from €68.48 per person and lasts approximately 14 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now & pay later option.

The trip includes pickup from your Negombo hotel, a car ride to Dambulla, and a visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.

Travelers will then head to Sigiriya, where they’ll embark on a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Lion Rock Fortress.

There will be free time to explore traditional crafts like wood carving and batik making.

The tour provides an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and entrance fees, but food and gratuities are extra.

Itinerary Details

The day trip begins with pickup from your Negombo hotel, followed by a 2.5-hour car ride to Dambulla. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute breakfast at a local restaurant before visiting the renowned Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, allowing free time for shopping and sightseeing. Next, you’ll drive 20 minutes to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, where you’ll embark on a guided tour and have free time to explore this UNESCO-listed fortress. After your Sigiriya adventure, you’ll break for a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant before making the return journey to Negombo.

Itinerary Step	Duration	Location
Hotel Pickup	–	Negombo
Car Ride to Dambulla	2.5 hours	–
Breakfast	30 minutes	Dambulla
Dambulla Cave Temple Visit	1 hour	Dambulla
Car Ride to Sigiriya	20 minutes	–
Sigiriya Tour and Exploration	2 hours	Sigiriya
Lunch	1 hour	Sigiriya
Return to Negombo	–	Negombo

Attractions and Highlights

Dambulla Cave Temple stands as the largest rock temple in Sri Lanka, rising an impressive 600 feet high and featuring centuries-old Buddha images and rock paintings dating back to the 2nd century BC through the 18th century. This UNESCO-listed ancient site offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is another highlight, an iconic landmark that was once the capital of King Kasyapa. Towering nearly 200 meters (660 feet) high, Sigiriya’s dramatic rock formation and historical significance make it a must-see attraction.

Visitors can also explore the traditional crafts of wood carving and batik making in the nearby village.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This day trip package includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and entrance fees to the featured attractions. However, it excludes any food and drink not explicitly mentioned, as well as gratuities. Plus, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Inclusions	Exclusions	Not Suitable For
Pickup & Drop-off	Food & Drink not detailed	Pregnant Women
English-speaking Driver	Gratuities	Heart Problems
Bottled Water		Wheelchair Users
Entrance Fees

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have rated this day trip package an overall 4.2 out of 5 based on 13 reviews, with positive feedback on the transportation and service, but some issues noted with group organization during lunch.

The guide received a 2.3/5 rating, indicating room for improvement.

Travelers praised the smooth transportation and efficient service, awarding 4/5 and 5/5 ratings, respectively.

While the organization of the trip was commended, a few reviewers mentioned difficulties during the lunch break, such as delays and confusion.

Pickup and Drop-off

Commencing with pickup from hotels in Negombo, the day trip whisks travelers on a scenic drive to the cultural sites of Dambulla and Sigiriya.

The air-conditioned vehicle transports guests directly to the Dambulla Cave Temple, where they’ll have ample time to explore the ancient shrines and browse local crafts.

Following the visit, the journey continues to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, known for its rich history and breathtaking vistas.

After the guided tour and free time to soak in the sights, the tour returns guests to their Negombo accommodations, concluding an immersive cultural experience.

The convenience of door-to-door service ensures a seamless and enjoyable day trip.

Suitability and Restrictions

While the day trip offers an engaging cultural experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers. Pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users are advised to avoid this tour due to the physically demanding aspects, such as the hiking required at Sigiriya.

Suitability	Restrictions
Suitable for	Not suitable for
– Healthy individuals	– Pregnant women
– Travelers without mobility issues	– Individuals with heart problems
	– Wheelchair users

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain, which may be challenging for those with physical limitations. It’s essential to consider one’s fitness level and any medical conditions before booking this day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Visit Any Other Sites Besides Dambulla and Sigiriya?

According to the trip details, the focus is on visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress. However, there’s no indication that other sites can’t be added to the itinerary, subject to time and logistics.

What Is the Mode of Transportation Used During the Tour?

The tour uses a car for transportation throughout the day. Travelers are picked up from their Negombo hotel and transported by car to the sites, including Dambulla and Sigiriya, with the return trip also by car back to Negombo.

Are Vegetarian/Halal Meal Options Available for Lunch?

Vegetarian and halal meal options are available for lunch during the tour. The local restaurants can accommodate various dietary requirements upon request, ensuring all travelers can enjoy a satisfying midday meal.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Requests?

The tour can likely be customized to accommodate special requests, such as dietary needs. Customers should contact the provider directly to discuss any personalized requirements before booking. The provider may be able to make adjustments to the standard itinerary.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour has no minimum participant requirement. It operates daily, allowing individuals and small groups to join. Travelers can book the tour with confidence, knowing it will run regardless of group size.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Negombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla offers an enriching exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

With a scenic drive, guided tours of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, and comfortable transportation, it’s a memorable adventure for all healthy travelers seeking to enjoy the country’s ancient history and stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: