Discover two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Temple Day Tour from Colombo, a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Explore the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient royal citadel built atop a massive rock, renowned for its exquisite frescoes, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit. Continue your journey to the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred site filled with centuries-old Buddha statues and vibrant cave murals that reflect Sri Lanka’s deep spiritual heritage. Ideal for travelers seeking to uncover the island’s rich cultural legacy in a single day, this Sigiriya and Dambulla day tour from Colombo offers an unforgettable glimpse into Sri Lanka’s golden past and timeless beauty.
Explore Sigiriya and Dambulla: Full-Day Cultural and Historical Tour from Colombo
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving
- Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
- Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
Exclusions
- Entry / Admission - Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Entry / Admission - Dambulla Cave Temple
Tour Plan
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m high.
Travelling time (3hrs) also included in this.
It is a must-visit place in Sri Lanka. The museum was established in 2009. The museum was guided by a pathway of trees making more greenery. It depicts photograph galleries of excavations that took place in the Sigiriya fortress rock. Each gallery will give you a splendid exposure to explore the cultural heritage of Sigiriya rock.
A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.
Travelling time (3hrs) also included in this.
Itinerary
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite rock approximately 180 m high.
Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.
Discover Sri Lanka’s gem heritage at a Gem Museum, where you’ll explore dazzling displays of Ceylon sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones. Learn about the gem mining process, watch skilled artisans at work, and browse elegant jewelry crafted with local expertise.
Step into a world of handcrafted wooden art at Oak Ray Wood Carvings. From intricate Buddha statues to ornate furniture and masks, this center celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich woodcarving traditions. Watch artisans shape masterpieces using sustainable materials and time-honored techniques.
Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness.
Meeting / Pickup
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
- Infant seats available
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Reviews
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4 Comments
4.4
Our day started early, and we were eager to see the stunning landscapes of Sigiriya and Dambulla. The drive from Wattala was smooth, and our guide shared fascinating stories about the cultural history of the region, making the trip feel more immersive. Climbing the rock fortress was exhilarating, though we wished we had more time to explore the surroundings.
4.4
We had an amazing time exploring the rich history and culture during this full-day adventure. The transportation was comfortable, making the lengthy journey much more enjoyable, although we wished for a few more breaks to stretch our legs. Climbing the ancient rock fortress was definitely the highlight, offering breathtaking views, and the stunning cave temples were equally impressive, showcasing incredible artistry.
4.8
Exploring the ancient rock fortress was an unforgettable experience that truly captured the essence of history and culture. While the day was mostly seamless, we encountered a slight delay before heading back to our starting point, which could have been better managed.
4.4
I loved diving into the rich history and culture during my day out from the city; every site was captivating in its own right. The only hiccup was a bit of a wait for the transport at the start, but once I was on my way, the experience was fantastic and well worth it.