Sigiriya Lion Rock: Climb and Explore Ancient Temples

Embark on a full-day Sigiriya and Dambulla tour from Colombo and experience the thrill of climbing a rock and exploring the ancient Royal Rock Temple complex. Discover historical sights and stunning cave art on this unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Colombo - Our driver will meet you in the lobby of your chosen pickup location. We recommend being in the lobby 10 minutes before the activity. If possible, get a packed breakfast from the hotel.
  • Galewela - Refresh yourself with some coffee. We assure you this is the best coffee and café you’ll find, with great service and a very clean setup.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple - Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this World Heritage Site is located in central Sri Lanka, 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
  • Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre - Situated in the Dambulla Secretariat Division of Matale District, this center was established in 1999 as a wholesale market for vegetables and fruits. A key feature is the direct participation of farmers in selling their produce.
  • Golden Temple of Dambulla - Known as Jumbukola Vihara in the Mahavamsa, the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, this rock temple is located about 47 miles northwest of Kandy on the main road to Anuradhapura. It is one of the most extensive and well-preserved rock temples on the island. (Photo stop only)
  • Sigiriya Museum - Managed by the Central Cultural Fund, this museum is considered one of the most beautiful in South Asia. It showcases the cultural, technological, and archaeological significance of Sigiriya, including three decades of research. The museum’s design is inspired by Sigiriya’s complex systems, particularly its clever use of water for beauty, environmental quality, and irrigation. (Combine with Sigiriya Rock Fortress)
  • Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya is a stunning example of ancient Sri Lankan art, architecture, and landscaping. Built over 1,600 years ago, the 600 ft high rock once appeared as a massive white cloud above the forests, adorned with frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. A lion-shaped gatehouse guarded the entrance to the Sky Palace atop the rock. Though the climb is strenuous, it is worth it. A must-visit site!
  • Oakray Woodcarvings - Oak Ray Wood Carving offers a comprehensive collection of wooden carvings, from typical elephant ornaments to intricate traditional masks. The ‘Oak Ray’ brand, known for catering to tourists, has expanded into handicrafts, making it a go-to place for mementos of your journey around Sri Lanka.
What's Included
  • Complimentary Wifi Access During the Travel (Subject to Availability)
  • Seasonal fruits (subject to availability)
  • Hotel pickup and drop off by air conditioned vehicle
  • King Coconut (subject to availability)
  • Bottled water
  • Guide Assistance in Sigiriya Lion Rock (English, German, French, Spanish)
  • English Speaking Driver cum Guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and Beverages, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance Fees Sigiriya USD 36 & Cave Temple USD 8
Additional Information

Climbing a rock - if you’re in good shape and don’t stop to look at things, it’ll take you less than 30 minutes to climb all the way to the top of the rock. If you need a few breaks along the way or simply want to stop often to take photos and admire the view, it’ll take an hour and a half to two hours to climb up and go back down again. and then Visit The beautiful Royal Rock Temple complex sits about 160m above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. Buddha images were first created here over 2000 years ago, and over the centuries subsequent kings added to and embellished the cave art.

  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
  • All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to remove footwear and hats. Also shoulders and knees should be covered
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
  • Entrance need to pay directly and please bring cash to avoid the delay
  • If you need to withdraw cash by ATM please advice to Driver or Guide about that earlier
Location
Colombo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(108 Ratings)
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Darrenlu4671yn
Sep 3, 2024
Great Experience - This tour was absolutely great. The driver was friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. You cannot beat seeing Sigiriya and visiting the temples in Dambulla, they are a must see if you come to Sri Lanka. We took the Village Tour and could not have been disappointed. Great food and experience. Choose this tour if you want a day trip while you are visiting Sri Lanka.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ichiro_k
Aug 19, 2024
Touching local history and culture - Wonderful experience He gave me some extra options to visit Mostly the spots are for locals and that’s what I wanted to experience
Review provided by Viator
Soph2298
Aug 10, 2024
great trip! - it was a really fun and meaningful experience! great sightseeing, great food and tour guides 😊 the only thing missing was probably the written guide but overall it was 5 out of 5!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca_b
Jun 26, 2024
Wonderful experience! - This was a very long trip, so plan a rest day afterwards. And you'll be sore from climbing all those steps. We had a knowledgeable guide who was thoughtful and helpful. There were some expenses not included, so be prepared for that.
Review provided by Viator
Constansemjeldheim_b
Apr 20, 2024
Great way of seeing Sri Lankan highlights - Great way of seeing some of the highlights of Sri Lanka. Fun filled day and quick / easy communication
Review provided by Viator
Melette_m
Apr 8, 2024
Excellent - We love the experience n our guide Naveen very helpful n really took care of us. We recommend it.. we enjoyed the coconut n corn he bought for us too.
Review provided by Viator
Mariagz3736jh
Jul 11, 2024
TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL !!! - The tour was not as described .I have booked this tour directly from their site. But there is no minneriya national park.poor communication and no guide.Totally money oriented with many tourist shops. UNPROFESSIONAL
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joeae1982yg
Sep 5, 2024
Wasting Time and Money - It was not as it mentioned, The safari was not in Minneriya and many stops for tourists shops.we were at hotel late night 11.30pm and so tired.It would be great if they have mentioned it as shopping tour.Wasting your time with this tour and guide was not aware the plan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chiristinel2024
Jul 8, 2024
Terrible tour! DON'T TAKE IT - It was a terrible tour. The driver always forced me to purchase something from shops. Nothing was perfect and professional seems like a scam it was not as described. I asked for a money back but they refused. I was in the car more than 12 hours. NO GUIDE, BAD COMMUNICATION don't take it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P4347tjjennyh
Jul 8, 2024
Think Twice before Book ??????? - I had bad experience with this tour bcz the driver is not safe at all and the price is too expensive. asking additional money during the tour. the driver is not qualified for this and I don't recommend this for anyone. I was at cave for 15 minutes and driver force me to come down bcz he was getting delayed. Really annoying
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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October 2024
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