From Kandy: Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour

  • 0
ID: GYG250972-434782
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka

Duration: 07:00 hours


Description

During this full day tour to Sigiriya, enter into a kingdom hailed as one of the greatest in Sri Lankan history: with an English-speaking guide, visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a full day excursion out to Sigiriya, where you'll visit two fascinating sites: the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave complex full of Buddhist imagery, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a massive column of rock turned into a fortress. After pickup at 7:00 AM from your hotel in Kandy, head out of the city towards the first site. On the way, admire Sri Lanka’s countryside and villages as you journey to this atmospheric cliff side cave complex packed with Buddhist imagery and frescoes.  

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Guatama Buddha. Admire the hundreds of figurines of the Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the 5 main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery, as well as the giant golden Buddha statue just a little distance outside of the cave complex.  

At noon, enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice before traveling approximately 45 minutes to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigirya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization. Climb the 5th-century rock fortress and walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion (which give the fortress its name, “The Lion Rock”). View the beautiful unfaded murals that brought Sigiriya its fame, climb the steep staircase to the terraced gardens, and walk through the tunnels throughout the palace. You’ll get an eerie feeling of times long past.  

Finish your tour at 5:00 PM, at which point you’ll head back to Kandy to be dropped off at around 8:00 PM. Stop en route to have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Highlights

  • Admire the hundreds of images of Buddha in the Dambulla Cave Temple
  • See the first example of modern urban planning at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Admire Sri Lanka's countryside on the drive to and from these sites
  • Enjoy a fully private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic.
• Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas
• It is suggested to bring a packed breakfast with you if you are not able to eat at your hotel before the tour
All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Pickup from your hotel in Kandy
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.