Embark on an unforgettable journey from the enchanting city of Kandy to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and beyond. This overnight tour immerses you in Sri Lanka’s rich history and stunning landscapes, with visits to the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple and the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya. After a night of relaxation, explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa before seamlessly transferring to the coastal gem of Trincomalee. This comprehensive itinerary promises to captivate your senses and leave you longing to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s treasures.
Good To Know
- This overnight tour from Kandy includes visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with an additional transfer to Trincomalee.
- The tour covers highlights such as the Dambulla Cave Temple, the summit of Sigiriya, and the Royal Palace complex in Polonnaruwa.
- Accommodation, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation are included in the $250 per person price, with complimentary refreshments provided.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and hassle-free pickup service, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Travelers should bring their passport and be prepared for the challenging 1,200-step climb to the top of Sigiriya.
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Tour Overview
This overnight tour from Kandy takes travelers on a captivating journey to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Priced from $250 per person, the 2-day tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a 1-night hotel stay with breakfast.
Highlights include exploring the 153 Buddha statues in the Dambulla Cave Temple and climbing the 1,200 steps to the top of Sigiriya’s 660-foot summit.
Travelers can then discover the rich history and architecture of Polonnaruwa’s Royal Palace and other landmarks.
With complimentary refreshments, flexible cancellation, and hassle-free pickup, this tour offers an immersive Sri Lankan experience.
Itinerary Highlights
On the first day of the tour, travelers begin their journey at 8 AM with pickup from their Kandy hotel.
First, they’ll visit the Spice Gardens in Matale before exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple – an expansive site featuring 80 caves, 153 Buddha statues, and impressive murals covering 2,100 square meters.
After lunch, the main highlight awaits – a climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rises 660 feet. It’s a challenging 1,200 steps to the top, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort.
The following day begins with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa for a guided tour of its key landmarks like the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple is an expansive archaeological site that features 80 caves, housing an impressive 153 Buddha statues and ancient murals spanning 2,100 square meters. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Buddhist tradition and the life of Lord Buddha. The temple’s rich history and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for those interested in Sri Lanka’s heritage.
| Interior Features | Exterior Features |
|---|---|
| 153 Buddha statues | 80 caves |
| Intricate murals | Spanning 2,100 sq. meters |
The Dambulla Cave Temple’s architectural grandeur and spiritual essence leave a lasting impression on all who visit, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s captivating past.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
After exploring the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, the tour continues to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands tall at an impressive height of 660 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the top.
Visitors embark on a challenging, yet rewarding, 1,200-step climb to the summit, where they’ll discover the ancient palace ruins and remarkable frescoes adorning the rock.
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a testament to the engineering prowess of Sri Lanka’s past, and its historical significance and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination on this overnight tour.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Following the conclusion of the Sigiriya visit, the tour proceeds to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the thriving capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries. Visitors will embark on a guided tour, exploring the site’s key landmarks.
The tour highlights include the impressive Royal Palace complex, the ornate Gal Viharaya sculptures carved from solid rock, and the towering Lankathilaka stupa.
Through these well-preserved ruins, travelers can envision the grandeur and sophistication of the medieval Polonnaruwa kingdom.
The tour provides a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and the country’s impressive architectural achievements.
Transportation and Inclusions
Traveling in air-conditioned luxury private vehicles, the tour provides comfortable transportation throughout the day’s activities.
The price includes fuel surcharge and driver charges, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Parking fees are also covered, allowing you to focus on exploring the sites without worrying about additional costs.
To keep you hydrated, complimentary refreshments and water are provided.
The tour’s inclusions extend to entrance fees for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Polonnaruwa, making it a comprehensive package.
All government taxes are included, providing transparent pricing.
While lunch and dinner aren’t included, the tour’s focus on the key highlights ensures a memorable and efficient experience.
Exclusions
Aside from the comprehensive inclusions, the tour has a few key exclusions. Meals, including lunch and dinner, aren’t covered during the tour. Travelers will need to cover these expenses on their own, allowing them to explore local dining options at their leisure.
Plus, any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions are the responsibility of the travelers. This provides flexibility for individuals to customize their experience as desired.
The tour price also excludes gratuities, which travelers may choose to provide to the driver or local guides based on their satisfaction with the service.
Important Information
For this overnight tour to Sigiriya, a few key pieces of information are worth noting.
Firstly, travelers should remember to bring their passport, as it’s a necessary document for this tour.
Plus, the tour offers a reserve now & pay later option, providing more flexibility for booking.
Finally, it’s crucial to check availability for the desired starting times and number of participants, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
By keeping these important details in mind, travelers can fully enjoy the wonders of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa during this captivating two-day excursion.
- Bring passport
- Reserve now & pay later option available
- Check availability for starting times and participant selection
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- Sri Lanka: 5 Days Multi City Sightseeing Tour
- From Sigiriya : Kandy Private Transfer & Visit Dambulla
- Sigiriya: Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour From Pasikudah
- From Kandy to Sigiriya Day Tuk Tuk Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Extend My Stay in Trincomalee?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Trincomalee. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to add extra nights in Trincomalee to your itinerary. Just let them know your preferred duration and they’ll be happy to accommodate your request.
Are There Any Additional Optional Activities Available?
The tour doesn’t include any additional optional activities, but you can extend your stay in Trincomalee to explore the beaches, dive sites, and cultural attractions on your own. There are plenty of options to customize your trip.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended for this tour. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for ease of movement, particularly during the climb up Sigiriya Rock. Avoid wearing formal attire or heels.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour, but there are no facilities provided to store or consume them. The tour includes complimentary refreshments, so bringing extra may not be necessary.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
There’s no minimum group size for this tour. Customers can book for one person or more, and the tour will run as scheduled. The tour provides a private, air-conditioned vehicle for the group’s transportation.
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The Sum Up
This overnight tour from Kandy to Sigiriya and Trincomalee offers an unforgettable experience, immersing travelers in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Visits to the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa provide a unique glimpse into the country’s captivating history. With seamless transportation and a range of inclusions, this tour promises a truly memorable journey through Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes.