The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour from Galle or Bentota promises an unforgettable experience, blending the region’s rich cultural heritage with the breathtaking natural landscapes. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the iconic Sigiriya Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stunning Dambulla Cave Temples, renowned for their intricate frescoes and statues. With an expert English-speaking driver guiding the way, this comprehensive tour offers a seamless journey, complete with the option to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife during a jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. The adventure awaits, inviting travelers to uncover the captivating wonders that lie beyond the coastline.

Good To Know

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Good To Know

  • Comprehensive day trip from Galle or Bentota to explore the iconic Sigiriya Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples, priced from £167.56 for up to 3 participants.
  • Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, English-speaking driver, and opportunities to ascend Lion Rock and see the Dambulla murals.
  • Itinerary features a breakfast break in Kurunegala, self-guided tour of Dambulla, guided climb at Sigiriya, and optional jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.
  • Shared transfers with potential for additional charges for drop-off location changes; communication recommended via WhatsApp.
  • Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refund up to 24 hours in advance; "reserve now, pay later" option available.

Tour Overview and Pricing

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour provides a comprehensive day trip from Galle or Bentota to explore two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – Sigiriya Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples.

Priced from £167.56 for up to 3 participants, the 18-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver.

You’ll have the opportunity to ascend the famous Lion Rock, as well as self-guide through the intricate murals of the Dambulla cave temples.

The tour also offers the option to visit a nearby national park, subject to season.

With free cancellation and a "reserve now, pay later" policy, this experience allows you to secure your spot with no upfront cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary and Highlights

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, or Kalutara.

You’ll first stop in Kurunegala for a 30-minute breakfast break before continuing on to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. Here, you’ll embark on a self-guided tour of the intricate murals and Buddha statues adorning the five main caves.

Next, the highlight of the day – ascend the iconic Sigiriya Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided by an expert, you’ll climb the 1,250 steps to the top, taking in the stunning views along the way.

Depending on the season, you may also have the option to visit Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for a jeep safari.

  • Explore the Dambulla cave temples with intricate murals
  • Climb the 1,250 steps of Sigiriya Fortress
  • Admire the panoramic views from the top of Sigiriya
  • Chance to spot wildlife on a jeep safari (seasonal)
  • Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included

Transportation and Communication

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Transportation and Communication

The operator will reconfirm your pickup time, so be sure to arrive 10 minutes early.

This is a shared transfer, so early or late pickup isn’t possible. If you need to change the drop-off location, contact the operator as additional charges may apply.

For better communication, it’s recommended to use WhatsApp.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver. Bottled water is provided, and the driver can assist with translation in multiple languages.

However, food and drinks, unless specified, and optional gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver.

Plus, bottled water, guide assistance in multiple languages, and all entrance fees are provided.

However, the tour excludes:

  • Food and drinks (unless specified)
  • Optional gratuities
  • Any additional charges for drop-off location changes
  • Activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, cash, and a charged smartphone.

Prohibited items include high-heeled shoes, pets, oversized luggage, food, alcohol, and glass objects.

A moderate amount of walking is involved, including climbing 1,250 stairs at the Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Important Information and Restrictions

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Important Information and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and bring a camera, cash, and a charged smartphone. High-heeled shoes, pets, oversized luggage, food, alcohol, and glass objects are prohibited.

At the temples, visitors must remove their shoes and hats, and ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, including a climb of 1250 stairs at the Sigiriya Lion Rock.

A valid passport is required, and SAARC nationals must bring their passport. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and an alternative date may be offered if it’s canceled due to poor weather.

Pickup Locations and Stops

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Pickup Locations and Stops

Pickup locations for the Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour include Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and Kalutara.

The tour includes several notable stops:

  • Kurunegala, where travelers enjoy a 30-minute breakfast break after a 3-hour drive.
  • Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where guests embark on a self-guided tour to explore the intricate murals.
  • Sigiriya Fortress, another UNESCO-listed landmark, where a guided tour takes visitors on a climb up the iconic Lion Rock.
  • Optionally, the tour may include a jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, depending on the season.

Optional National Park Visit

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Optional National Park Visit

Optionally, the tour may include a jeep safari at either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, depending on the season.

These parks are renowned for their elephant populations, and a safari provides the chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The timing of the visit is contingent on the wildlife migration patterns, ensuring an optimal wildlife viewing experience.

Guests can expect to see not just elephants, but a diverse array of other animals, like deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

This add-on activity offers a unique opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s incredible natural wonders, complementing the cultural highlights of Sigiriya and Dambulla.

Tour Cancellation and Refund

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Tour Cancellation and Refund

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing guests to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers who may need to adjust their plans last minute.

Plus, the tour can be booked with a "reserve now, pay later" option, enabling customers to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

  • The operator will reconfirm the pickup time, and guests are advised to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

  • Shared transfers mean that early or late pickup may not be possible, but the driver is available for any drop-off location changes, though additional charges may apply.

  • WhatsApp is the recommended communication channel for better coordination with the operator.

  • It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or those with certain medical conditions.

  • Proper attire, including removing shoes and hats at temples, is required, and a valid passport is necessary for the day of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour From Galle Bentota - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, outside food and drinks are not included in the tour price. However, travelers are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, as long as they’re not glass objects or alcohol.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is priced per group, with a maximum of 3 participants. The group size is small, allowing for a more personalized experience. Travelers can enjoy the tour’s highlights without the crowds of larger group tours.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price is fixed at £167.56 per group of up to 3 participants, regardless of the group composition. Families or seniors shouldn’t expect special pricing.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can’t be fully customized, but the operator is flexible. They’ll work with travelers to accommodate special requests within reason, such as adjusting stops or activities based on individual interests and abilities.

How Reliable Is the Tour Operator’s Communication and Customer Service?

The tour operator’s communication and customer service are generally reliable, with WhatsApp contact recommended for better communication. They’ll reconfirm pickup times, though early or late pickup may not be possible due to the shared transfer.

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The Sum Up

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour from Galle or Bentota provides a captivating blend of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the iconic Sigiriya Fortress, marvel at the Dambulla Cave Temples, and have the option to witness wildlife in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. With convenient transportation and an informative guide, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s renowned attractions.