Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple Tour
Overview
Sigiriya is a column of granite about 180 metres high that rises straight out of the forest near Dambulla. In the fifth century King Kashyapa built his palace on its summit, and today it's one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the highlight of most round trips.
Your driver-guide collects you early from your hotel in the Dambulla, Sigiriya or Habarana area to beat the heat. Walk through the symmetrical water gardens, climb the stairways to the painted maidens of the frescoes and the polished Mirror Wall, then pass between the giant lion's paws for the final climb to the ruined palace and its views across the plains.
After a break for lunch, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a series of rock caves filled with Buddha statues and painted ceilings. The climb at Sigiriya involves around 1,200 steps, some on metal stairways, so you need a reasonable level of fitness.
Highlights
- Climb the fifth-century Lion Rock
- See the Sigiriya frescoes and Mirror Wall
- Walk between the giant lion's paws
- Panoramic views from the palace ruins
- Painted caves of the Dambulla temple
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dambulla, Sigiriya and Habarana area
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance tickets to Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Request this tour
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
There are around 1,200 steps, some narrow and exposed. Take it slowly and bring water; it isn't suitable if you have serious heart, knee or vertigo problems.
Comfortable shoes and a hat for Sigiriya. At Dambulla temple cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes.
Ticket prices for foreign visitors are set in US dollars and change from time to time. We confirm the current price when you book.
