Full-Day Private Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla
4.5
Full-Day Private Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla
By Sri Lanka by Car
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About
from per adult (price varies by group size)
$83.34
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99
Duration: 10–12 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Entrance tickets to sites
- Entry/Admission - Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
- Entry/Admission - Dambulla Cave Temple
- Entry/Admission - Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- We pick up travellers staying in AirBnB's and homestay units
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Bandaranayake Intl Airport, Colombo Sri Lanka
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17652P24- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 8 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please provide hotel name, address, and phone number at the time of booking
- Comfortable shoes are recommended
- Dress code is casual (no cutoffs, sleeveless tops, or sandals)
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks or purchase food during your lunch break
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- As a sign of respect and customary, don't turn your back to any of the statues of Buddha
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17652P24
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- nicholaskL7425AP0 contributionsFull Day Sigiriya and Dambulla Tour with YapaMy partner and I did the Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Day Tour from Kandy with Yapa. He made the day absolutely amazing! On the journey Yapa explained the layout of the Cave Temple and what we could expect, as well as the history and tradition surrounding the temple. Yapa also gave us a detailed description of the origins of the Sigiriya Rock site. Unfortunately, when we got to Sigiriya rock we realised that due to the day of our tour falling on a sacred full-moon day and a long weekend the rock was extremely busy. There were thousands of locals trying to climb the rock, so it would have taken three times as long to get to the top of the rock. Sadly, we decided we couldn’t wait this long to climb the rock. After communicating this with Yapa he felt bad that we didn’t get to experience it, so he made various suggestions for other things we could do. We ended up deciding to climb the neighbouring rock, Pidurangala Rock, which we believe was equally amazing. Yapa also came up the rock with us to guide us with the climb. The climb itself was very cool and the view from the top was essentially the same as what you would see from Sigiriya rock, whilst also having a view of the rock. Overall, Yapa did everything he could to make this day as interesting and rewarding for us as possible. We would 100% recommend having Yapa take you for a tour!Written July 20, 2024
- Explorer006334304970 contributionsUnforgettable Colombo visit.Our visit to Colombo was awesome. Ushuan Cross, our tour guide and driver was fantastic. We were able to go and see so many places in such a short time. Consider yourself lucky if you get Ushuan Cross in your visit to Colombo. Thanks Ushuan!Written May 20, 2024
- Explorer006334304970 contributionsWhat a memorable day.The places and the views were amazing. We were really surprised how beautiful Colombo is. It is made memorable by Ushan Croos who explained in details what are we looking for. He was very patient answering all our question and he went out of his way to make us comfortable. We couldn't ask for a better guide and driver.Written May 11, 2024
- austinlA5934IW0 contributionsFlawless experienceGreat tour. Our tour guide, Pradeep, was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all questions I had for him; a rare occurrence in my experience. The company was also very accommodating and well-communicating when our boat didn't port where we had anticipated.Written May 1, 2024
- eastview020 contributionsA great transit tourIt is a great way to see the city while you are in transit. Of course Sri Lanka is a wonderful country and few hours would not do the justice but if you have limited amount of time, then this would the tour to have as you can see highlights in few hours.Written April 12, 2024
- Itay A0 contributionsGreat half day tour in Colombo Sri LankaGreat guide Flexible as you needs may be Nice site seeing All over Colombo Recommended for individuals and families RecommendedWritten April 10, 2024
- 292stefaniem0 contributionsPerfect Day in ColomboI only had 12 hours in Colombo, so the Tour by Car was the perfect way to experience most of it in a short time! Kamal picked me up from the airport and drove me to the best sight seeing spots - always making sure where I want to go. The highlight was a drive to the beach where I could watch the sunset and even had a little swim. I don’t regret booking this tour with Sri Lanka By Car!Written March 22, 2024
- Msshellag0 contributionsAmazing Tour in ColomboIt was my first time in Colombo and Ushan really did a great job touring me and my friend in a private aircon car. Learned a lot about history of Sri Lanka and visited beautiful places within half day tour. Felt so safe with him and I would highly recommend booking as he is a good photographer and videographer as well . Thanks so much 🫶🏻😍Written March 21, 2024
- MarcelvR10 contributionsPerfectly organized and very well executedThe first compliment goes out to Raj at Sri Lanka by Car. What a great organizer! Very quick responses, very thorough and even during the tour constantly checking if we were happy. The second compliment goes out to our driver Ruwan! Very skillful driver, knowledgeable and friendly. Only needed one word if we wanted to stop somewhere, very flexible and enthusiastic about everything and a nice sense of humor. We truly bonded with him in only 4 days and can only recommend him if you consider a Sri Lanka tour.Written March 16, 2024
- courtneyf2930 contributionsAmazing Tour Guides - Cannot Fault - John & HarshaWe had a week long journey with John and Harsha and they were fantastic. We travelled in a relatively large group and they handled us great. Super flexible for our changing plans, supported in all early morning and late evenings collections whenever we wished. Super insightful about Sri Lanka, its history, biodiversity and best ways to see each area. Very protective of us in warning us of local scams and areas to avoid. The bus itself was great, very clear, great AC, lot of space for luggage. They even ensure I had a lovely birthday while travelling. Organising a cake for me to have during out travels. Cannot fault.Written March 11, 2024
- 646nishanthaa0 contributionsExcellent tour with Tissa kumarahad an awesome time in Sri Lanka and Tissa made the trip unbelievable. He is extremely pleasant, very friendly and he knows every corner of Sri Lanka. We went from Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle,Habarana,sigiriya,Hambanthota,Matara, and back to Colombo during 9 days. Anything you want to explore in Sri Lanka; Tissa will tell you where the best places are. He gives recommendation on attractions, restaurants, beaches etc. - basically anything - he will tell you where to go and also what to stay away from. Tissa is local and his English is great and communication was easy with WhatApp. We felt very safe travelling around Sri Lanka with Tissa. The van was nice and clean throughout the entire journey and he did drive very safely. Anyone going to Sri Lanka should use Tissa. We will use him when we go back to Sri Lanka. We give him all the best and warmest recommendations. Unbelievable Country and Fantastic Tour Guide.👍Written March 11, 2024
- Tonterre0 contributionsExcellent tourWe were picked up on time from the cruise terminal and the guide and driver were very friendly and knowledgeable. They took us to all the main sights in Colombo and were more than happy to include any other sights that we might have suggested.Written March 9, 2024
- 262gille0 contributionsEducation in comfort.The tours was brilliant, our guide was Ushan and he was so knowledgeable, we learnt so much, we just hope we can remember it all. The Gangaramaya Temple was definitely the highlight. A private tour was a great option, if you book this tour ask for Ushan.Written February 23, 2024
- sahila6090 contributionsBang for your buckVery informative driver, nice AC car and amazing views! You pretty much get what you pay for and the driver was very spontaneous and accommodatingWritten February 22, 2024
- troysN1760YE0 contributionsAmazing experience!I had a long layover in Columbo and decided to book a day tour. I’m very glad I did- Ushan was an excellent host who made me feel very welcome in Sri Lanka and gave me a fabulous tour. I would fully recommend this, and this short layover has convinced me that next time I come to Sri Lanka, I’ll need to spend more time in such a fabulous place!Written February 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Will
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Couples
We were really disappointed by our experience. We booked a trip with an English speaking guide, and being told that tickets for the two attractions (Sigiriya and Dambullah) were included in our booking.
We then had to pay for every ticket (including taking money out of an ATM that charged me 400 lkr and exchange rate fees, if we had known we could have brought more cash) and our driver while pleasant was not a tour guide and could not speak English well, offered no explanation of Dambulla, and he even asked us if we wanted to book a separate guide when we got to Sigiriya.
We also did not follow the itinerary listed on the booking, visiting Dambulla first , meaning we ended up climbing Sigiriya in the hottest part of the day, nor did we receive the water listed in the inclusions section (we had to ask the driver to stop somewhere so we could purchase some).
The company refunded us the face value of the tickets for the attractions, not covering atm fees or the water.
They made it clear that the incorrect representation of services was not their fault, and that we should seek compensation with TripAdvisor.
We then had to pay for every ticket (including taking money out of an ATM that charged me 400 lkr and exchange rate fees, if we had known we could have brought more cash) and our driver while pleasant was not a tour guide and could not speak English well, offered no explanation of Dambulla, and he even asked us if we wanted to book a separate guide when we got to Sigiriya.
We also did not follow the itinerary listed on the booking, visiting Dambulla first , meaning we ended up climbing Sigiriya in the hottest part of the day, nor did we receive the water listed in the inclusions section (we had to ask the driver to stop somewhere so we could purchase some).
The company refunded us the face value of the tickets for the attractions, not covering atm fees or the water.
They made it clear that the incorrect representation of services was not their fault, and that we should seek compensation with TripAdvisor.
Written December 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Measha B
8 contributions
The tour was absolutely fantastic. Really, incredible. Lal went above and beyond to pass on a part of his vast knowledge about Kandy and Sri Lanka. He was inquisitive and attentive about what I wanted to learn/ see and never rushed the tour once; instead making sure I was comfortable, happy and well informed. He walked to the top of both Temples with me, giving me his detailed guidance along the way. The tour wasn’t limited only to the Temples: Lal took me to a local Sri Lankan restaurant for vegan food (as I needed) on the way home and even taught me about all of the forestry and wildlife along the way. A truly incredible experience, I would highly recommend Lal to anybody wanting to learn about Sri Lanka from a knowledgeable, kind and generous Sri Lankan local. Thank you so much Lal, you have really made my holiday worthwhile.
Written June 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amrish P
2 contributions
Guide (Shiny) and driver (Riyaz) were very knowledgeable and professional. They made stops to shows u around Kandy and made the most of our day trip. We were able to do everything that we wanted to do and we got to experience some local foods with them as well. It was a pleasure having them as our guide and driver.
Written February 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chickweed100235
Leeds, UK29 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Dambulla cave was good (but not for the less able as it is a steady steep climb) which has dozen's of Buddha carved from the stone. Sigiriya rock is defiantly not for the less able (the pictures say it all). Unfortunately we never made the top because the night before was a full moon so the day after was a holiday and too busy.
Written February 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anand s
Chennai (Madras), India44 contributions
Myself & wife was travelling, safety was a bit of concern till taking the ride. Booking through net was done & they are ready with schedule and i just had a confirmation by voice when reached there. Next day we where all set & a Suzuki Spacia came to pickup. Driver Jayamal was polite with fair English knowledge and helped us to find good hotel for breakfast. I was bit surprised on seeing no tea shops on road as in India. After long journey reached Sigriya. Two things to note was Entry for Indian passport was 15USD per adult & Driver won't be joining us for guidance. We took guide for 1000Lkr & he joined us with another group and kept pushing to walk & reduce taking time with photos. Atlast we had to cut him off as he pushed again to get down as other group was going down. Then there is no special information or anything the guide says. Its all explained in the museum at ticket counter. Top view is awesome. We became Extremely tired at the end. Then for lunch, we stopped nearby the exit. Some small restaurants are there with high price & okayish food. Dambulla caves is another walk up in the sloppy stairs. Temple & view was good. Driver was extremely helpful during trip & had good chats. Overall recommendable & memorable trip.
Written February 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
Worcestershire, UK297 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
There is an interesting history behind this world heritage site so take a guide and in order to beat the crush and heat go early!
This huge granite rock is really impressive and we took breakfast and ate it under the cedar tree at the top. There are palace remains on top as well as astonishing views so enjoy!
An absolute must!
This huge granite rock is really impressive and we took breakfast and ate it under the cedar tree at the top. There are palace remains on top as well as astonishing views so enjoy!
An absolute must!
Written April 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joyfulmum
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
The driver was very kind and tried to drive safely. As the first time visitor to Sri Lanka, I am very glad to join this tour as it was safe and kind. I recommend to use a reliable tour company and stay safe.
Sigiriya was fantastic :)
Sigiriya was fantastic :)
Written April 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jillduncan08
Dubai82 contributions
Started off in Kandy where our Tour guide Riyaz Haroon arrived early morning to take us to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla. Highly recommend this trip.
Our tour guide stopped at many places he thought may be of interest to us, including a Hindu temple and spice farm and tea plantation, before heading Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Rock Temple. I thoroughly recommend these places, Dambulla Temple was absolutely incredible but my highlight was the view from the top of Sigiriya Rock - well worth the 1000 steps to reach the top (easy peasy) and the view was breathtaking! Probably one of my favourite days in Sri Lanka.
We were so happy with our tour guide Riyaz that we actually hired him again later that week to take us to Pinnawalla elephant orphanage, which was amazing to watch the orphan elephants go down to the lake to bathe. Elephants are released into the wild when healthy to do so. Riyaz was a fountain of knowledge and knew Pretty much the whole of Sri Lanka like the back of his hand and was able to make excellent suggestions regarding trips, places to visit and restaurants. Definitely want to keep in touch.
Our tour guide stopped at many places he thought may be of interest to us, including a Hindu temple and spice farm and tea plantation, before heading Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Rock Temple. I thoroughly recommend these places, Dambulla Temple was absolutely incredible but my highlight was the view from the top of Sigiriya Rock - well worth the 1000 steps to reach the top (easy peasy) and the view was breathtaking! Probably one of my favourite days in Sri Lanka.
We were so happy with our tour guide Riyaz that we actually hired him again later that week to take us to Pinnawalla elephant orphanage, which was amazing to watch the orphan elephants go down to the lake to bathe. Elephants are released into the wild when healthy to do so. Riyaz was a fountain of knowledge and knew Pretty much the whole of Sri Lanka like the back of his hand and was able to make excellent suggestions regarding trips, places to visit and restaurants. Definitely want to keep in touch.
Written April 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily Moir
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We booked a tour through Viator for a full day tour from Colombo to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples. Our guide, Kenneth, was great! He made sure we knew exactly where to go and helped us buy entry tickets at each place. We were picked up at 6am and arrived back in Colombo about 6.30pm. We thoroughly enjoyed our day exploring some of Sri Lanka's beauty and culture.
Written January 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynley M
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
A long day due to the distance and traffic but well worth it to view these fascinating sites. Excellent Driver and Guide - Ayela from whom I learned a great deal about Sri Lanka.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the review. We are happy to hear that you had a positive experience with my colleague Asela.
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
Is it also possible to start the tour around 10:30 in the morning? Our plane arrives at 9:00h at Bandaranaike airport and we want to go straight to the tour from our plane if it is possible.
Afterwards we would like to be dropped off near Kandy, is that a possibility?
Thanks in advance!
Written January 31, 2020
That's possible. But it's a steep climb to the top of the rock. With the midday heat and jetlag it's not the best idea.
After the tour we can drop you off in Kandy.
Written February 1, 2020
Can pickup/drop off be from Colombo hotel?
Written January 29, 2020
Hey, would you be able to answer a few of the questions we have below please?:
1. Is it a private car or a coach with other guests
2. Is it okay to get picked up from a hotel in Kandy and dropped off in Sigirya
3. If we are able to get dropped off to a hotel in Sigirya, would we be able to visit Dambulla first and then to Sigirya?
Cheers!
Al
Written August 28, 2018
Dear Alun
1. This is a private tour
2. Yes, we can drop you off in Sigiriya
3. Yes. We first visit Dambulla then Sigiriya
Best regards
Pathum
Written August 30, 2018
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