Explore Dambulla’s wonders: ancient temples, thrilling safaris, and breathtaking hikes. Discover UNESCO sites and wild elephants on this unforgettable private tour.
Explore Dambulla’s wonders: ancient temples, thrilling safaris, and breathtaking hikes. Discover UNESCO sites and wild elephants on this unforgettable private tour.
- Dambulla Cave Temple - This Buddhist temple is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkable series of rock-cut shrines filled with stunning murals, a collection of gold-painted Buddha statues, and its unique architectural design. It is recognized as the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple…
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Dambulla Cave Temple - This Buddhist temple is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkable series of rock-cut shrines filled with stunning murals, a collection of gold-painted Buddha statues, and its unique architectural design. It is recognized as the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple features an enchanting array of paintings covering an area of 2,100 m2, which are particularly significant after the golden statues that could delight a curious explorer. A short, slightly steep climb leads to the spacious rock shelters adorned with mesmerizing frescoes on the rock ceiling, showcasing the incredible talent of ancient Sinhalese artists. Arriving early allows visitors to fully enjoy the expedition without haste and completely immerse themselves in its spectacular historic ambiance.
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Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - After exploring Dambulla, the journey continues with a 20-minute drive to Sigiriya. It is more fitting to describe Sigiriya as a symbiotic art gallery rather than a fortress, as it is a blend of mesmerizing nature and incredible human interventions, featuring granite works, architecture, enchanting frescoes, and graffiti. Although it was a kingdom, Sigiriya was akin to an ancient metropolitan city in terms of the maritime trade network developed by King Kashyapa between 477 – 495 AD. Climbing to the top offers breathtaking views and showcases the magical man-made constructions. Visitors will marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and enjoy a panoramic view of the vast forest. The ascent involves approximately 1,200 steps, and reaching the summit rewards visitors with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. The visit lasts at least 3 hours, including the ascent and descent.
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Hiriwadunna Village & Jeep Safari No 4 - After descending from Sigiriya, it will be time for lunch. Visitors can choose to relax and have lunch at a modern restaurant near Sigiriya or opt for a remote village experience to taste authentic and traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. This experience includes a wonderful village exploration, offering insight into Sri Lanka’s rural local culture and the lifestyles of these authentic communities. The adventure begins with a peaceful bullock cart ride on a gravel road in the village, one of the most famous transportation systems in early Sri Lanka. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy a catamaran ride on a local tank before reaching the farmer’s mud house, where they will experience typical Sri Lankan rural hospitality with an authentic cooking demonstration, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, possibly prepared by themselves.
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Minneriya National Park - Depending on interest, a safari jeep awaits at Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, or Hurulu Eco Park. The choice depends on the seasonal movements of elephants, and the expert guide will select the best park considering the weather conditions on the day, ensuring the best elephant viewing experience. This 2.5-hour safari not only offers the chance to spot the large creatures of elephants but also encounters with spotted deer, foxes, mongooses, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Pidurangala Rock - After the safari, if time permits, visitors may head to the stunning Pidurangala Rock (the brother rock of Sigiriya) with the hope of capturing the magical sunset. The climb can be a bit challenging, but the breathtaking views from the top make it well worth the effort. It offers an incredible 360-degree viewpoint located opposite the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock, making it one of the best locations for enjoying either sunrise or sunset on the island, after the golden beaches.

- Private transportation
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service
- Bottled water
- Professional & Licensed Tourist Guide for the whole Trip
- Brunch
- Hiriwadunna Village Tour following the Lunch
- Private transportation
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service
- Bottled water
- Professional & Licensed Tourist Guide for the whole Trip
- Brunch
- Hiriwadunna Village Tour following the Lunch
- Expenses in Personal Nature
- Gratuities
- Expenses in Personal Nature
- Gratuities
Join a guided tour to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, Hiriwadunna Village, Minneriya National Park, and Pidurangala for a sunrise hike.
• Admire the ancient artwork at the UNESCO-listed Buddhist Cave Temple in Dambulla.
• Climb the impressive Sigiriya Lion’s Rock and be amazed by its captivating frescoes, architecture, and…
Join a guided tour to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, Hiriwadunna Village, Minneriya National Park, and Pidurangala for a sunrise hike.
• Admire the ancient artwork at the UNESCO-listed Buddhist Cave Temple in Dambulla.
• Climb the impressive Sigiriya Lion’s Rock and be amazed by its captivating frescoes, architecture, and engineering.
• Enjoy a 4×4 safari ride to witness the world’s largest gathering of Asian wild elephants.
• Savor authentic cuisine at a farmer’s mud house while enjoying a catamaran ride on a village tank.
• At twilight, take on the challenge of hiking to the top of Pidurangala Rock to catch the enchanting sunset.
Conclude the day with a sense of accomplishment, having explored two world-famous UNESCO Heritage Sites and witnessed the largest gathering of wild elephants, marking the day as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Meeting time is subject to change: if this occurs you will receive a message or a call from your host
- Individuals with disabilities or special health needs must note it on their booking
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.