Sigiriya: 2-Day Guided Tour with Dambulla Caves Visit

Explore the fortress of Sigiriya on a 2-day guided tour. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the famous frescoes of the celestial maidens at the Sigiriya Rock.
Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Sigiriya Fortress on this 2-day tour from Bandaranaike International Airport. Climb to the top of the fortress and see the ancient frescoes and carvings.

On Day 1, get picked up from the airport and transfer to Sigiriya. After checking in to your hotel, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. Explore the complex, which consists of 5 main caves filled with statues, paintings, and relics that date back to the 1st century BCE.

Carved into a massive rock face, each cave is intricately decorated with murals that depict scenes from Buddha's life and the history of Sri Lanka. Over 150 statues of Buddha, as well as figures of kings and deities, can be found within the caves, which are illuminated by the natural light filtering in through their entrances.

The largest and most impressive of the five, the Maharaja Viharaya, is home to a magnificent reclining Buddha and elaborate wall paintings that stretch across the ceilings. The temple offers not only spiritual significance but also panoramic views over the lush countryside.

On Day 2, check out of your hotel and climb to the top of the Sigiriya Fortress. Explore the ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, history, and artistic features.

Rising nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains, this massive rock formation was transformed into a royal residence by King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE, who sought both a fortress and a palace with unparalleled grandeur.

The approach to the fortress is marked by gardens, reservoirs, and intricate stone paths that lead up to a set of large lion paws carved at the rock’s base, symbolizing the gateway to the palace. Ascending further, visitors encounter the famous Sigiriya frescoes, which are vivid, centuries-old paintings of celestial maidens adorning the walls of a rock gallery.

Another highlight is the Mirror Wall, once polished so finely that the king could see his reflection, now bearing ancient graffiti left by admirers over the centuries. At the summit, the remnants of the royal palace offer sweeping views of the lush jungle and distant hills.

This area includes ruins of the king’s throne, a large pool, and foundations of once-grand structures, illustrating the skillful engineering and artistry that went into this fortress. Sigiriya combines history, art, and mythology, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring and culturally rich sites. After the tour, transfer to Trincomalee or Passikudah.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.