Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour from Bentota: UNESCO sites

Climb Sigiriya's ancient palace ruins, then explore Dambulla's thousand-year cave temple

A full-day tour from Bentota to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sigiriya rock fortress, a fifth-century fortified palace complex, and Dambulla golden rock cave temple, home to Buddhist murals and sculptures since the first century BCE. Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bentota and surrounding areas included. Entrance fees (approximately US$30 for Sigiriya, US$10 for Dambulla) and meals are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Sigiriya and Dambulla sites

• Depart from Bentota hotel
• Explore Sigiriya rock fortress
• Visit Dambulla golden rock cave temple

The experience

Sigiriya rock fortress is the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, built in the fifth century as a fortified palace complex under King Kassapa. The name comes from its palace entrance: a massive brick sculpture of a lion head, of which only the paws remain at the foot of the rock today. You climb the rock itself to explore the ruins and take in views across the surrounding landscape.

Dambulla golden rock cave temple sits on the other half of the day. The site has been a center of Buddhist practice since the first century BCE, when thousands of meditating monks made it their home. Today it holds a vast collection of Buddhist murals and sculptures in the pan-Asian artistic tradition, maintained through centuries of royal and monastic renovation. The cave temple was abandoned at intervals over time, yet each time the Buddhist elite restored it to draw pilgrims back.

You depart from your hotel in Bentota in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver. The tour runs 12 hours total. Mineral water is provided. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees at both sacred sites, and bring a valid passport for entry. Be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before pickup.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Bentota and surrounding areas.
• mineral water.
• all government taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Overa Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so the driver and vehicle are yours alone for the full 12 hours: ideal if you want to move at your own pace between the two sites or need flexibility around the climbing time at Sigiriya. The early morning departure from Bentota means you reach both UNESCO sites before the afternoon crowds build.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Sigiriya rock fortress and why is it famous?

Sigiriya is a fifth-century fortified palace complex built by King Kassapa and the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Its name comes from the massive brick lion head sculpture that once framed the palace entrance: only the paws remain at the rock's base today. Visitors climb the rock to explore the ruins.

What will I see at Dambulla cave temple?

Dambulla golden rock cave temple holds a massive collection of Buddhist murals and sculptures in the pan-Asian artistic tradition, accumulated since the site's monastic beginnings in the first century BCE. The cave temple has been continuously renovated by royals and Buddhist leaders to maintain it as a pilgrimage destination.

Is the driver included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, an English-speaking driver is included with the private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bentota and surrounding areas are also included.

What do I need to bring and wear?

Bring a valid passport for entry to both sites. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as both Sigiriya and Dambulla are sacred and holy places. Be ready at your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Are entrance fees and meals included in the tour price?

Entrance fees are not included. Sigiriya costs approximately US$30 per person and Dambulla costs approximately US$10 per person. Meals are also not included, though mineral water is provided during the tour.