Sigiriya & Dambulla Cave Temple tour: Climb Lion Rock

Climb an ancient fortress and spot wildlife in the forest around it

A full-day tour of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple with hotel pickup, private transport, driver-guide and entrance fees included. You climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site fortress, walk through the ancient Sigiriya forest to identify birds and other wildlife, then visit the cave temple complex. The tour runs 12 hours. Guides speak English, French, German or Russian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress4h
2. Dambulla Cave Temple2h

Visit Sigiriya and Dambulla Temples

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Observe wildlife and birds
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

The experience

The day starts at your hotel and moves through two of Sri Lanka's most significant historical sites. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, called the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built as an ancient palace. The climb takes you up the rock itself. The surrounding forest is old-growth with high biodiversity, and you'll have time to watch for birds and other wildlife among the greenery. After Sigiriya, the tour includes Dambulla Cave Temple, a historical complex carved into the rock.

Transport is by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide who speaks your language: English, French, German or Russian. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are parking fees and entrance tickets to both Sigiriya and Dambulla. The guide assists with ticket collection at the counter so you move straight to the sites. The full day runs 12 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• parking fees.
• entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.
• guide services in English, French, German or Russian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 04:30, the last at 07:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Under 11: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Asya Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, French, German or Russian, so you can follow the commentary in your own language throughout the 12-hour day. Book this tour if you're comfortable with a moderate climb and want both the fortress and the cave temple in a single excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sigiriya Rock Fortress and why do people climb it?

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an ancient palace built on a massive rock formation and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors climb the rock itself to explore the historical monument. The surrounding ancient forest also draws people to spot birds and wildlife.

Is the climb to the top of Sigiriya difficult?

The climb requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers due to the physical demands of ascending the rock.

What does Dambulla Cave Temple look like?

Dambulla Cave Temple is a historical site with caves carved into the rock. It is a separate stop on the tour after Sigiriya, allowing you to see both the fortress and the cave temple complex in one day.

Does the price of 30 USD per person for Sigiriya include everything?

Entrance fees to Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temple are included in the tour price. The tour also covers transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, parking, and your guide's services.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs 12 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, allowing time to explore both Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, plus the forest and wildlife around Sigiriya.