How to Plan Your Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour in Colombo

If you’re interested in exploring the rich cultural history of Sri Lanka, then the Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour is perfect for you. This tour takes you to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers a glimpse into the fascinating past of this beautiful country. In this article, we’ll take a look at the tour’s overview, what’s included, what to expect, and how you can book it.

Overview

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour is a full-day tour that takes you to two of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. The tour starts with a visit to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that was built in the 5th century. Here, you’ll get to see the stunning rock formations, climb up to the top, and explore the beautiful gardens and ancient ruins. After that, you’ll head over to Dambulla Cave Temple, just a few kilometers away from Sigiriya. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features five separate caves that are filled with stunning statues, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings that depict the life of Buddha.

What’s Included

The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour includes the following:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Admission tickets to both Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temple

Meeting and Pickup

You can either head directly to the meeting point or request pickup from your location in Colombo, Negombo, or Kandy. The meeting point is located in Colombo, and your chauffeur guide will meet you at the arrival lobby of the Colombo International airport or at the reception of the hotel you are staying.

End Point

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What to Expect

The first stop on the tour is Sigiriya, where you’ll get to explore the ancient rock fortress. The climb up to the top of the rock can be a bit strenuous, but it’s well worth it for the stunning views you’ll get to see. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful gardens filled with lush greenery, fountains, and ancient ruins. After visiting Sigiriya, you’ll head over to Dambulla Cave Temple, where you’ll get to see the five different caves filled with stunning artwork and carvings. The caves are a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and are considered to be one of the most important cave temples in Sri Lanka.

Additional Info

Here are some additional details about the tour:

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible
• The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Dress code is smart casual. You have to cover the knees and shoulders when you are visiting religious places

Booking the Tour

You can easily book the Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour by visiting the following website: book the tour here. Simply choose your desired date, number of travelers, and pickup location, and then follow the instructions to complete your booking.

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The Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Tour is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Sri Lanka. With stunning views, beautiful gardens, and ancient ruins, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. Book your tour today and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo

Colombo is a fascinating city that attracts many visitors from all over the world. Being the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, it offers a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it a great destination for tourists. Here are some frequently asked questions about Colombo that will help you plan your trip better.

1. What Is The Weather Like In Colombo?

Colombo has a tropical climate and is generally humid throughout the year. The city receives an average of around 2,500mm of rainfall each year, with the heaviest rains occurring between May and September. The temperature in Colombo remains fairly constant throughout the year, hovering around 27-32°C.

2. Which Are The Best Accommodations In Colombo?

Colombo has a wide range of accommodation options to suit the budget and preferences of every traveler. Some of the best hotels in the city are Cinnamon Grand, Taj Samudra, Shangri-La, and Galle Face Hotel. For budget travelers, there are many guesthouses and hostels in Colombo.

3. What Are The Must-See Attractions In Colombo?

Colombo offers many attractions for tourists. Some of the must-see places include:

a. Galle Face Green

One of the most popular places in Colombo, Galle Face Green is a huge open space located near the sea. It’s ideal for taking a stroll or watching the sunset.

b. National Museum of Colombo

This museum offers a great insight into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.

c. Gangaramaya Temple

This temple is famous for its striking architecture and beautiful setting.

d. Old Parliament Building

This building is a great example of colonial architecture and is worth a visit for history buffs.

4. What Are The Best Places To Shop In Colombo?

Colombo is a great place for shopping, with many malls, street markets, and boutique stores. Some of the best places for shopping in Colombo are:

a. Pettah Market

This is the oldest and largest market in Colombo, selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

b. Odel

This is a popular store for clothing, accessories, and gift items.

c. Liberty Plaza

This mall has many stores selling clothes, shoes, accessories, and electronics.

5. What Are The Best Restaurants And Street Food In Colombo?

Colombo has a wide range of restaurants and street vendors that offer delicious local and international cuisine. Some of the must-try food in Colombo includes:

a. Kottu Roti

This is a popular street food made with shredded roti, vegetables, and meat.

b. Hoppers

These are bowl-shaped pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk and are eaten with various curries and chutneys.

c. Seafood

Colombo is known for its fresh seafood, and you’ll find plenty of fish markets and seafood restaurants in the city.

6. What Are The Best Times Of The Year To Visit Colombo?

The best time to visit Colombo is between December and March when the weather is dry and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so accommodation and flights are likely to be expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting Colombo between May and September when the rains have stopped, and the crowds are thinner.

7. What Is The Best Way To Get Around Colombo?

Colombo has a good public transport system with buses and trains that run across the city. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also widely available, and you can negotiate a fare with the driver before getting in. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace.

8. Are There Any Safety Concerns In Colombo?

Like any other city, Colombo has its share of crime, and travelers need to take precautions to ensure their safety. It’s recommended that you avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas, especially if you’re a woman. Pickpocketing and theft are also common, so keep your valuables close to you.

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With its rich history, culture, and architecture, Colombo is a city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Colombo

If you’re looking for an incredible tourist destination in Sri Lanka, Colombo is the place to be. Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and the commercial capital. It has a history that dates back to over 2000 years with a perfect blend of colonial architecture and modern infrastructure. The city is a melting pot of cultures and has an impressive mix of museums, parks, temples, shopping arcades, and culinary delights. In this guide, we’ve outlined the best things to do and see in Colombo.

1. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple

The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most iconic temples in Colombo. It is located in the heart of the city on Beira Lake and boasts a large collection of artifacts, statues, and paintings. The temple has influences from various Asian cultures, including India, China, and Thailand. It is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to stroll around the temple to see different views of the Beira Lake.

2. Explore the Galle Face Green

The Galle Face Green is a massive urban park located adjacent to the Indian Ocean. It is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city’s hectic life. You can go for a walk, relax on the grass, watch the sunset or enjoy the street food vendors who line the promenade. The park is full of locals and tourists who flock towards the sea breeze.

3. Visit Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is another popular park in Colombo. It is located in the heart of the city and is spread across an area of 50 acres. The park has a large pond, Japanese garden, and a children’s park. The park’s main attraction is the golden Buddha statue located in the middle of the park. The park gets crowded on weekends, so it is better to visit on weekdays.

4. Indulge in some retail therapy at Odel

Odel is one of the most famous shopping destinations in Colombo. It is a high-end shopping center that has a range of clothing, accessories, and home decor items. The center was established in 1989 and has grown as a popular international brand. It has an impressive range of local and international brands including Levis, Lacoste, and Mango. So if you are looking for some high-end fashion, Odel is the place to visit.

5. Experience the beauty of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, a suburb of Colombo. The temple is believed to have been built during the third century BC and is a place of worship for many Sri Lankans. The temple has a series of brightly colored murals that depict the life of the Buddha, and you can also see a statue of Gautama Buddha inside the temple.

6. Visit the National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest museum and is home to some of the country’s most significant historical and cultural artifacts, such as the throne and crown of the last Kandyan monarch, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The museum features impressive exhibits on ancient Sri Lankan civilization, art, and numismatics. It is a perfect place to go if you want to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and cultural diversity.

7. Don’t forget to taste Sri Lankan cuisine

Colombo is famous for its street food, and you cannot leave the city without trying some of the local cuisine. Don’t miss out on the chance to try some of the delicious Sri Lankan curries, seafood, and street snacks like hoppers and kottu. Galle Face Green and Mount Lavinia are the perfect places to indulge in the local cuisine while enjoying stunning views.

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Colombo is a vibrant city with many attractions to suit every traveler’s interests. In this guide to spending your time as a tourist in Colombo, we have highlighted some of the most popular and unique places to visit. So come and explore Colombo and enjoy its culture, history, and culinary delights.