How to Plan Your Tour from Bentota to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning to visit Sri Lanka and looking to explore its historical and cultural sites? Look no further than a day trip from Bentota to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple. This tour will take you on a journey back in time to ancient Sri Lanka and let you witness the country’s engineering and artistic capabilities. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect tour.

Experience

The day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple is a full-day experience that will take you through Sri Lanka’s ancient history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. You will visit the stunning Sigiriya rock fortress, explore a 1st-century BC Buddhist temple, and inhale the exotic aromas of a Sri Lankan spice garden.

Highlights

The tour is full of highlights that will leave you in awe of Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the main highlights: – Admire breathtaking views from the summit of the Sigiriya rock fortress – Explore the ancient ruins of this vast complex, including palaces, pools, gardens, and paintings – Visit the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Marvel at the beautiful Buddhist paintings and statues housed in the cave – Learn about the history and cultural significance of these ancient sites from your knowledgeable guide – Soak up the aromas of traditional Sri Lankan spices at a local spice garden

Full description

Your day trip will begin with a pickup from your hotel in Bentota or Kalutara, and a 3-hour journey to the Sigiriya rock fortress. The fortress is situated on top of a 200-meter high rock and was built in the 5th century AD. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the complex, explaining its history and cultural significance. You will see the remains of the ancient palace, the world-famous frescoes of the “heavenly maidens,” and the beautiful water gardens. Finally, you will climb to the top of the rock to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After the Sigiriya rock fortress, you will visit the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world. The temple complex consists of five caves, which contain numerous statues and murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha. The most impressive of the caves is the second cave, which is known as the Maharaja Viharaya. It features stunning paintings and statues, including a 14-meter long reclining Buddha statue. The cave temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Sri Lanka. Finally, you will visit a spice garden, where you can smell the exotic aromas of traditional Sri Lankan spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. You will learn how these spices are grown, harvested, and processed, and how they are used in Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.

Booking

To book the tour, visit the website and select your date and number of participants. The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the sights you will see.

Book Your Tour Now

A day trip from Bentota to Sigiriya and Dambulla Temple is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. You will witness the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, explore ancient ruins and temples, and smell the exotic aromas of traditional spices. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable journey back in time.

Bentota City FAQs

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka anytime soon, then you might consider visiting Bentota. Located in the Galle District, about 64 km south of Colombo, it is a coastal city renowned for its beautiful beaches and water sports activities. Before you embark on your journey to this city, you should go through this FAQ to get all the information you need to know about Bentota.

1. What is the best time to visit Bentota?

The best time to visit Bentota is between November and April. During this time, the climate is dry and sunny, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, beach hopping, and water sports activities. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so you might want to plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance.

2. What are the famous tourist attractions in Bentota?

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Bentota. Some of the famous ones are:

i. Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach is the most famous attraction in the city. It is a long, wide beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers numerous water sports activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides.

ii. Kande Vihara Temple

Kande Vihara Temple is a Buddhist temple located on a hill just outside of Bentota. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and is famous for its golden Buddha statue.

iii. Brief Garden

Brief Garden is a beautiful garden located about 10 km from Bentota. It was designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and is known for its stunning landscapes and architectural features.

iv. Bentota River

Bentota River is a large river that flows through the city. You can take a boat ride along the river to explore the mangrove swamps and spot crocodiles and other wildlife.

3. What are the food specialties in Bentota?

Bentota is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that diversity. Some of the famous food specialties in the city are:

i. Rice and curry

Rice and curry is the staple food of Sri Lanka, and Bentota is no exception. It usually consists of a plate of rice served with an assortment of curries made with vegetables, fish, or meat.

ii. Seafood

Being a coastal city, seafood is also a specialty in Bentota. You can try out dishes such as fish curry, prawn curry, and crab curry.

iii. Roti

Roti is a type of flatbread that is a popular snack in Sri Lanka. It is usually filled with vegetables or meat and served with curry.

4. Can you swim in Bentota Beach?

Yes, you can swim in Bentota Beach. The waters are usually calm and safe for swimming, but it is always advisable to stay within the designated swimming areas and be cautious of any warning flags.

5. What are the water sports activities available in Bentota?

Bentota has plenty to offer when it comes to water sports activities. Some of the famous ones are:

i. Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing is a popular water sport in Bentota. You can rent a jet ski and ride it along the coastline, accompanied by an instructor.

ii. Banana Boat Rides

Banana Boat Rides are an exciting activity that involves a motorboat towing a banana-shaped inflatable boat with passengers on it.

iii. Wind Surfing

Wind Surfing is another popular activity that involves standing on a surfboard and using a sail to navigate through the waters.

6. How to get to Bentota?

Bentota is well connected to other parts of Sri Lanka through various modes of transportation. Some of the ways to get to Bentota are:

i. By Car

You can hire a taxi or rent a car to get to Bentota from Colombo. The journey takes about two and a half hours.

ii. By Train

You can also take a train from Colombo to Bentota. The journey takes about two hours, and the trains are comfortable and affordable.

iii. By Bus

You can take a bus from Colombo to Bentota, but it is not the most convenient mode of transportation as the buses can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Book Your Tour Now

Bentota is a fantastic city to explore, with plenty of tourist attractions, delicious food, and exciting water sports activities. With this FAQ, you should now have all the information you need to plan your trip to Bentota and make the most of your stay in this stunning city.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Bentota

Bentota is a stunning coastal town in Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and authentic Sri Lankan culture. If you are planning to visit Bentota anytime soon, there are a variety of activities and attractions to explore during your stay. Here are some great ways to spend your time in Bentota.

1) Enjoy the beaches

Bentota is best known for its lovely beaches. You can spend your entire day enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Some of the popular beaches in Bentota include Bentota Beach, Paradise Island Beach, and Induruwa Beach. You can relax on the beaches, soak up the sun or indulge in some water sports. You can try jet skiing, water skiing, and other water sports. There are several resorts in Bentota located right next to the beach which offer sun loungers, umbrellas and many other beach amenities.

2) Visit the Brief Garden

The Brief Garden is a beautifully manicured garden maintained by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden has an amazing collection of various shrubs, trees, and flowers, making it a perfect place to take a peaceful stroll. You will also find several sculptures, statues, and other artistic pieces in the garden.

3) Explore the Bentota River

Bentota River is another attraction that you must visit while in Bentota. You can go on a boat ride along the river, and explore the mangroves and the surrounding area. You can see several aquatic birds, freshwater fish, and other animals along the way.

4) Visit Kande Viharaya Temple

The Kande Viharaya Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located in Bentota with significant historical and cultural importance. The temple and its surroundings are very peaceful, and you can see several monks going about their daily routines. You can also learn about the Buddhist religion and get an insight into Sri Lankan culture while at the temple.

5) Take part in local cultural activities

If you want to learn more about the Sri Lankan culture, there are several ways to get engaged in cultural activities in Bentota. You can try local food by visiting the local street vendors and restaurants. These places offer traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, such as hoppers, curries, and many other delicious dishes. You can also watch traditional dances and fire walking shows, enjoy street performances, and visit local markets.

6) Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center

The Sea Turtle Conservation Center is a must-visit attraction situated in Bentota. Here, you can learn all about sea turtles, their lives, the threats and the ways of conservation. You can watch baby turtles being released into the sea, and learn about how the center is working to protect the species.

7) Go on a day trip to nearby locations

Bentota is situated close to several other locations in Sri Lanka with significant cultural and historical value. Some of the places nearby that you can visit include Galle, Colombo, and Kandy. A day trip to any of these places can give you a great insight into Sri Lankan history and culture.

Book Your Tour Now

Bentota is a beautiful town in Sri Lanka that promises a serene and culturally immersive vacation. Visiting all the local attractions and cultural experiences, and taking time to relax on the beaches, and explore the surrounding area can make for an unforgettable trip. Regardless of what you choose to do, one thing is for sure, you will have a great time in Bentota.