Sigiriya Lion's Rock Fortress Day Tour And Village Experience from Colombo
- Go on the adventure of a lifetime with a visit to Sigiriya or Lion's Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy the gorgeous scenery as you are driven to Sigiriya inside a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- See this "Eighth Wonder of the World", an ancient palace and fortress complex with significant archaeological importance
- If you're up for it, climb up 1,200 steps to see the magnificent views that this Lion-like structure has to offer!
- Join the daily tasks of Hiriwadunna Village, complete with a bullock cart ride, cooking class and a fishing trip
What to expect
It's time to head out of the city and go on an incredible journey to what locals call the Eighth Wonder of the World: Sigiriya, or Lion's Rock Fortress. Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the heart of the island, between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana, on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. From the main entrance, walk to a series of charming symmetrical water gardens, including curved tanks, bathing pools, little islands with pavilions that were used as dry-season palaces, and landscaped borders. You can either spend a couple of hours here just taking in this marvelous sight, or, should you feel up to the task, begin your 1,200 step climb up to the top of the fortress. Halfway up the Sigiriya rock, an open-air spiral stairway leads to a long, sheltered gallery in the sheer rock face, with the paintings of the buxom, wasp-waisted women are popularly believed to represent either apsaras (celestial nymphs) or King Kasyapa’s concubines. At the top, take in the awesome view of the surrounding area, before you begin your descent to savor a delicious lunch with the local villagers. You'll also get to participate in some of the village's daily tasks, such as a bullock cart ride, a cooking class, and even a fishing boat ride on the lake! Once you're done, you'll pack up for the day and head back to the city, where you'll get dropped off back at your accommodation.
Reviews
Reviews summaryThe whole experience was incredible, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, especially with our guide Numesha, he is very kindhearted, always taking care of us all the time. And because of the flooding lately here, many roads were blocked and we have to go to our hotel in Kandy, thanks to him, drove us to our hotel safely and warmly👍😊 Really highly recommended to book this tour and every activites/views worth it.
Sigiriya is definitely a must-visit in Sri Lanka. The arranged car is comfortable and big. It is a long ride (3.5hours) from Colombo to Sigiriya. The driver Pathum Chamara is nice. He offered to drive us to the dining place at night provided that wild elephants may appear at night. The Sigiriya visit is followed by a village tour. We rode on a traditional transport that operated by cow. Boat ride in a lotus pond is exceptional as you can see the Sigiriya Rock from a far side. You can take stunning pictures. Lunch at a local house is interesting. We were warmly welcomed by the host. Overall, you will expect to spend half day on car but it’s worth it.
It's a very fun trip. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Colombo, and half of the trip is in the car. The car is a small VAN, which is quite comfortable. The scenery of Lion Rock is super beautiful and spectacular. It is a must-do trip in this life.
The driver arrived on time, the car was comfortable, and sufficient time was reserved for each scenic spot. The tour guide enthusiastically took photos for us and made thoughtful arrangements. It is worth recommending.
Special thanks to Vishwa Oudarika for driving for 10 hours! After the event, they even helped return the glasses we left in the car!
This tour is worth the price, the tour guide is very friendly and helpful, definitely will booked him and this tour again for next time visit to Sri Lanka. Having wonderful time at here. 😇
The driver was nice, but his driving was rough. There were many times when I had to brake suddenly and I was nervous. On the way back, I was asked for a tip. Even though I gave them 500 yen in Japanese yen, they told me it was not enough and gave me 1000 yen.
Nice guide and enjoyable tour. Highly recommended. The price for the boat tour is misleading. Klook mentions $35/person or $20/person for group of 2 or more. The $20 is actually a local or Indian tourist price.
Location was Awesome and my driver Numesh covered all the places. Only one dissapointment is my guide Raju for the Sigiriya Lion's Rock trip is in drunken state. The Alcohol smell is coming heavily whenever he is talking
The driver drives quite well. Traveling long distances should carry your own water and simple food. because it may not be available The tour guide spoke a little English. But try to explain well. It's very hot up there and you should be prepared if you walk high. You should carry inhalant balm. As for the other activities, just look at the way of life of the villagers. The return trip was quite congested. Be prepared to waste 1 full day on this trip.
Good to know
Insider Tips:
- Please carry your own bottle of water for the climb up to Sigiriya as it may not be readily available around the fortress
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