Sri Lanka Travel Tips · Itineraries
Sigiriya and Dambulla in One Day: Route and Timings
The Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock are only about 20 km apart, and seeing both in one day is the most popular plan in the Cultural Triangle. Here is the best order, how long to spend at each and sample timings from Colombo, Kandy and Sigiriya itself.
Why visit them together
Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they could hardly be more different. Dambulla is a living Buddhist temple: five caves under a huge overhanging rock, filled with Buddha statues and painted ceilings. Sigiriya is a royal fortress and palace on top of a granite rock. Together they give you the spiritual and the royal sides of ancient Sri Lanka in one day, with a short drive in between.
Which should you visit first?
If you are staying near Sigiriya, climb the rock first, at opening time, while it is cool, and visit the shaded caves of Dambulla around midday or in the afternoon.
Coming from Colombo or Negombo, it usually works better the other way round: Dambulla is on the way, so you stop there first at about 10 am and reach Sigiriya by late morning. That is the order we use on our Sigiriya day tour from Colombo.
What to know about Dambulla Cave Temple
- The climb: about 15 to 20 minutes up stone steps from the road; monkeys are common, so keep food out of sight.
- Tickets: a separate ticket is bought at the office at the foot of the hill; it is not included in the Sigiriya ticket.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, hats removed, and shoes left at the entrance. Bring socks if the stone is hot.
- Photos: allowed inside the caves without flash, but never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
Read more on our Dambulla page.
Sample plans for one day
From Colombo or Negombo
Pickup at 6:30 am, Dambulla at 10 am, Sigiriya from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, lunch, an optional elephant safari, and back at your hotel by about 10 pm. This is exactly our Sigiriya day tour.
From Kandy
Leave at 7 am; the drive to Dambulla takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Visit the caves, climb Sigiriya after lunch and be back in Kandy by evening. See our Sigiriya day trip from Kandy.
Staying in Sigiriya or Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya at 7 am, rest at the hotel, visit Dambulla in the afternoon and finish with sunset at Pidurangala. Our Dambulla to Sigiriya tour is built for this.
Too rushed? Make it two days
If you want to add Pidurangala at sunrise, an elephant safari or a village lunch without hurrying, spread the trip over two days. Our 2-day Sigiriya and Dambulla tour from Colombo includes a night near the rock. Wondering how long to stay? See how many days in Sigiriya, or browse the main Sigiriya tour page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Sigiriya and Dambulla in one day?
Yes. They are about 20 km apart. Allow about one hour at Dambulla and 2.5 to 3 hours at Sigiriya, plus around 30 minutes of driving between them.
How far is Dambulla from Sigiriya?
About 20 km, or roughly 30 minutes by car.
Is the Dambulla ticket included in the Sigiriya ticket?
No. Dambulla Cave Temple has its own ticket, bought at the office at the foot of the hill.
What should I wear to Dambulla Cave Temple?
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your hat and leave your shoes at the entrance. A light scarf or sarong is useful.
Can I visit Sigiriya and Dambulla on a day trip from Colombo?
Yes. Our Sigiriya day tour from Colombo or Negombo visits Dambulla in the morning and Sigiriya at midday, with an optional elephant safari in the afternoon.
