JK Travels Lanka · Sigiriya, Minneriya and Dambulla
A private car takes you north to climb Sigiriya, then on to a jeep safari in Minneriya or a nearby park to see wild elephants, with the Dambulla caves on the way. It's the trip for people who want both the rock and the herds in one very long day.
JK Travels Lanka picks you up at any hotel in Colombo or Negombo, or at the airport, and can drop you at the airport at the end. The plan has three stops: two hours at Sigiriya Lion Rock, a two-hour jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, and an hour at the Dambulla cave temple. One guest's safari went to Hurulu, a nearby eco park, instead.
It's a long day. The listing says 10 to 12 hours, and one family took 14 in traffic. Sigiriya is 4 to 5 hours from Colombo each way. The from-price of $68 per person covers only the car, the driver and water, at the rate for a full car. The listing name once mentioned Pidurangala, the rock opposite Sigiriya, but it isn't on the current itinerary. Ask if you'd rather climb it (LKR 1,000) than Lion Rock.
The extras add up. Sigiriya is USD 35, Dambulla about LKR 2,000, and the park ticket plus jeep is sold on the spot. One guest paid 29,000 rupees (about $94) for under 90 minutes in the park, another 44,000 rupees, and both called it a scam. One also complained of a gem shop stop for the driver's commission. Settle the jeep price and say no to shops before the day starts.
From your hotel or the airport. Expect 4 to 5 hours to Sigiriya.
Water gardens, frescoes, lion paws and the summit.
Your driver hands you to a jeep at Minneriya or a nearby park. Fix the price first.
Five painted caves, shoes off, shoulders and knees covered.
4 to 5 hours, often longer in Colombo traffic.
★★★★★Fantastic trip be prepared for a very long day though . The jeep safari was excellent saw plenty of elephants , sigiriya lion rock is great too even though you have ro climb 1202 steps to get to the top
★★★★★The Safari in Minneriya National Park exceeded our expectations. A large number of elephants of all ages, from a baby with its mother, teenage females and males, to a large male elephant.
★★★★★The high point was our jeep safari in Hurulu, where we encountered a small elephant herd, with a tusker at very close range. [...] Amazing, one-of-a-kind sites to visit.
★★★★★The driver was very punctual and reliable. Although it was a long day (due to traffic 14 hours), he drove us well and safely back to the hotel.
Read next:
No. The park ticket and the jeep are both excluded and paid on the day. Guests report paying 29,000 and 44,000 rupees for the jeep and entry. Get the price before you go.
The listing names Minneriya. One guest was taken to Hurulu, a nearby eco park, instead. Ask your driver on the day which park has the herds.
Not on the current itinerary, which lists Sigiriya, the safari and Dambulla. Pidurangala costs LKR 1,000 and gives you the view of Lion Rock. Ask the operator if you want to swap.
10 to 12 hours on the listing, up to 14 with Colombo traffic. Sigiriya is 4 to 5 hours from Colombo each way. Our Sigiriya guide covers staying overnight instead.
Ready to book
Lion Rock, the Dambulla caves and an elephant safari in one long private day from Colombo.
Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Trip from ColomboThe lowest price to Lion Rock: a shared van, Dambulla's caves, then the climb. A 12 to 14-hour day, tickets extra.★ 4.5 · 12 to 14 hours · from $45
Kandy & Pinnawala Private Day TripYour own driver to Kandy: the Temple of the Tooth, Pinnawala, a tea factory and a viewpoint. Temple and elephant tickets extra.★ 5.0 · 9 to 11 hours · from $71
Galle, River Safari & Sea TurtlesTurtles, a mangrove boat ride, two hours in Galle Fort and Dalawella beach. Boat, tickets and lunch extra.★ 5.0 · 9 to 10 hours · from $65