Sri Lanka · ANCIENT CITIES & TEMPLES

The 15 Best Ancient City & Temple Tours in Sri Lanka

25 tours  ·  from $6 a head

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are enormous and mostly flat, which makes them bicycle country rather than van country. These 15 sort the guided days, the cycling versions and the temple circuits by price, distance and how much walking is really involved.

From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Adventure - Leaving Kandy by tuk-tuk at 7:45
Ancient Cities & Temples, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Kandy, Temple Tours in Kandy, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kandy

From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Adventure

1.Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 785 reviews · 10 hours · from $29Our pick

Ride from Kandy by tuk-tuk or car with an English-speaking guide such as Danushka, Mahesh, Wicky, or Saman. Visit Matale Hindu Temple, Sigiriya or Pidurangala, Dambulla Cave Temple, and a spice garden. Optional village, wildlife, gem, and craft stops let you shape the day.

“We booked the whole day trip to Sigiriya with Wicky as our driver who has been highly recommended by other customers before. He told us so much about Sri Lankan history and culture! Furthermore he let us freely choose which attractions on the way to Sigiriya we want to visit. All in all it was a wonderful day he is a good and safe driver and a really friendly and calm person.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura - Sri Maha Bodhi and the sacred heart of the old city
Ancient Cities & Temples, City Tours, Private, Temple Tours in Anuradhapura, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Anuradhapura

Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura

2.Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $30Top rated

Spend four to five hours touring Anuradhapura’s key Buddhist and ancient sites with Navin Lanka Tours. Your private guide and driver handle the transport, often by tuk-tuk, while you visit 12 major stops including Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiriya, and Isurumuniya. Hotel pickup, bottled water, and a private experience are included.

“Navin was an amazing guide for our tour through Anuradhapura! He had so much knowledge to share and as a bonus he was fun to hang out with and we chatted about so many topics. He goes the extra mile to ensure a great Sri Lanka experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kandy to Sigiriya Day Tour and Dambulla cave temple with private vehicle - Ranweli Spice Garden adds a hands-on pause
Ancient Cities & Temples, Dambulla Cave Temple, Private, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Kandy, Temple Tours in Kandy, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kandy

Kandy to Sigiriya Day Tour and Dambulla cave temple with private vehicle

3.Kandy to Sigiriya Day Tour and Dambulla cave temple with private vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 232 reviews · from $42

Travel from Kandy to Sigiriya in a private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver. The route includes Matale’s Hindu temple, Ranweli Spice Garden, Sigiriya Rock, and Dambulla Cave Temple. Drivers such as Laliy, Dinesh, Fazeel, and Shashi are praised for flexibility, though site guides and entrance fees cost extra.

“Wonderful day, have seen so many places. Benedict is a safe and friendly driver. Great lunch stop. No complains.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Colombo: Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour - Elephants and the Maha Oya River
Ancient Cities & Temples, Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Full-Day, Temple Tours in Colombo, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo

From Colombo: Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour

4.Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 144 reviews · 1 day · from $54

Start early from Colombo or Negombo with an English-speaking guide such as Aadhil, Dilip, or Susantha. See elephants at the Maha Oya River, visit Kandy’s Tooth Relic Temple and hilltop Buddha, then stop at tea, spice, gem, and wood-carving workshops. Expect a full 15-hour day with long drives, flexible stops, and a small group of up to 10.

“🌟 Amazing Day Tour with an Exceptional Guide! I had an unforgettable experience on the From Colombo: Discover Elephant Orphanage and Kandy Day Tour. From start to finish, it was absolutely fantastic. We visited so many beautiful places from interacting with elephants, to exploring the stunning cultural sites in Kandy, and even learning about spices, and tea production along the way. The itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us to enjoy each stop without ever feeling rushed.  What truly made this tour special was my guide Dillip! He was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, always ready with fascinating insights about every place we visited. He drove extremely well and ensured…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Cave Temples Day Trip - Pidurangala for the classic Sigiriya view
1-Day Tours, Ancient Cities & Temples, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Colombo, Temple Tours in Colombo, Tour Reviews, Tours in Colombo

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Cave Temples Day Trip

5.Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Cave Temples Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · from $55

Travel by private air-conditioned car from Colombo, Kandy, or Negombo to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple. You’ll also visit Pidurangala, a spice garden, and a craft village, with lunch included. Guides such as Ajantha and Abdul have tailored days to suit individual interests, though entrance fees are extra.

“A good day out. We had two drivers with us so we both had someone to ask questions to. The lads were patient and aloffered plenty of things to do. We picked and chose what we wanted to do and didn't feel rushed for time. Would gladly use them again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Paradise Blow Hole, Big Buddha, Rock Temple Tours - Facing the 160-Foot Big Buddha at Wewurukannala
Ancient Cities & Temples, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Galle

Paradise Blow Hole, Big Buddha, Rock Temple Tours

6.Paradise Blow Hole, Big Buddha, Rock Temple Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · from $11

Travel by tuk-tuk from Tangalle with a driver-guide to Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, Dikwella’s 160-foot Big Buddha, and Hummanaya Blowhole. The tour lasts about six to seven hours, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and offers morning or sunset departures. Guide Sujith is specifically praised for his friendly, flexible service.

“Recently had a fantastic 1/2 day tour with Sujith around Tangalle. Sujith is an engaging and friendly guide (which was perfect for a solo traveller). He's also flexible and willing to go the extra mile for guests. Not only was he happy to wait 15 Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Explore & Ride the history of anuradhapura with Vogel Tours - Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the spiritual heart of the visit
Ancient Cities & Temples, Temple Tours in Anuradhapura, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Anuradhapura

Explore & Ride the history of anuradhapura with Vogel Tours

7.Explore & Ride the history of anuradhapura with Vogel Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews

Guide Ajee Vogel leads a private Anuradhapura tour through sacred sites, ancient monasteries, carved moonstones, bathing ponds, and museums. The route includes Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayagiri, and Jetavanaramaya, with snacks, tea or coffee, and private transport available for up to three people.

“We visited both the new and the old parts of Anuradhapura, and it was truly impressive. If you want a guide who can tell you everything about Buddhism, this is the tour you should take. It was absolutely amazing, highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5 Day Sri Lanka Tour : Including Temple of Tooth & Sigiriya Trip - Day 3: Ceylon tea and Nuwara Eliya
5-Day Experiences, Ancient Cities & Temples, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Colombo, Temple Tours in Colombo, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo

5 Day Sri Lanka Tour : Including Temple of Tooth & Sigiriya Trip

8.5 Day Sri Lanka Tour : Including Temple of Tooth & Sigiriya Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews

You’ll travel by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide from Colombo to Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota, and Colombo. Expect temple visits, tea country, wildlife waterways, beaches, markets, and optional stops. Guides in other languages may be arranged for an added fee.

“I visited Srilanka via Travco Adventures and it was amazing experience. Everything was well planned and managed. They take care of special requests as well if any. I celebrated my birthday and it was luxurious experience at hotel The palm at Bentota....Prizes are reasonable and worth to money....overall must book trip with Travco Adventures”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Anuradhapura: All Inclusive Full Day Safari at Wilpattu - The 5 am pickup from Anuradhapura
Ancient Cities & Temples, Full-Day, Multi-Day Sri Lanka Tours, National Park Safaris, Tour Reviews, Wilpattu National Park Safaris

From Anuradhapura: All Inclusive Full Day Safari at Wilpattu

9.All Inclusive Full Day Safari at Wilpattu

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 50 reviews · 12 hours · from $117

Leave Anuradhapura around 5 am for a private, full-day Wilpattu safari with an English-speaking guide, customized jeep, breakfast, packed lunch, water, and hotel transfers. The park’s natural willus attract wildlife, while the long game drive gives you time to search for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, deer, and wild pigs.

“We had amazing day, we saw a lot of animals, even a leopard! 🧡 our guide was really nice, helpful and did his best to find wild animals 🧡”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ancient Cities & Temples, Temple Tours in Colombo, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo, Tuk Tuk Tours, Tuk Tuk Tours in Colombo

Explore Colombo Heritage and Cultural Temples Tour by Tuk Tuk

10.Explore Colombo Heritage and Cultural Temples Tour by Tuk Tuk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $30

Ride with a private driver-guide through Colombo’s temples, colonial quarters, parks, and seafront. You’ll visit Gangaramaya, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Independence Memorial Hall, Galle Face Green, and more, with hotel pickup, coconut water, and several entry fees included. Guides such as David and Selin have been praised for friendly, careful service.

“Dilan was great in managing my booking. My flight was delayed but he was to patient in handling everything. Selin was my guide and was an incredible tour guide—kind, patient, and made me feel completely safe traveling solo. He was so hRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Day tour sigiriya to anuradhapura - Thuparamaya, Sri Lanka’s first Buddhist temple
Ancient Cities & Temples, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple Tours in Sigiriya, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sigiriya

Day tour sigiriya to anuradhapura

11.Day tour sigiriya to anuradhapura

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · from $120

Travel from your Sigiriya address to Anuradhapura with a small group of no more than three people. Visit Thuparamaya, Ruwanwelisaya, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, Abhayagiri, Isurumuniya, the Twin Baths, a moonstone, and Mihintale. The tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours. Entrance fees are extra.

“visited Sigiriya during my trip to Sri Lanka, and it was an unforgettable experience. The climb to the top was a bit tiring but absolutely worth it. The views from the summit were breathtaking, with lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see. The most memorable Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour - Starting at Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya
Ancient Cities & Temples, City Tours, Private, Temple Tours in Anuradhapura, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour

12.Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 5 hours · from $30

Spend five hours exploring Anuradhapura by private tuk tuk with English-speaking guide Navin. Visit Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jethawanaramaya, Abhayagiri, Kuttam Pokuna, Thuparama, and other major sites. Hotel pickup, transport, water, snacks, and a tuk tuk lesson are included, but entrance tickets cost extra.

“The tour was incredible and I learned so much about ancient Sinhala culture and Buddhism. I would recommend to anyone travelling to Anuradhapura”

Check availability →Read our full review

Anuradhapura Heritage Mountain bike / bicycle Tour - Starting near the old car park
Ancient Cities & Temples, Cycling Tours, Temple Tours in Anuradhapura, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Heritage Mountain bike / bicycle Tour

13.Anuradhapura Heritage Mountain bike / bicycle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $25

Ride a 10-kilometer loop through Anuradhapura with English-speaking guide Saranga. You’ll visit major stupas, ancient ponds, Buddhist sites, rice fields, and quieter routes by quality mountain bike. The tour includes water, a vegetarian meal, parking, and cycling equipment, but the UNESCO entrance fee costs extra.

“This was a truly magical tour. The slow pace let's you indulge into the history and the beautiful nature of Anuradhapura's ancient city. The guide was a big plus with a great knowledge about the culture and religion. I can highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour from Sigiriya - What the $71.43 price really buys you
Ancient Cities & Temples, City Tours, Private, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple Tours in Sigiriya, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sigiriya

Private Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour from Sigiriya

14.Private Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour from Sigiriya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews

Travel by private vehicle from Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Habarana to Polonnaruwa with driver Shahiru or another Sinhagiri Tours driver. You’ll visit 11 major sites, receive a written guide, and explore at your own pace. Entrance fees, lunch, and the optional 5,000 LKR site guide cost extra.

“We got exactly what we wanted on this trip! We didn’t need a tour guide but the driver was really friendly and pointed us in the right direction of where to go. 23 has the option to hire bikes or have use the car to get around to the various sites, Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kandy: Sigiriya Fortress & Cave Temple Full Day Private Tour - Dambulla’s caves, statues, and painted ceilings
Ancient Cities & Temples, Dambulla Cave Temple, Full-Day, Private, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Kandy, Temple Tours in Kandy, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kandy

Kandy: Sigiriya Fortress & Cave Temple Full Day Private Tour

15.Sigiriya Fortress & Cave Temple Full Day Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 29 reviews · 12 hours · from $75

Travel by private vehicle from Kandy or Peradeniya to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Matale. You’ll climb the ancient rock fortress, visit Buddha-filled cave shrines, eat a buffet lunch, and receive a 10-minute herbal foot massage. English support is provided, but confirm whether your driver will guide you inside each site.

“Imran was a very good and safe driver and was flexible too as we requested to start the tour 1.5 hours later than planned and he accommodated that. Very happy with his service. He was also knowledgeable and professional answering a lot of general questions about Sri Lanka. The lunch place is a large scale buffet that caters for all different tour groups, but the food is quite fine. You only have to pay for drinks, the food is included in the excursion price. We were also taken to a spice garden where you can buy some oils etc. We bought a couple of things, just make sure you negotiate…”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Ancient Cities & Temples

★ 5.0Day Tour from dambulla to Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa13 reviews
★ 4.9Sigiriya To Kandy Private Transfer: Visit Dambulla TempleFrom $4011 reviews
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Cave Temple Day TripFrom $5012 reviews
★ 4.3Caves Temple & Traditional Village Tour with LunchFrom $708 reviews

Keep browsing

Sigiriya Rock Fortress56Dambulla Cave Temple28Galle Fort Tours5City Tours42
Scroll to Top

Explore Sri Lanka

Pick a park, a ruin, a hillside or a kitchen.

Parks and wildlife

Park SafarisYalaUdawalaweMinneriyaElephant Homes

The Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya RockDambulla CavesAncient CitiesAnuradhapuraDambulla

Hills and tea

Hill CountryTea EstatesTrain RidesWaterfallsHikes and Climbs

Coast and water

Whale BoatsRiver SafarisSnorkellingSurfingGalle Fort