Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a fifth-century rock fortress rising nearly 200 metres out of the jungle, with a royal palace once built on the summit. We start early, before the heat and the coach groups, and take the climb at whatever pace suits you — there are plenty of stops built in, including the mirror wall and the famous frescoes about halfway up. From the top, the water gardens and boulder gardens below lay out the whole ancient city in one view. It pairs naturally with a village walk, a spice garden or a Dambulla temple visit on the same day.
What we can do here
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the water gardens below
- See the Sigiriya frescoes on the rock face
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple nearby
- A traditional village walk or bullock-cart ride
- An evening safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla, in season
Packages that include Sigiriya
Island Sampler
Five days from the airport and back — an evening safari, Sigiriya at sunrise, tea country, and Galle Fort before you fly out.
Classic Ceylon
The one most people come for: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, the Temple of the Tooth, the hill-country train to Ella, a Yala safari, and Galle Fort at the end.
Wildlife, Culture & Adventure
Four safaris, the cultural triangle, tea country hikes and whales off Mirissa — a full loop from Negombo and back.
Island Circuit
A proper circle of the island from the airport and back — Wilpattu, the cultural triangle, tea country, Horton Plains, a Yala safari, Udawalawe's elephants and Galle Fort.
Sri Lanka in Depth
For travellers who hate rushing — two safaris, Ella's hikes and waterfalls, the cultural triangle, and real time in Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Jaffna.
Two Shores
Both monsoons, both coasts, and everything between — Jaffna, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay's surf, a Yala safari, Ella's waterfalls and the cultural triangle.