What’s the best way to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya for a day trip?

Yes, it’s possible, but it’ll be a long day. You’ll spend about 5–6 hours on the road in total. If you only want to see Sigiriya, go for it. But if you’re hoping to also explore Dambulla or Polonnaruwa, it might feel rushed. If you can, I’d recommend staying overnight in Sigiriya or Habarana – the sunrise view from Pidurangala Rock is magical and worth the extra night!

Hi! Another option is joining a small group tour. Lots of travel agencies in Kandy organize day trips to Sigiriya + Dambulla together. Prices vary, but around USD 40–60 per person including transport, entrance tickets, and sometimes even lunch. I did this and met a few cool people along the way – it’s less hassle and you don’t have to worry about logistics.

Hey fellow traveller, yes it’s definitely doable on a budget! I took a bus from Kandy to Dambulla (around 2 hours, super cheap – like 250 LKR). From Dambulla, I grabbed a tuk-tuk to Sigiriya (about 20–25 minutes). The only catch is the buses don’t run super late at night, so you need to plan your return trip early. But if you don’t mind the adventure, it’s a fun and cheap way to do it.

Hey! I did this last month. The easiest way is to hire a car with a driver for the day. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive one way, so starting early helps (around 6:00 AM is perfect). A private car costs around 12,000–15,000 LKR for the day, but it’s comfortable and you’ll have flexibility to stop at places like Dambulla Cave Temple along the way. Totally worth it if you’re short on time.