Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, driven by people who live here.
Private tours and round trips from the Cultural Triangle, arranged by the family behind Perfect Hideout.
English & Sinhala speaking drivers·Private vehicle·All-island
5.0 on Google & Tripadvisor
Family-run for 5+ years
100% private tours
Local travel, driven by family.
Ceylon Travel by Perfect Hideout provides private driver-guided tours and round trips across Sri Lanka. Based in Dambulla, at the heart of the Cultural Triangle, our family operates these trips just 20 minutes from Sigiriya. We are not a call-centre agency; the same people who run Perfect Hideout guesthouse drive the tours, know the roads, and answer your messages. From half-day excursions to two-week island tours, we cover all areas of the country in modern, air-conditioned vehicles. To plan your trip, reach out to us directly on WhatsApp for a custom itinerary.
What we do
Services
Cultural Triangle day tours
Multi-day round tours
Wildlife safaris — with Hasthi Trails
Airport transfers (CMB ↔ anywhere)
Private car & van with driver
Custom itineraries
Explore
Tours & Packages
Full day · 8–9 hrs
Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple
The two UNESCO sites that made the Cultural Triangle famous, timed to miss the heat.
From $65per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Climb the 1,200 steps of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Explore the ancient frescoes and water gardens
- Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple complex
Itinerary
- 06:00: PickupWe start early to beat the crowds and heat at Sigiriya.
- 06:30: Sigiriya Rock FortressClimb the Lion Rock and explore the ancient palace ruins.
- 10:30: Dambulla Cave TempleVisit the Golden Temple and the 5 ancient caves.
- 14:00: ReturnDrop-off at your hotel in Dambulla or Sigiriya.
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Fuel & parking fees
Not included
- Entrance tickets (Sigiriya US$35, Dambulla LKR 2000)
- Meals and drinks
- Guide services inside the sites
Half day · 4 hrs
Pidurangala Sunrise Hike
The best view *of* Sigiriya, before the rock opens.
From $40per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Hike Pidurangala Rock in the pre-dawn dark
- Watch the sunrise over the jungle canopy
- Unobstructed panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock
Itinerary
- 04:30: PickupEarly departure for the pre-dawn hike.
- 05:00: Start HikeBegin the ascent up Pidurangala.
- 06:00: SunriseWatch the sunrise illuminating Sigiriya Rock.
- 08:00: ReturnBack to your hotel for breakfast.
Included
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Not included
- Pidurangala entrance ticket (approx LKR 1000)
- Meals
Half day · 4 hrs
Elephant Safari — Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu
We check water levels weekly and take you to whichever park the herds are actually in. Operated with Hasthi Trails.
On requestup to 6 guests, park fees included
View details
Highlights
- Private 4x4 safari jeep experience
- See wild elephants in their natural habitat
- Visit the park with the highest elephant concentration today
Itinerary
- 14:30: PickupAfternoon departure when elephants are most active.
- 15:00: Enter National ParkBegin the safari drive.
- 18:00: Sunset & ReturnLeave the park at sunset and return to hotel.
Included
- Private 4x4 Safari Jeep
- Experienced safari driver/tracker
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- National Park entrance fees
Full day · 7 hrs
Polonnaruwa Ancient City by Bicycle
A thousand-year-old capital, ridden rather than walked.
From $60per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Cycle through the ruins of the ancient kingdom
- See the massive Gal Vihara Buddha statues
- Visit the ancient Royal Palace complex
Itinerary
- 07:30: PickupMorning drive to Polonnaruwa.
- 09:00: Bicycle TourExplore the ancient city ruins by bicycle.
- 13:00: LunchStop for a local Sri Lankan lunch.
- 14:30: ReturnDrive back to Dambulla/Sigiriya.
Included
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Bicycle rental
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Not included
- Polonnaruwa entrance ticket (US$30)
- Meals
Half day · 4 hrs
Village Tour & Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Bullock cart, catamaran across the tank, then lunch cooked over firewood.
From $45per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Traditional bullock cart ride
- Catamaran boat ride on a village lake
- Hands-on traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration
Itinerary
- 10:00: PickupDrive to a traditional rural village.
- 10:30: Village TourBullock cart and catamaran rides.
- 11:30: Cooking ClassLearn to cook traditional curries over a wood fire.
- 13:00: LunchEnjoy the meal you helped prepare.
- 14:00: ReturnDrop-off at your hotel.
Included
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Village tour activities
- Lunch
Not included
- Additional drinks
Full day · 11 hrs
Kandy Day Trip
Temple of the Tooth, the botanical gardens at Peradeniya, and a spice garden on the way.
From $95per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Enjoy scenic views of Kandy Lake and the hill country
Itinerary
- 07:00: PickupEarly departure for the scenic drive to Kandy.
- 09:30: Spice GardenOptional stop to learn about local spices.
- 11:00: Temple of the ToothVisit the sacred Buddhist temple.
- 14:00: Botanical GardensAfternoon walk through Peradeniya.
- 16:00: ReturnDrive back to the Cultural Triangle.
Included
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Fuel & parking
Not included
- Entrance tickets (Temple US$10, Gardens US$10)
- Meals
Full day · 9 hrs
Anuradhapura Sacred City
Sri Lanka's first capital and the oldest planted tree on earth.
From $80per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree
- See massive ancient stupas like Ruwanwelisaya
- Explore the ruins of monasteries and palaces
Itinerary
- 07:30: PickupDrive to Anuradhapura.
- 09:00: Sacred City TourVisit the main stupas and the Bodhi tree.
- 13:30: LunchLocal lunch break.
- 15:00: ReturnDrive back to Dambulla/Sigiriya.
Included
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Not included
- Anuradhapura entrance ticket (US$30)
- Meals
5 days / 4 nights
Cultural Triangle Essentials
The ancient heart of Sri Lanka, explored at a steady pace without the rush.
From $480per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All major Cultural Triangle sites
- A private 4x4 elephant safari with Hasthi Trails
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival & DambullaPickup from CMB, transfer to Dambulla, visit Cave Temple.
- Day 2: Sigiriya & SafariMorning climb of Sigiriya Rock, afternoon Elephant Safari.
- Day 3: PolonnaruwaDay trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
- Day 4: AnuradhapuraDay trip to the sacred city of Anuradhapura.
- Day 5: DepartureTransfer back to Colombo Airport or your next destination.
Included
- Transport, driver and planning included
- Fuel, tolls & parking
- English-speaking driver
Not included
- Accommodation quoted separately to suit your budget
- Entrance tickets
- Meals
7 days / 6 nights
Classic Sri Lanka
The perfect balance of ancient history and the misty hill country.
From $690per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Explore the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle
- Experience the famous Kandy to Ella train ride
- Visit tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival to DambullaAirport pickup and transfer to the Cultural Triangle.
- Day 2: Sigiriya & Village TourClimb the Lion Rock and experience village life.
- Day 3: To KandyDrive to Kandy via a spice garden, visit the Temple of the Tooth.
- Day 4: To Nuwara EliyaScenic drive through tea country, visit a tea factory.
- Day 5: To Ella by TrainTake the famous blue train; driver meets you in Ella.
- Day 6: Ella ExplorationHike Little Adams Peak and see the Nine Arch Bridge.
- Day 7: DepartureTransfer to the airport or southern coast.
Included
- Transport, driver and planning included
- Fuel, tolls & parking
Not included
- Accommodation quoted separately to suit your budget
- Entrance tickets
- Train tickets
10 days / 9 nights
Island Highlights
Culture, hills, wildlife, and coast — the complete Sri Lankan experience.
From $990per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Comprehensive Cultural Triangle exploration
- Hill country scenery and tea estates
- Leopard safari in Yala and southern beaches
Itinerary
- Day 1: Cultural TriangleDays 1-3 exploring Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.
- Day 4: KandyDays 4-5 in the hill capital and Nuwara Eliya tea region.
- Day 6: EllaDays 6-7 exploring Ella and descending to the dry zone.
- Day 8: Yala SafariDay 8 wildlife safari in Yala National Park.
- Day 9: South CoastDay 9 relaxing on the beaches of Mirissa/Unawatuna.
- Day 10: Galle & DepartureDay 10 explore Galle Fort and transfer to CMB.
Included
- Transport, driver and planning included
- Fuel, tolls & parking
Not included
- Accommodation quoted separately to suit your budget
- Entrance tickets
- Safari jeep
14 days / 13 nights
Grand Ceylon
The full loop, north to south, at an unhurried pace.
From $1390per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Two full weeks to explore without rushing
- Includes northern or eastern highlights (customizable)
- Deep dive into local culture and landscapes
Itinerary
- Day 1: Custom ItineraryA fully personalized 14-day route across the island, designed around your interests.
Included
- Transport, driver and planning included
- Fuel, tolls & parking
Not included
- Accommodation quoted separately to suit your budget
- Entrance tickets
approx. 3.5 hours
Colombo Airport (CMB) ↔ Dambulla / Sigiriya
Direct private transfer to the Cultural Triangle.
From $55per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Meet and greet at arrivals
- Highway tolls included
- Air-conditioned comfort
Included
- Private vehicle
- Driver
- Highway tolls
Not included
- Additional stops
approx. 3 hours
Colombo Airport (CMB) ↔ Kandy
Direct private transfer to the hill capital.
From $50per vehicle, up to 3 guests
View details
Highlights
- Meet and greet at arrivals
- Scenic route options
- Air-conditioned comfort
Included
- Private vehicle
- Driver
Not included
- Additional stops
Variable
Any point-to-point, all island
Custom private transfers anywhere in Sri Lanka.
On requestquoted by route and distance
View details
Highlights
- Reliable drivers
- Comfortable vehicles
- Safe driving
Included
- Private vehicle
- Driver
Places
Destinations
Sigiriya
The ancient rock fortress in the sky.
Dambulla
The Golden Temple and painted caves.
Kandy
The sacred hill capital.
Ella
Mist, tea, and iconic train rides.
Yala
Leopards and wild coastlines.
Galle
Colonial forts and southern shores.
Our Promise
Why travel with us
01
We drive you ourselves.
Licensed, English- and Sinhala-speaking, all island.
02
Private, always.
No shared coaches, no strangers, no fixed departure times.
03
We live here.
Based in Dambulla, a 20-minute drive from Sigiriya — we know which park has elephants this week.
04
One person, start to finish.
The same WhatsApp number before, during and after your trip.
Process
How it works
Message us on WhatsApp
Usually within an hour. [CONFIRM]
We shape the itinerary around you
Completely flexible.
We pick you up and drive
Relax and enjoy Sri Lanka.
Guestbook
Reviews
"We spent a wonderful week with Indunil, who helped us discover Sri Lanka in such an authentic and memorable way. He took us to Pidurangala at sunrise, showed us some beautiful hidden spots for photos, and accompanied us to Sigiriya Lion Rock."
"Fantastic guide! We traveled with Indunil both to Sigiriya and to Kandy, and he helped us discover little gems of Sri Lanka that we surely would have missed without his help."
"Wonderful experience at Ceylon Travel. Driver is highly experienced and can help you make the best of your time in the area. We felt super comfortable using their services. Super friendly, effective, professional and safe."
Common Questions
FAQ
We believe in straightforward answers and transparent pricing. If you can't find your question here, just send us a message.
Where is Ceylon Travel based?
We are based in Dambulla, in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. We operate out of Perfect Hideout, our family guesthouse, which means we are only 20 minutes from Sigiriya and perfectly positioned for early morning starts.
How do I book a tour?
You can book directly by messaging us on WhatsApp. We don't use automated booking systems because every trip is private and often customised. We usually respond within an hour to confirm availability and finalize details.
How much is a Sigiriya day tour from Dambulla?
A private Sigiriya day tour from Dambulla starts at $65 per vehicle for up to 3 guests, excluding the Sigiriya entrance ticket (US$35 for non-SAARC adults). It runs 8–9 hours and includes Dambulla Cave Temple.
Are entrance tickets included in your prices?
For most tours, no — we keep our transport pricing transparent and let you pay the exact ticket price at the gate, rather than marking it up. The one exception is the elephant safari, where the National Park entrance fees are included in the quote we send you.
Do you offer airport transfers from Colombo (CMB)?
Yes, we offer direct private transfers from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, or anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Our drivers will meet you at arrivals, regardless of your flight time.
What vehicles do you use, and how many people fit?
We use modern, air-conditioned cars for 1–3 guests, and comfortable passenger vans for groups of 4–8. For larger groups, we can arrange mini-coaches on request.
What languages do your drivers speak?
All our drivers speak English and Sinhala fluently. They are experienced locals who can answer your questions, explain the sights, and help you navigate the culture.
Can you customise an itinerary?
Absolutely. Every tour we run is private, which means the itinerary can be shaped entirely around you. Message us your interests and we'll craft a custom route.
Is accommodation included in round tours?
No, our round tour prices cover transport, driver, and planning. Accommodation is quoted separately to suit your specific budget, or you are welcome to book your own hotels and we'll simply provide the transport.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle?
The Cultural Triangle is a year-round destination, but the driest months are from January to September. The inter-monsoonal rains typically occur in October and November.
How far is Sigiriya from Dambulla?
Sigiriya is about 17 kilometres (11 miles) from Dambulla, which takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car. This makes Dambulla an excellent, more affordable base for exploring the rock fortress.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, almost all nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply for this online before your trip through the official government portal.