Private Tour
Sigiriya Village Tour and Lunch with Hotel Pick up from Sigiriya
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This 3-hour private village tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka with all its authenticity. Spend time with the villagers and engage in many village activities that form everyday life; such as an oxen cart ride, a catamaran ride, and a walk through the fields. Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. You will finish off with an exceptionally delicious buffet lunch, served in classic Sri Lankan style. This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sigiriya Craft Village
You will be starting your Village Tour at 10:30 am. You will be provided with directions to the village, where you will be met by your tour guide at the time of starting. You will have a quick walk around the village while your guide tells you more about village life. You will begin the first of your activities at approximately 10:45 am. The oxen cart is commonly used as the primary mode of transport in Sri Lankan villages. You will have a 15-minute oxen cart ride, ending at the banks of an artificial reservoir. From this point, you will continue on to a 15-minute traditional catamaran ride. The area has many types of aquatic and plant life. You may be able to catch sight of an occasional crocodile or water monitor as you glide along. Another possible sighting are cormorants and other waterbirds. After you enjoy your time with nature, you will be deposited on a bank adjoining some paddy fields.
Sigiriya
These seasonal paddy cultivations, also called ‘Chena’ cultivations, are dependent on the two major monsoon rain periods that take the place of winter in Sri Lanka. The walk through the fields will allow you to see the paddy cultivation first-hand. You will then move back to the village and be introduced to a local, who will give you a half-hour cooking demonstration on traditional Sri Lankan cooking. The demonstration will also allow you to make your own attempt at cooking a Sri Lankan dish. You will be having lunch right after at 12:15 pm. Lunch will be a buffet of perfectly cooked rice with 6 traditionally cooked Sri Lankan curries and fresh fried fish. You will also have a green salad and crunchy papadum, practically an essential addition for meals in most Sri Lankan and Indian homes. You will be eating on woven trays with clean lotus leaves on top. Your food which will be cooked in the traditional way, in clay pots over wood fires.
What‘s Included
Oxen cart ride.
Traditional catamaran safari.
Authentic Sri Lankan village lunch.
Local guide.
Complimentary hotel pick up and drop off by Tuk Tuk from a hotel in Sigiriya.
Food and drinks, unless specified.
Gratuities.
Options
Sigiriya Village Tour and Lunch with Hotel Pick up from Sigiriya
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exploring the charm of Sigiriya village with our valued foreign guests
182pradeept,,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful journey with a foreign couple to Sigiriya. They enjoyed the scenic drive, local village views, and the amazing rock fortress. It was a pleasure to provide them safe, friendly, and comfortable travel
Authentic and engaging experience
X9127ZGsarar,,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It 'was a very pleasant experience, authentic and full of emotions. With the tuc tuc (which we preferred to the cart ride) we reached a beautiful lake where we took a nice boat ride sailing through mangroves and water lilies. Then we arrived at the village and with two very kind and polite local ladies we prepared together, inside a typical rural house, a delicious lunch exploring many spices, vegetables, coconut. We sliced vegetables, prepared seasonings, used coconut, sifted rice and prepared desserts. It was a truly authentic experience, where we all immersed ourselves in a fun and engaging atmosphere. In the end we enjoyed the prepared dishes together. Absolutely recommended also for children
Village Safari Sigiriya
DreamHolidaySL,,Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience for foriegners to get close to old Sri Lankan village life. Worth getting this experience to see how the traditional cooking take place.
A timeless moment
Mc A,,Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved riding a horse-drawn carriage as before and then canoeing on a body of water covered with purple flowers then in a traditional house where we attended a Sri Lankan cooking class that we then consumed and which was very good.
Village tour and food in Sigiria
GurudevR,,Dec 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taste of hospitality in a village tour in Sri Lanka. It is a wonderful and well crafted package tour of around 2 hours. We reached a spot where tickets are sold on the highway, first a jeep, then a bullock cart or a tractor trip in a rough terrain, twenty minutes boat ride and reaching a point where food is ready in a small hut. Lots of love and affection at every point and more so in the food service makes everything memorable. All at twenty dollars for members from SAARC nations. Recommended
Absolutely recommend!
114lisae,,Dec 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very fun tour! I loved the lunch portion with the women best. They showed me how to make some of their dishes and everything was delicious!
The Authentic Charm of Sigiriya Village
ScenicLanka,,Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a tour guide, I’ve had the privilege of guiding guests through many of Sri Lanka’s stunning destinations, but the Sigiriya Village tour always stands out as a truly enriching experience. This particular tour offers a unique opportunity to showcase the authentic Sri Lankan village lifestyle and the natural beauty that surrounds the historic Sigiriya region. From the very start, the peaceful walk through the rice paddies immediately captures the essence of rural life here. As a guide, it’s always rewarding to see guests’ faces light up when they take in the expansive green fields and hear the sounds of nature all around. It’s a tranquil contrast to the busier tourist areas, allowing everyone to slow down and truly absorb the environment. The highlight for many, and for me as well, is the traditional catamaran ride on Sigiriya Lake. Guiding guests through the serene waters with the breathtaking view of Sigiriya Rock in the distance is always a magical experience. It’s not just about the sights—it’s also the quiet moments when guests can immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the lake, away from the crowds. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Sigiriya Village tour is the interaction with the local community. As a guide, I love facilitating these connections. Taking guests into a local home, where they are greeted with warm hospitality, is an authentic cultural exchange. It’s heartwarming to see guests engage with the villagers, whether it's through cooking, sharing stories, or learning about traditional farming methods. The smiles and gratitude from both sides show how travel can truly bring people together. For me, this tour is about more than just sightseeing—it’s about offering guests a deeper understanding of the local way of life, something they might not get to experience on a standard tour. It’s also a reminder of the importance of preserving these cultural experiences for future generations. The Sigiriya Village tour continues to be one of my favorite experiences to guide, and it’s always a joy to see how much it resonates with the guests I host. If you’re looking for a meaningful tour in Sri Lanka, one that connects you with nature, culture, and the heart of local life, the Sigiriya Village tour is the perfect choice!
Sigiriya Village Tour
dasunpathmakumara,,Dec 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hiriwadunna Lake is a scenic reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors often enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake. The boat ride provides a serene and close-to-nature experience,
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Operated by Travceylon Leisure