Personalized Day Tour ; Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa From Kandy

Exploring the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa from Kandy is a captivating cultural experience. This personalized day tour offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history, led by knowledgeable guides. Travelers can trek to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, uncover the remnants of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and savor a traditional lunch with locals. With transportation, entrance fees, and other logistics covered, this tour promises a seamless and memorable adventure. But what truly sets it apart is the opportunity to customize the experience to suit individual interests and preferences.

Contents show

Key Points

Personalized day tour from Kandy to the ancient sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa, with a guided visit and exploration of these historical wonders.
Priced at $75 per person for a 12-hour tour, including transportation, entrance fees, traditional local lunch, and a village experience.
Comprehensive itinerary with departure at 7:00 a.m. from Kandy, a 2-hour walk to the top of Sigiriya, and exploration of Polonnaruwa with breaks and photo stops.
Private, air-conditioned vehicle transportation with pickup and drop-off at Kandy Bus Stand and Kandy City Centre.
Restrictions and recommendations for participants, such as not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with specific health conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This personalized day tour from Kandy offers a comprehensive exploration of the UNESCO-listed sites of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

Priced from $75 per person, the 12-hour tour includes a guided visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a detailed tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a traditional local lunch, and a village experience at Polonnaruwa, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive Sri Lankan adventure.

Looking for more options in Sigiriya? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a 7:00 a.m. departure from the Kandy Hotel, embarking on the journey to the ancient rock fortifications of Sigiriya.

Visitors will enjoy a guided tour, sightseeing, and a 2-hour walk to the top.

After Sigiriya, they’ll explore Polonnaruwa, with a break, photo stop, visit, lunch, guided tour, and free time to take in the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and the sacred Shiva Devale.

The tour concludes with a return to Kandy Hotel by 8:00 p.m., offering a comprehensive experience of Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural highlights.

Transportation and Logistics

Pickup locations for the tour include the Kandy Bus Stand and Kandy City Centre, while drop-off locations are the same.

Travelers will ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle during the 12-hour excursion. It’s a 110-minute drive to Sigiriya and 1.5 hours to Polonnaruwa.

The tour provides a village experience at Polonnaruwa in addition to the scheduled sightseeing. Bottled water is included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for certain participants, such as children under 8, pregnant women, and those with specific health conditions.

Appropriate attire and personal items are recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes a traditional lunch with locals, allowing visitors to enjoy the Polonnaruwa village experience.

Plus, the tour provides:

Bottled water to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Entrance tickets to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Museum, and Polonnaruwa Vatadage, ensuring hassle-free access to these historic sites.
Tips and gratuities, so guests can focus on enjoying the tour without worrying about additional costs.

These inclusions aim to provide a seamless and immersive experience for your, allowing them to fully appreciate the cultural and historical wonders of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

More Great Tours Nearby

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Although the tour is suitable for most participants, there are some restrictions and recommendations to consider.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals with vertigo, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or motion sickness. Those over 70 or with hearing impairments should also exercise caution.

Participants are advised to bring a passport or ID, hat, camera, comfortable clothing, long pants, hair tie, binoculars, headscarf, and hand sanitizer.

Shorts, smoking, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, drugs, feeding animals, and nudity aren’t allowed during the tour.

There's plenty more to explore in Sigiriya

Exploring Sigiriya: The Ancient Rock Fortress

Towering 200 meters above the surrounding plains, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of Sri Lanka’s past rulers.

Visitors embark on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring:

The terraced gardens, where lavish fountains and pools were engineered centuries ago.
The Mirror Wall, adorned with ancient graffiti and intricate frescoes depicting heavenly maidens.
The iconic lion-shaped gateway, a striking architectural feature that guards the final ascent to the palace ruins atop the rock.

The Sigiriya experience offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural legacy.

Discovering the Wonders of Polonnaruwa

After visiting the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the tour continues to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Sri Lanka’s captivating medieval legacy.

The group will explore the well-preserved Royal Palace, Gal Vihara’s impressive Buddha statues, and the sacred Shiva Devale. A break allows for photo opportunities and a traditional local lunch.

The guided tour provides insights into Polonnaruwa’s history and architecture. Afterward, guests will have free time to further discover the site’s wonders before returning to Kandy.

This comprehensive experience offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Preparing for Your Personalized Day Tour

To make the most of your personalized day tour to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, it’s essential to prepare accordingly.

Preparing accordingly is key to making the most of a personalized day tour to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

First, review the recommended items to bring, which include:

Comfortable, modest clothing like long pants and a hair tie.
Necessary personal items such as a passport, camera, and hand sanitizer.
Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.

Familiarize yourself with the participant restrictions to ensure a smooth experience.

Finally, be ready to learn about the cultural village and ancient sites, embracing the adventure with an open and curious mindset.

Common Questions

Can I Visit Additional Sites During the Tour?

Yes, you can visit additional sites during the tour, though this may incur extra costs and impact the itinerary. It’s best to discuss any desired changes with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure a seamless experience.

What if I Have Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour operator can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals. Guests should inform the operator of their needs in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made for the included lunch.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule?

The tour schedule is flexible, allowing for adjustments. Guests can discuss any special needs or requests with the tour operator, who’ll accommodate them to the extent possible. The itinerary can be adapted to suit individual preferences.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit for the Hike?

The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, as it involves a 2-hour hike up Sigiriya Rock. However, the pace can be adjusted, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.

Can I Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?

While the tour is designed as a single-day experience, travelers can extend their stay and explore the sites over multiple days. This would allow for a more leisurely pace and additional sightseeing opportunities.

The Sum Up

This personalized day tour from Kandy to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture. At just $75 per person, it provides a comfortable and immersive experience, with a guided trek, local lunch, and all transportation and entrance fees covered. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites.