Set out on a captivating journey from Kandy to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you’ll explore remarkable historical sites like the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and the Royal Palace. This enriching tour includes a delightful farmers’ lunch, allowing you to savor local flavors. With an experienced guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll gain insight into Sri Lanka’s medieval history while enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way. What secrets does Polonnaruwa hold, waiting to be uncovered?
Key Points

- Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, including the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
- Tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kandy or Matale, and a guided tour of the historical site for approximately 4 hours.
- Experience the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval past through the architectural and engineering marvels of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
- Enjoy a traditional farmers’ lunch as part of the tour, providing an authentic local culinary experience.
- Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned, shared vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver.
Tour Details

This tour to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Kandy lasts approximately 12 hours.
Priced from $120 per group (up to 3 participants), it includes pickup and drop-off from Kandy or Matale.
The guided tour at the ancient city takes around 4 hours, covering key sights like the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, discovering the Gal Vihara Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir on a 4-hour guided tour.
Transportation is by air-conditioned, shared vehicle.
The tour provides bottled water, a professional English-speaking driver, and seasonal fruits.
Entrance fees and gratuities are excluded.
Guests should wear appropriate attire and bring a valid passport, camera, and cash.
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Ancient Polonnaruwa City

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, succeeding the kingdom of Anuradhapura.
Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved ruins showcase the might of the Polonnaruwa kingdom, which reigned from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Visitors can explore:
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The Gal Vihara, a series of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.
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The Rankoth Vehera, an impressive stupa standing over 50 meters tall.
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The Royal Palace complex, including the Audience Hall and the Bathing Pool.
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The Parakrama Samudra, an extensive man-made reservoir spanning over 2,500 hectares.
Exploring Polonnaruwa transports visitors back to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval past.
Highlights of the Tour

Visitors traversing the ancient city of Polonnaruwa can expect to be immersed in the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval past.
The guided tour takes travelers to the iconic Gal Vihara, where they’ll marvel at the serene rock-cut Buddha statues.
Exploring the sprawling royal palace complex and the massive Parakrama Samudra reservoir offers insights into the architectural and engineering prowess of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy refreshing bottled water and seasonal fruits while their knowledgeable guide provides historical context.
The experience promises an enriching journey through one of Sri Lanka’s most significant archaeological sites.
Transportation and Pickup

For this tour, travelers are picked up from their accommodations in Kandy or Matale, where they board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
The shared tour ensures a hassle-free transportation experience:
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Pickup from hotel or residence in Kandy or Matale.
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Direct transport to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
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Sightseeing and exploration of the historical site.
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Return drop-off at the original pickup locations.
The air-conditioning and professional driver provide a relaxing journey, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included

Although the tour price may seem high, the package includes a variety of valuable services and amenities.
Travelers will receive bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day. An English-speaking professional driver will provide transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and handle pickup and drop-off at the hotels. Seasonal fruits are also included, subject to availability.
Perhaps most importantly, the tour features a special guide at the ancient city itself, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.
A special guide at the ancient city ensures an informative and engaging experience for travelers.
While food, drinks, and entrance fees aren’t included, the overall offerings represent excellent value for the price.
Important Considerations

When planning a visit to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, there are a few important considerations travelers should keep in mind.
First, appropriate attire is essential – visitors must remove their footwear and cover their shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Second, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with heart problems, mobility issues, or recent surgeries.
Third, large or oversized luggage, outside food/drinks, and alcohol are prohibited in the vehicle.
Finally, travelers should bring a valid passport, hat, camera, cash, a charged smartphone, and closed-toe shoes.
Adherence to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and meaningful experience.
Traveler Feedback

What do travelers have to say about their experiences with this Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour? Based on the 5-star reviews, visitors are highly satisfied.
They praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the historic site to life. Travelers also enjoy the homemade lunch at Priyamali Gedara, which offers scenic views.
The tour seems accommodating for those with special needs. The experience earns glowing feedback, with reviewers highlighting the friendly drivers and the opportunity to explore the impressive ancient ruins.
This tour appears to provide an engaging and memorable introduction to the wonders of Polonnaruwa.
How to Book

How can travelers book this Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour?
The tour is available for booking directly on the tour provider’s website. Travelers can check availability, select their desired date, and complete the booking process online.
Alternatively, they can reach out to the tour operator via phone or email to inquire about booking options and secure their spot.
Travelers can also reach out to the tour operator directly by phone or email to inquire about booking options and secure their spot.
The tour offers a pay later option, allowing travelers to reserve their tour and pay closer to the departure date.
To book, travelers need to provide the following information:
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Number of participants
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Pickup location
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Date and time preference
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Any special requests or requirements
Common Questions

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Include Additional Attractions?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to include additional attractions. The tour provider is generally accommodating and welcomes customized requests from travelers, as long as it fits within the overall tour duration and budget.
Yes, there is an option for a private tour instead of a shared one. Customers can request a private tour, which provides a more personalized experience and allows for more flexibility in the itinerary.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration to Explore the Site in More Depth?
Yes, travelers can extend the tour duration to explore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City in more depth. The tour provider offers flexible options to customize the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and time availability.
Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Larger Group?
Yes, there is a discount for booking the tour as a larger group. The base price of $120.00 is for a group of up to 3 participants, with additional participants charged at a lower per-person rate.
What Is the Process for Requesting a Vegetarian or Halal Meal?
To request a vegetarian or halal meal, simply notify the tour operator when booking. They’ll be happy to accommodate dietary preferences and provide an appropriate lunch option at the Priyamali Gedara restaurant during the tour.
The Sum Up
This enriching tour from Kandy to Polonnaruwa provides an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can explore remarkable historical sites, savor local flavors at a farmers’ lunch, and gain insights into Sri Lanka’s medieval history. With comfortable transportation and an experienced guide, it’s an exceptional opportunity to discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the picturesque landscapes along the way.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Polonnaruwa
More City Tours in Polonnaruwa
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Galle
- Private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Colombo
- From Kandy : Polannaruwa Ancient City With Farmers Lunch
- Exclusive : Polonnaruwa Ancient City Exploration by Tuk-Tuk!
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour With Minneriya Elephant Safari
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Private Day Tour (Hidden Gems)
More Tour Reviews in Polonnaruwa
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Galle
- Private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Colombo
- From Kandy : Polannaruwa Ancient City With Farmers Lunch
- Exclusive : Polonnaruwa Ancient City Exploration by Tuk-Tuk!
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour With Minneriya Elephant Safari
- Polonnaruwa: Private Guided Cycling Tour
