Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. The guided tour from Galle offers an immersive experience, taking visitors to the UNESCO-listed site’s iconic landmarks. From the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas to the grandeur of the Royal Palace, this 16-hour excursion promises an insightful glimpse into the country’s past. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour opens a window to a remarkable era, inviting visitors to uncover the secrets that have endured through the centuries.

Contents show

Key Points

A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City departing from Galle, priced at $200 for up to 3 participants.
The 16-hour tour includes a 4-hour guided visit to the site with select refreshments and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights of the tour include the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, Royal Palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Participants must adhere to a dress code and remove footwear and hats when visiting temples.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with health conditions, or those prone to motion sickness or insect allergies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a guided exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, departing from Galle.

A guided exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, departing from Galle.

Priced at $200 for a group of up to 3 participants, the 16-hour tour includes pickup, transport, a 4-hour guided visit to the UNESCO-listed site, and select refreshments.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and booking is available with no upfront payment.

The tour highlights Polonnaruwa’s rich heritage, including the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and the royal palace, with expert guides providing insights into Sri Lanka’s history.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Polonnaruwa might interest you

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup locations in Galle and Hikkaduwa, allowing participants to join the excursion conveniently.

The main stop is the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, where an expert guide provides a 4-hour guided tour. Highlights include the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the remarkable Royal Palace, and the expansive Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour includes bottled water, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and seasonal fruits, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for participants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Though the Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour includes several amenities, there are also several exclusions.

The tour includes bottled water, an English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, and seasonal fruits. It also includes a special guide at the ancient city.

However, the tour excludes food and drinks beyond what’s specified, gratuities, and entrance fees for the sites. Participants should come prepared with cash to cover these additional costs.

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Certain participants may not be suitable for the Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour due to physical limitations or health concerns.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart issues, or those who’ve recently undergone surgery. Travelers prone to motion sickness or with insect allergies should also avoid this excursion.

To ensure a comfortable experience, the tour operator recommends bringing a passport, comfortable clothing and shoes, a camera, rain gear, and cash.

Participants will need to remove footwear and hats when visiting temples and cover their shoulders and knees.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information and Regulations

Participants must adhere to the dress code when visiting temples, which requires removing footwear and hats, as well as covering shoulders and knees.

The tour duration may vary based on traffic conditions. Travelers must present a valid passport on the day of travel.

The tour is subject to weather conditions, and the operator will offer alternative dates if it’s canceled. Participants should contact the operator to verify the pickup time.

Additional charges may apply for different pickup or drop-off locations outside the city limits.

Want to see more of Polonnaruwa? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Explore the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa, the ancient city of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich history. Explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the impressive Gal Vihara, featuring four Buddha statues carved directly into granite rock. Discover the grandeur of the Royal Palace, with its intricate architecture and ornate details. Wander through the Parakrama Samudra, a massive artificial reservoir that showcases the engineering feats of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. With expert guides to provide insights, visitors can enjoy the timeless wonder of Polonnaruwa.

| Highlights | Details |

| — | — |

| Gal Vihara | Four Buddha statues carved into granite rock |

| Royal Palace | Impressive architecture and ornate details |

| Parakrama Samudra | Massive artificial reservoir, a feat of engineering |

| Expert Guides | Provide insights into the site’s rich history |

Discover the Majestic Gal Vihara Rock-cut Buddhas

The Gal Vihara, a remarkable ensemble of four colossal Buddha statues carved directly into a granite rock face, stands as a testament to the artistic mastery and spiritual devotion of ancient Sinhalese civilization.

The largest statue, known as the Samadhi Buddha, depicts the Buddha in a serene meditation pose. The other three statues showcase the Buddha in different postures – standing, seated, and reclining.

These exquisitely carved rock-cut Buddhas are considered masterpieces of Polonnaruwa’s golden era and have been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with their timeless elegance and profound spirituality.

Experience the Grandeur of the Royal Palace and Parakrama Samudra

After discovering the captivating Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Polonnaruwa’s Royal Palace and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir. The palace complex showcases the might and opulence of the ancient kingdom, with ornate stone carvings and impressive architecture. Nearby, the Parakrama Samudra reservoir covers an expansive area, serving as both a stunning natural feature and an engineering marvel of the era. Exploring these sites offers a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Polonnaruwa civilization.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Royal Palace | Ornate stone carvings and impressive architecture |

| Parakrama Samudra | Expansive reservoir, engineering marvel |

| Cultural Richness | Deeper appreciation for Polonnaruwa civilization |

| Natural Beauty | Stunning natural feature |

| Historical Significance | Insight into ancient kingdom’s might and opulence |

Common Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Galle?

Yes, the tour can be combined with other activities in Galle. Travelers can explore Galle Fort, the Dutch-colonial architecture, local markets, and beaches before or after the Polonnaruwa tour for a more comprehensive experience in the area.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule if I Need to Adjust It?

The tour schedule is fairly flexible. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the operator will work with them to arrange an alternative date if the tour is canceled due to weather conditions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back/heart issues, or recent surgeries. Participants should be able to walk and move comfortably during the tour.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of the Shared One?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of the shared one. The tour operator offers a private tour option, which provides a more personalized experience but may come at an additional cost.

What Is the Maximum Group Size Allowed for This Tour?

The maximum group size allowed for this tour is up to 3 participants. The pricing is based on a per-group basis, so a private tour can be requested instead of the shared one.

The Sum Up

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Galle offers an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s captivating past. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed site, marvel at the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and discover the grandeur of the Royal Palace and Parakrama Samudra. With convenient transportation, refreshments, and a respectful dress code, this 16-hour tour is a must-do for those seeking to uncover the rich heritage of Polonnaruwa.

You can check availability for your dates here: