2 Day Tour From Kandy: Sigiriya Polannaruwa and Anuradhapura

Exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures has never been easier. This 2-day tour from Kandy promises an unforgettable adventure, taking you through the iconic sites of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura. With a seamless pickup and guided visits, you’ll explore the country’s rich history and marvel at its ancient architectural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a immersive cultural experience, this tour offers a remarkable opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that lie beyond Kandy’s bustling streets.

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Key Points

The 2-day cultural tour covers the iconic sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, with hotel pickup/drop-off in Kandy and select meals included.
Highlights include climbing Sigiriya Rock, exploring the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, and visiting the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.
Accommodation options in Polonnaruwa range from 2-star to 5-star, allowing flexibility in budget and personal preferences.
The tour includes an English-speaking chauffeur, and guides in Sinhalese and Tamil are also available.
Entrance tickets to the sites and personal expenses are excluded, so travelers should budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour package offers a comprehensive 2-day exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, including visits to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

Explore Sri Lanka’s cultural gems on a 2-day tour, including iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient Polonnaruwa, and sacred Anuradhapura.

Priced from €229.87 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Kandy, overnight accommodation in Polonnaruwa, and select meals.

With a flexible cancellation policy and English, Sinhalese, and Tamil-speaking guides, the tour caters to a diverse audience.

Comfortable attire and sturdy shoes are recommended, as the itinerary involves some moderate physical activity, such as climbing Sigiriya’s 1,200 steps.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Kandy at 8:00 AM, setting the stage for a day of culture.

The first stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Visitors will climb around 1,200 steps to reach the ancient frescoes and ruins atop the towering rock.

After the Sigiriya excursion, the group will overnight in Polonnaruwa.

Day two begins with breakfast at the hotel before exploring the historic city of Polonnaruwa, including the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara Buddha statues.

The final stop is Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital.

Day 1: Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Your 2-day tour from Kandy kicks off with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, a remarkable rock fortress housing ancient murals and Buddha statues.

The 14th century temple complex features five caves filled with impressive religious artwork.

The 14th century Dambulla Cave Temple complex houses five caves filled with impressive religious murals and Buddha statues.

Next, you’ll climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace ruins atop a 200-meter-high granite peak.

Ascend the approximately 1,200 steps to explore the well-preserved frescoes and the remains of the palace.

After this exhilarating day, you’ll overnight in Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka.

Overnight Stay in Polonnaruwa

After an exhilarating day exploring Dambulla Cave Temple and climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you’ll arrive in Polonnaruwa for an overnight stay. Your accommodation in Polonnaruwa will provide the perfect respite before the next day’s adventure.

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The choice of hotel will depend on your budget and preferences. Enjoy a well-deserved rest before exploring the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa tomorrow.

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Day 2: Exploring Polonnaruwa

Guests will start their day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the exploration of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka.

They’ll visit the impressive Royal Palace, once home to Sri Lankan kings. Next, they’ll admire the Gal Vihara, a collection of four massive Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.

The Quadrangle, with its intricate carvings and architectural wonders, will captivate visitors.

After lunch, the tour moves to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital, to see the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the Ruwanwelisaya stupa.

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Visiting Anuradhapura

Next, the tour moves to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital. Visitors explore this historic site, home to many significant Buddhist monuments and archaeological wonders.

The tour includes:

The Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a sacred fig tree grown from a sapling of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
The Ruwanwelisaya stupa, an iconic white-domed structure and one of the tallest and most sacred stupas in Sri Lanka.
The Moonstone, an exquisitely carved semi-circular stone slab at the entrance to the Vijayrama Uposatha House.
The Audience Hall, featuring well-preserved stone carvings and ancient architectural elements.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kandy, overnight accommodation in Polonnaruwa, breakfast on the second day, and dinner on the first day. An English-speaking chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle are also provided. However, meals and drinks not specified, personal expenses, tips, entrance tickets, and other meal costs are excluded.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kandy | Meals and drinks not specified |

| Overnight accommodation in Polonnaruwa | Personal expenses, tips |

| Breakfast on the second day | Entrance tickets |

| Dinner on the first day | Other meal costs |

Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes due to the uneven surfaces encountered during the tour.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Visitors are advised to bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Respect should be shown when visiting cultural and religious sites.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

Children under 6
Pregnant women
Individuals with back or heart problems
Wheelchair users and those with motion sickness or visual impairments.

Restrictions include no pets, weapons, large luggage, smoking, alcohol, or food in the vehicle.

Common Questions

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Site Visit?

The itinerary allots around 2-3 hours for each major site visit, allowing ample time to explore Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura. The tour provides a well-paced schedule to maximize sightseeing during the 2-day journey.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour provider and request modifications to the schedule or sites visited within the 2-day timeframe.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this 2-day tour from Kandy is not explicitly stated. However, the tour is typically conducted in small groups to provide a more personalized and comfortable experience for travelers.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements That Can Be Accommodated?

The tour does not mention any specific dietary requirements that can be accommodated. However, guests should inform the tour provider of any dietary needs in advance, so they can try to make suitable arrangements.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Cultural Sites?

Modest and respectful attire is recommended when visiting cultural sites. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees, and remove shoes when entering temples. Wearing sun protection like hats and sunglasses is also advisable.

The Sum Up

This captivating 2-day tour from Kandy offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Visitors will explore iconic sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, discovering the country’s rich history and ancient wonders. With a scenic pickup, overnight stay, and guided visits, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s fascinating past.