Colombo: Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya Guided Day Tour With Lunch

Exploring the ancient kingdoms of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya is a must-do on any Sri Lankan itinerary. This guided day tour from Colombo promises an immersive experience, unveiling the country’s rich cultural heritage. From marveling at the UNESCO-listed ruins to conquering the iconic rock fortress, this adventure offers a comprehensive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s storied past. Complemented by a delectable local lunch, the tour provides a seamless and enlightening journey for those seeking to uncover the wonders of this enchanting island nation.

Contents show

Key Points

This guided day tour from Colombo takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.
The tour includes a 3-hour guided exploration of the ancient ruins and architecture in Polonnaruwa.
Visitors will experience a 2-hour guided tour of the Sigiriya rock fortress, including its frescoes and gardens.
A delicious Sri Lankan lunch featuring local dishes is included in the tour package.
The tour offers pickup from Colombo or Negombo with drop-off at the same locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided day tour from Colombo to Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya offers travelers a comprehensive experience, exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Priced from $200 per person, the tour lasts 15 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can conveniently book now and pay later.

The tour is priced from $200 per person, lasts 15 hours, and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can book now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights guided tours of the ancient ruins and architecture in Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. A delicious Sri Lankan lunch and refreshing seasonal fruits are provided.

The tour features multilingual guides and includes all necessary tickets, transfers, and tips.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Colombo

Itinerary Highlights

Travelers on this guided day tour will have the opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. During the tour, they’ll explore the ancient ruins and architecture of Polonnaruwa with a 3-hour guided tour. Then, they’ll journey to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, where a 2-hour guided tour will reveal the site’s frescoes and gardens. The tour includes pickup from Colombo or Negombo and drop-off back at the same locations.

| Site | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Polonnaruwa | 3 hours | Guided tour of ancient ruins and architecture |

| Sigiriya | 2 hours | Guided tour, climb to rock fortress, frescoes, gardens |

Polonnaruwa Exploration

As part of the guided tour, visitors explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

They’ll discover the well-preserved ruins and architecture that reflect the grandeur of this former capital. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to wander through the site’s key landmarks.

Visitors can admire the Gal Vihara, a series of Buddha statues carved into granite, and the Lankatilaka, an impressive Buddhist temple.

Visitors can marvel at the Gal Vihara’s granite Buddha statues and the grand Lankatilaka Buddhist temple.

The tour also covers the Royal Palace complex, the Audience Hall, and other archaeological wonders that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Towering over the lush landscapes of central Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a remarkable testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the ancient capital and a palace of King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD. Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the rock fortress, exploring its unique architecture, elaborate gardens, and the famous frescoes adorning the walls. Climbing to the top of Sigiriya offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

| Features | Details |

| — | — |

| Duration | 2 hours |

| Difficulty | Moderate (430 steps to reach the summit) |

| Highlights | Frescoes, Mirror Wall, Lion’s Paw Entrance, Royal Gardens |

| Entrance Fee | Included in tour package |

More Great Tours Nearby

Culinary Experience

During the guided tour, visitors can enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan lunch that introduces them to the rich and flavorful culinary traditions of the island nation.

The meal features an assortment of authentically prepared local dishes, including aromatic curries, fragrant rice, and an array of vibrant vegetable sides.

Fresh seasonal fruit is also provided as a refreshing snack throughout the day.

This culinary experience allows travelers to enjoy Sri Lanka’s vibrant food culture and savor the diverse flavors that make the country’s cuisine so distinctive and delectable.

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

Tour Features

The guided tour boasts a live, multilingual guide fluent in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, and Tamil, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all participants.

Admission tickets, guide service, lunch, a bottle of water, and tips are all included in the tour package.

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are recommended to fully enjoy the outdoor exploration of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.

Important Notes

Although the itinerary is subject to change, the tour provides a unique opportunity to admire the art and architecture of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms. A short climb is involved to reach the top of Sigiriya rock, so comfortable shoes are recommended. As this is an active tour, participants should also bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to ensure their comfort.

| Important Reminders |

| — | — |

| Itinerary Subject to Change | Short Climb to Sigiriya Rock |

| Comfortable Shoes Recommended | Sunglasses, Sun Hat, Sunscreen Advised |

Explore Ancient Sri Lankan Kingdoms

This guided day tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, enjoying the captivating history and architecture of these once-thriving civilizations.

At Polonnaruwa, you’ll embark on a guided tour, uncovering the impressive ruins and marveling at the ancient engineering feats.

The journey then continues to Sigiriya, where you’ll climb the iconic rock fortress and witness the stunning frescoes and serene gardens that have endured for centuries.

This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour provider recommends enjoying the included Sri Lankan lunch and seasonal fruit snacks as part of the culinary experience.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

Yes, travelers will need a valid visa to participate in this tour. Sri Lanka requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa prior to entry. Visitors should check the visa requirements for their specific nationality before booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There isn’t an option to extend the tour duration listed in the overview. However, customers can inquire about any customization or extension options when booking the tour, as the operator may offer more flexible arrangements upon request.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour providers offer private tour options that allow for a more personalized experience and customized itinerary. Private tours may come at an additional cost but provide more flexibility and exclusivity.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour welcomes travelers of all ages, though a short climb is involved to reach the top of Sigiriya rock. Families and solo travelers alike can enjoy this cultural experience.

The Sum Up

This guided day tour from Colombo to Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya allows visitors to explore Sri Lanka’s captivating history. Explore ancient ruins, ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and savor authentic local cuisine. With expert guides, necessary tickets, and seamless logistics, this 15-hour adventure offers a comprehensive culture, showcasing the country’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites.