Day Trip to the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa From Colombo

Enjoy the captivating history of Sri Lanka with a day trip to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa. Nestled just three hours from the bustling city of Colombo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites visitors to uncover the remnants of a bygone era. From the impressive Lankatilaka Gedige to the serene Topa Wewa Lake, each step through this archaeological wonderland offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. With knowledgeable guides to lead the way, the journey promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to explore more of Sri Lanka’s incredible past. What secrets will you uncover within the ancient walls of Polonnaruwa?

Good To Know

• Enjoy a 12-hour day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, including a guided tour and round-trip transportation from Colombo.
• Explore the highlights of Polonnaruwa, such as Lankatilaka Gedige, Gal Vihara, Thuparama, and Topa Wewa Lake, with a knowledgeable local guide.
• Relax during the scenic 3-hour car journey each way, with bottled water provided for refreshment.
• Dress modestly and adhere to visitor guidelines to ensure a smooth experience at the ancient Buddhist sites.
• This tour is priced at $111 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa offers travelers an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced at $111 per person and lasting 12 hours, the tour includes a round-trip car ride from Colombo and a guided exploration of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Reserve.

Highlights include visits to iconic Buddhist temples, such as Lankatilaka Gedige and Gal Vihara, as well as heritage sites like Thuparama and Topa Wewa Lake.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip provides excellent value for money and the opportunity to discover the architectural wonders of this former capital city.

Itinerary Details

The journey to Polonnaruwa begins with a 3-hour car ride from Colombo, offering travelers a chance to admire the verdant Sri Lankan countryside along the way. Upon arrival, the guided tour of the ancient city commences, lasting approximately 3.5 hours. Visitors will explore a range of captivating Buddhist temples, including the impressive Lankatilaka Gedige, the serene Gal Vihara, and the towering Demala Maha Seya. Plus, the tour takes guests to the historic Thuparama and the picturesque Topa Wewa Lake, also known as the Sea of Parakrama. The day concludes with a 1.5-hour drive back to Colombo, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Transportation	Duration
Car ride to Polonnaruwa	3 hours
Car ride back to Colombo	1.5 hours
Total travel time	4.5 hours

Activities	Duration
Guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City	3.5 hours
Visits to Buddhist temples	Included in the tour
Exploration of heritage sites	Included in the tour

Transportation and Activities

Getting to Polonnaruwa from Colombo is a straightforward journey by car, taking around 3 hours each way.

The drive offers a scenic glimpse of Sri Lanka’s countryside, with rolling hills and lush greenery.

Upon arrival, visitors embark on a guided tour of the ancient city, exploring its well-preserved ruins and historic sites:

• The magnificent Lankatilaka Gedige, a striking example of ancient Buddhist architecture.
• The awe-inspiring Gal Vihara, featuring four colossal Buddha statues carved out of a single rock.
• The serene Topa Wewa Lake, also known as the "Sea of Parakrama," a testament to the engineering prowess of the past.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and discover the rich cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa.

Included Services

The tour includes a range of services that enhance the overall experience. Guests are provided with pickup and drop-off from their accommodation, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

An English-speaking driver ensures smooth transportation, while bottled water keeps travelers refreshed. Entrance fees to the ancient sites are covered, allowing for uninterrupted exploration.

A knowledgeable local guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and history to enrich the visit to Polonnaruwa.

While food and gratuities aren’t included, the core experiences of the day trip are comprehensively taken care of, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the remarkable ancient city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Considerations

Certain important considerations must be kept in mind when embarking on this day trip to Polonnaruwa. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the moderate amount of walking involved.

Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as well as dress appropriately by removing footwear and covering shoulders and knees when visiting the Buddhist temples.

Smoking and large bags are prohibited. Travelers must also bring a valid passport, as this is required.

While this trip is generally safe, it isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions.

• Not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users
• Appropriate attire required, including removal of footwear and covering shoulders and knees
• Valid passport required, and smoking and large bags are prohibited

Visitor Restrictions

This tour’s visitor restrictions are clear and straightforward. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the moderate walking involved. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Smoking and bringing large bags are prohibited. When visiting the temples, visitors must remove their footwear and hat, and cover their shoulders and knees.

Restriction	Details
Medical Conditions	Not recommended for those with serious medical conditions
Mobility	Moderate walking involved; not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users
Attire	Remove footwear and hat, cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
Prohibited Items	No smoking, no large bags

Adherence to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during the day trip to Polonnaruwa.

Packing and Dress Code

For the day trip to Polonnaruwa, visitors should pack comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

When visiting the Buddhist temples, it’s important to dress modestly and remove your shoes. The dress code requires covering shoulders and knees.

Bring the following essentials:

• Sunhat or visor to protect against the tropical sun
• Sunglasses to reduce glare
• Small backpack or daypack to carry personal items

These precautions will ensure you can explore the ancient ruins and temples comfortably and respectfully during your Polonnaruwa adventure.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly raved about their day trip to Polonnaruwa, with the overall experience earning a stellar 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews.

The transportation and value for money were particularly lauded, both receiving perfect 5/5 scores. Guests praised the knowledgeable and engaging local guide, as well as the quality of the food served throughout the day.

One reviewer enthused, "Luxurious solo tour with informative guide. Magnificent sites in Polonnaruwa. Highly recommend!"

With stunning ancient temples, tranquil lakes, and an immersive cultural experience, this day trip to Polonnaruwa from Colombo consistently delights visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The included services cover bottled water, but any other food or beverages not mentioned must be purchased separately.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private tour. Travelers can arrange a personalized excursion with their own vehicle, driver, and guide to explore Polonnaruwa at their own pace without a group.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Day Trip?

The maximum group size for this day trip is not specified in the information provided. However, it’s likely a small group tour, as the trip includes personalized services like an English-speaking driver and local guide.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Trip?

No, travel insurance is not required for this day trip. However, it’s generally recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected events, illnesses, or cancellations, especially for longer or more complex trips.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers an option to extend the duration of the Polonnaruwa day trip. Travelers can add extra time to explore the ancient city’s lesser-known sites or spend more time at the key attractions.

The Sum Up

A day trip to Polonnaruwa from Colombo offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s ancient history. Explore iconic sites like Lankatilaka Gedige and Gal Vihara, gaining insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage. With round-trip transportation, knowledgeable guides, and all entrance fees included, this immersive journey is a must for history enthusiasts seeking to uncover the beauty and significance of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruins.

You can check availability for your dates here: