Fom Dambulla: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Uncover the captivating wonders of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage on this extraordinary journey from Dambulla. Venture into the UNESCO-protected Polonnaruwa, where the well-preserved ruins and architectural marvels, like the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya, will leave you in awe. Then, challenge yourself to the 1,200-step climb up the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where breathtaking views and ancient engineering feats await. This immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and unveil the ingenious irrigation systems that once sustained these ancient civilizations. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty and historical significance of this remarkable tour.

Good To Know

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, featuring well-preserved 12th-century ruins and architectural marvels like the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
• Climb the 660-foot Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century engineering marvel with a challenging 1,200-step ascent to reach the ancient palace ruins at the summit.
• Marvel at the impressive lion carving and advanced water gardens at Sigiriya, showcasing the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization.
• Enjoy complimentary transportation, refreshments, and admission fees as part of the full-day tour priced from $140 per person.
• Experience the tour’s convenient pickup from hotels in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama, with a hassle-free return to the same locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical sites – the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the awe-inspiring Polonnaruwa Ancient City.

Priced from $140 per person, this 8-hour journey includes free cancellation, a reserve now & pay later option, and complimentary transportation, refreshments, and admission fees.

Travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama and embark on a guided tour of Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins, including the Royal Palace and iconic landmarks.

The highlight is scaling the 1,200 steps to the top of Sigiriya Rock, marveling at the lion carving and impressive irrigation systems.

This tour is an immersive experience that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from hotels in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich history. Visitors will discover the awe-inspiring Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a 12th-century World Heritage Site, where they’ll embark on a guided tour of its key landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and the impressive Parakramabahu Statue. The highlight of the day is the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century marvel standing at an impressive 660 feet tall. Guests will have the opportunity to climb 1200 steps to the ancient palace ruins and marvel at the lion carving and innovative irrigation systems that have stood the test of time.

Landmark	Description
Polonnaruwa Ancient City	12th-century World Heritage Site
Royal Palace	Impressive royal complex
Gal Viharaya	Massive Buddha statues carved from rock
Parakramabahu Statue	Towering statue of a renowned king
Sigiriya Rock Fortress	5th-century marvel, 660 feet tall

Transportation and Inclusions

A luxury private air-conditioned vehicle transports guests throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

All entrance fees to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa Ancient City are included, allowing visitors to explore these remarkable sites without additional costs.

An English or German-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insightful commentary and historical context during the sightseeing activities.

Fuel surcharges, driver charges, and parking fees are also covered, leaving guests free to focus on the journey.

Complimentary refreshments and water are provided, further enhancing the overall convenience and enjoyment of the tour.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

From the major hubs of Kandalama, Sigiriya, Habarana, and Dambulla, guests are conveniently picked up for the tour.

The tour offers a hassle-free experience, with air-conditioned private vehicles transporting travelers to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.

After an immersive journey through these remarkable sites, the tour concludes with drop-off at the same convenient locations.

Whether you’re staying in Kandalama, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Dambulla, this comprehensive tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

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Essential Information

Preparing for the tour is simple. Guests should bring a charged smartphone and their passport or ID card. This ensures they can capture memories and have identification on hand throughout the day.

While lunch at a local restaurant and gratuities aren’t included in the package, travelers can look forward to complimentary refreshments and water provided during the tour.

Though the itinerary is subject to change, the highlights are guaranteed to impress, from climbing the 1,200 steps to the ancient palace ruins atop Sigiriya Rock to marveling at the innovative irrigation systems.

With an English or German-speaking guide, luxury transportation, and all taxes covered, this tour offers a seamless experience to explore these UNESCO World Heritage wonders.

Explore Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports visitors back in time to the golden era of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

This historic site offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, with its well-preserved ruins and impressive monuments.

Visitors can marvel at the:

1. Majestic Royal Palace, once the administrative center of the kingdom.
2. Gal Vihara, a series of Buddha statues carved into granite cliffs.
3. Elegant Lankathilaka and Thuparama stupas, showcasing the architectural prowess of the era.
4. Ornate Vatadage, a unique circular relic house with intricate stone carvings.

Wandering through these captivating ruins, one can almost hear the echoes of the past, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience the grandeur of Polonnaruwa.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Towering majestically above the lush greenery, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the 5th-century Sri Lankan kingdom.

Visitors can climb the 1,200 steps to reach the ancient palace ruins atop this 660-foot-tall rock. Along the way, they’ll marvel at the impressive lion carving and the ingenious water gardens and irrigation systems that showcase the civilization’s advanced mastery of hydraulics.

From the summit, breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside unfold, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The climb is challenging but immensely rewarding, leaving visitors in awe of Sigiriya’s enduring legacy.

Innovative Irrigation Systems

As visitors climb the 1,200 steps to the summit of Sigiriya Rock, they’ll encounter the remnants of the ancient civilization‘s innovative irrigation systems.

The system included:

1. Extensive network of canals and reservoirs that collected and distributed water for residential, agricultural, and ceremonial use.
2. Highly advanced hydraulic engineering, with the ability to pump water uphill using the rock’s natural contours.
3. Ingenious water gardens and fountains, showcasing the ruler’s engineering prowess and connection to the natural world.
4. Sophisticated water management techniques that allowed the ancient city to thrive in a semi-arid climate.

These revolutionary irrigation systems highlight the remarkable technological achievements of the Sigiriya civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Absolutely! This tour offers flexibility to customize the itinerary based on your interests. Simply communicate your preferences to the guide, and they’ll be happy to tailor the experience to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya?

The best time to visit Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya is during the dry season from December to April. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock amidst comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts or package deals. However, travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve now & pay later option to book their experience with maximum flexibility.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Surcharges I Should Be Aware Of?

The tour package includes all necessary fees and charges, so there are no additional costs for travelers to be aware of. The price covers transportation, entrance fees, guide services, and taxes, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.

Can I Book This Tour as Part of a Larger Sri Lankan Vacation Package?

Yes, you can book this immersive Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa tour as part of a larger Sri Lankan vacation package. Many tour operators offer customized itineraries that incorporate this popular day trip along with other must-see destinations across the island.

The Sum Up

Embarking on this captivating journey, visitors will be awed by the UNESCO-listed wonders of Polonnaruwa and the breathtaking vistas atop Sigiriya Rock. This experience offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the nation’s innovative engineering marvels and immersing travelers in the splendor of its ancient past. An unforgettable adventure that immerses guests in the heart of Sri Lanka’s captivating history.

You can check availability for your dates here: