From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the historic city of Kandy to explore two iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This guided tour offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, where visitors can marvel at the engineering brilliance of Sigiriya and the intricate craftsmanship of Gal Viharaya’s Buddha statues. With comfortable transportation and refreshments provided, this adventure promises to be an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this enchanting island nation. What hidden wonders await as you delve deeper into this captivating odyssey?

Good To Know

• Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a 10-hour guided tour from Kandy or Peradeniya.
• Discover the engineering marvels of Sigiriya, including the 660-foot rock climb, ancient palace ruins, and intricate water gardens.
• Immerse in the rich historical and cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa, visiting the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and iconic architectural wonders.
• Enjoy complimentary transportation, refreshments, entrance fees, and insights from a knowledgeable guide throughout the journey.
• Capture breathtaking vistas and marvel at the architectural brilliance of these ancient Sri Lankan sites.

Tour Overview

This tour offers a captivating exploration of two renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Priced from $195 per person, the 10-hour experience departs from Kandy or Peradeniya and promises a day filled with historical discoveries.

Guests can expect a guided tour of Polonnaruwa’s architectural wonders, including the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and Parakramabahu Statue, followed by an exhilarating climb up the 660-foot Sigiriya Rock.

Complimentary transportation, refreshments, and entrance fees are included, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early 6:00 AM pickup from guests’ hotels in Kandy or Peradeniya, setting off on the journey to Polonnaruwa, a 12th-century World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at 9:00 AM, a guided 3.5-hour tour awaits, exploring the site’s highlights:

1. The majestic Royal Palace, a testament to the city’s former grandeur.
2. The Gal Viharaya, with its serene Buddha statues carved into the rock.
3. The towering Thuparama stupa and the Lankathilaka stupa, both architectural marvels.
4. The Vatadage, a unique circular relic house, and the Rankoth Vehera, an impressive stupa.

After the Polonnaruwa visit, the tour departs for the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where guests can climb the 660-foot-tall ancient palace ruins and marvel at the intricate water gardens and the majestic lion carving.

Key Features

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are the highlights of this tour – the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Sigiriya, a 660-foot tall rock fortress built in the 5th century, showcases the engineering brilliance of the past. Visitors can explore the ancient palace ruins, water gardens, and the impressive lion carving.

Polonnaruwa, the 12th-century capital, boasts rich historical craftsmanship displayed in its architecture and monuments. The guided tour takes you through the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and other iconic sites, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s captivating history.

With photo stops and free time for sightseeing, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions

For this tour, the package includes an air-conditioned luxury private vehicle for transportation.

The entrance fees to both the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa are covered. Plus, the fuel surcharge and driver charges are included, as well as the parking fees.

Complimentary refreshments and water are provided throughout the journey. The package also includes all government taxes, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.

The inclusions for this tour are designed to offer a hassle-free and immersive exploration of these two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing visitors to focus on the rich history and stunning landscapes without worrying about the logistics.

Important Information

As part of this tour, visitors are encouraged to bring along a camera to capture the stunning vistas and architectural marvels they’ll encounter.

A valid passport or ID card is also required, as it’s needed for entry into the historical sites.

The tour offers pickup from all hotels in Kandy and Peradeniya, making it convenient for travelers.

Plus, this can be booked as a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized and flexible itinerary.

While the tour’s schedule is outlined, it’s important to note that the itinerary is subject to change for reference purposes only.

Complimentary refreshments and water are provided throughout the day.

Arrival at Polonnaruwa

The tour reaches the 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa around 9 AM.

The group is guided through the well-preserved ancient city, marveling at the remarkable architectural and archaeological wonders:

1. The majestic Royal Palace, showcasing the sophisticated engineering and craftsmanship of the era.

2. The Gal Viharaya, a breathtaking complex of four Buddha statues carved into solid granite.

3. The imposing Thuparama stupa, an exquisite example of Sri Lankan religious architecture.

4. The Lankathilaka, an elegant temple renowned for its intricate stone carvings and frescoes.

The guide provides fascinating insights into the history and significance of these remarkable structures, immersing the visitors in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient kingdom.

Exploring Polonnaruwa

After exploring the majestic Royal Palace, the group ventures deeper into Polonnaruwa, marveling at the intricate carvings and architectural wonders that dot the ancient city.

At the Gal Viharaya, they stand in awe of the four massive Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite. The Thuparama stupa, with its ornate decorations, leaves them wondering about the incredible craftsmanship of the era.

The Lankathilaka temple impresses with its towering brick structure and intricate stone carvings.

As they wander through the Vatadage and Rankoth Vehera, the visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the rich historical and cultural heritage preserved within Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock

With eager anticipation, the group departs Polonnaruwa and makes their way towards the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Towering 660 feet above the surrounding landscape, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true engineering marvel.

As they approach, the sheer scale and grandeur of Sigiriya captivates the senses. The group begins their ascent, climbing the sturdy metal steps that wind up the steep rock face.

Along the way, they admire:

1. The ancient palace ruins, a testament to the ingenuity of King Kashyapa’s reign.
2. The intricate water gardens, a feat of hydraulic engineering.
3. The iconic lion carving that guards the entrance to the upper palace.
4. Breathtaking vistas that offer panoramic views of the lush, verdant countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour seems well-suited for families with young children. The itinerary includes historical sights and activities that could interest kids, and the tour provider offers complimentary refreshments. However, the climb up Sigiriya Rock may be challenging for very young children.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their interests. The provider offers flexibility to accommodate requests and create a personalized itinerary within the tour’s duration.

What Should Visitors Wear for the Sigiriya Rock Climb?

Visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the Sigiriya Rock climb. Loose, breathable fabrics and non-slip footwear are recommended to navigate the steep stairs and rugged terrain comfortably and safely.

Are There Any Additional Fees Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?

The tour package doesn’t mention any additional fees beyond the inclusions. However, visitors should come prepared with cash for optional activities, souvenirs, or extra meals not provided in the itinerary.

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on all days of the week, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and UNESCO-listed sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya Rock Fortress at their convenience. Booking in advance is recommended to secure availability.

The Sum Up

On this unforgettable journey, travelers will be captivated by the majesty of Sigiriya Rock and the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa. From scaling the iconic fortress to marveling at the intricately carved Buddha statues, this tour offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s rich history and engineering feats. With comfortable transportation and refreshments, visitors can fully enjoy the country’s cultural treasures.