Guided Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour From Kandy

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour from Kandy offers a chance to uncover Sri Lanka’s captivating history. This comprehensive guided experience immerses visitors in the UNESCO-listed ruins, where a knowledgeable local shares insights into the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and the majestic royal palace. Travelers enjoy convenient transportation, ample time for self-exploration, and the opportunity to understand the significance of this archaeological wonder. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper connection to the island’s cultural heritage, this tour promises an enlightening and memorable journey.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best City Tours In Polonnaruwa.

Good To Know

• Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, departing from Kandy, with highlights including Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
• 14-hour comprehensive tour duration, including 3 hours of guided experience, 2 hours of free time, and 3 hours of self-guided exploration.
• Amenities provided: hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, seasonal fruits, and knowledgeable guide for enhanced cultural understanding.
• Tour priced at $250 for groups of up to 3 participants, with flexible cancellation policy and pay-later option available.
• Moderate walking involved, with recommendations for appropriate attire and personal items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Guided Polonnaruwa Tour offers a captivating exploration of the ancient city’s UNESCO-listed ruins, starting from the vibrant city of Kandy.

Priced at $250 per group (up to 3 participants), this 14-hour excursion provides a comprehensive guided tour of the historic Polonnaruwa site.

Highlights include the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the majestic royal palace, and the scenic Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

The tour includes essential amenities like bottled water, an English-speaking driver, and seasonal fruits.

Travelers enjoy ample free time to wander the ancient ruins independently.

With a flexible cancellation policy and a pay-later option, this tour makes for an unforgettable cultural adventure in Sri Lanka.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from the vibrant city of Kandy, the guided tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The highlights of the tour include:

Activity	Duration
Guided Tour	3 hours
Free Time	2 hours
Self-Guided Tour	3 hours

Visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, marvel at the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and discover the remnants of the royal palace. The tour also showcases the impressive Parakrama Samudra reservoir, a stunning example of ancient Sri Lankan engineering. Throughout the experience, a knowledgeable guide provides valuable insights, ensuring an immersive and educational exploration of this historical wonder.

What’s Included

Typically, the guided Polonnaruwa tour includes bottled water to keep visitors hydrated throughout the day.

Plus, a professional English-speaking driver is provided to ensure a smooth and informative journey. The tour also includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kandy city limits.
2. Transport by air-conditioned vehicle (shared).
3. Seasonal fruits, subject to availability, to add a refreshing touch to the experience.

At the ancient city, a special guide leads the way, providing valuable insights into the UNESCO-listed ruins, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

This allows visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of Polonnaruwa.

Important Information and Requirements

On the day of travel, visitors must present a valid passport, as this document is required to fully participate in the guided tour.

The tour involves moderate walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. When visiting the ancient temples, appropriate attire is expected – visitors must remove their footwear and hats, and cover their shoulders and knees.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with heart problems, recent surgeries, or specific allergies.

Prohibited items include pets, glass objects, surfboards, fireworks, explosive substances, and nudity.

Prior to the tour, visitors should confirm the pickup time with the operator and prepare accordingly with recommended items like comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

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Preparation and Restrictions

When preparing for the guided tour, visitors should gather a few recommended items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

These include comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat to protect against the sun’s rays. Plus, packing a camera is essential to capture the stunning ancient ruins and rock-cut Buddhas.

Visitors should also bring sunscreen, rain gear, and insect repellent to stay protected from the elements.

It’s important to note that pets, glass objects, surfboards, fireworks, and explosive substances are prohibited on the tour.

Pickup time confirmation is required prior to the tour, so visitors should contact the operator for details.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

The pickup location for the guided tour is in Kandy.

You’ll be conveniently picked up from within the city limits and transported to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The drive takes approximately 3 hours each way, but you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way.

After your guided tour and free time at the UNESCO-listed ruins, you’ll be dropped off back at your accommodation in Kandy, completing the full-day experience.

This hassle-free transportation ensures you make the most of your time exploring the historical marvels of Polonnaruwa.

Tour Duration and Cancellation

The tour duration for this guided experience in Polonnaruwa spans a full 14 hours.

This extensive itinerary allows visitors ample time to thoroughly explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, taking in the breathtaking sights at a leisurely pace.

The tour’s cancellation policy offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to reschedule if necessary.

Key features of the tour duration and cancellation include:

• 14-hour duration for a comprehensive Polonnaruwa experience
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund
• Reserve now and pay later option available

Group Size and Pricing

This guided tour of Polonnaruwa offers flexibility in group size, with pricing that caters to small parties. The tour is priced from $250.00 per group, accommodating up to three participants. This makes it an attractive option for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized experience.

The tour’s duration is a generous 14 hours, providing ample time to explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, admire the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and marvel at the impressive royal palace and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, this tour makes it easy for travelers to plan their Sri Lankan adventure with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

According to the tour details, the itinerary cannot be customized. However, the tour offers a comprehensive guided experience, allowing ample free time for visitors to explore the ancient ruins at their own pace and explore the key highlights.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour pricing includes all the key services, but there may be additional fees for optional activities or incidentals not explicitly mentioned, like entrance fees or food purchases. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any hidden costs.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Exploration?

The tour provides 3 hours of free time for visitors to self-guide their exploration of the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir at their own pace.

Can I Receive a Discount for Booking With a Larger Group?

Yes, larger groups can receive discounts on the Polonnaruwa ancient city tour from Kandy. The tour is priced from $250 per group of up to 3 participants, so booking with more people can lead to savings per person.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour operator offers flexibility, as customers can extend the 14-hour duration if needed, though additional fees may apply. It’s best to discuss any requests for extension with the operator prior to booking.

The Sum Up

The Guided Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour from Kandy offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. Travelers can enjoy the UNESCO-listed ruins, admire the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and explore the royal palace, all while benefitting from a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and ample time for personal discovery. This tour is an ideal choice for couples and small groups seeking an engaging and educational cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: