Polonnaruwa: All-Inclusive Day Tour From Colombo

Uncover the captivating history of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, with an immersive day tour from Colombo. This all-inclusive experience offers a deep dive into the majestic ruins, showcasing the Royal Palace, the iconic Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and the serene Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Coupled with convenient transportation, multilingual options, and accessibility, the tour ensures a hassle-free and culturally enriching journey. But there’s more to discover beyond the tour’s highlights – the story of Polonnaruwa’s remarkable past and its enduring influence on Sri Lankan culture.

Good To Know

• This all-inclusive day tour from Colombo provides a guided exploration of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The tour includes visits to the Royal Palace ruins, the intricate Quadrangle/watadageya, and the majestic Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
• Participants can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil historical surroundings near the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
• The tour offers multilingual options, wheelchair accessibility, and a hassle-free cancellation policy with a "reserve now, pay later" option.
• The package covers transportation, bottled water, WiFi, and a delicious lunch, providing a comprehensive and carefree sightseeing experience.

Tour Overview

This all-inclusive day tour to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Priced at K₨4,656 per person, it’s a private group experience valid for one day with pickup and return in Colombo. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish.

Highlights include a guided tour of Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins, a visit to the Gal Vihara rock temple, and discovering the Polonnaruwa Museum.

Travelers will also enjoy a picnic amidst the historical sites and benefit from convenient features like skip-the-line access, bottled water, air-conditioning, and in-vehicle WiFi.

Itinerary Highlights

Immersing visitors in the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, the guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City captivates for three hours.

The itinerary highlights include:

• Exploring the Royal Palace ruins, a testament to the city’s former opulence.
• Discovering the intricate Quadrangle/watadageya, a complex of beautifully carved temples and stupas.
• Marveling at the colossal Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the rock temple, for two hours.
• Delving into the wealth of artifacts and historical insights at the Polonnaruwa Museum.
• Enjoying a picnic amidst the tranquil ruins, surrounded by the serene Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

These captivating experiences offer a window into the rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders of the Polonnaruwa era.

Tour Features

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour offers numerous convenient features to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, enabling visitors to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

To save time, the tour includes skip-the-ticket-line access, providing quicker entry to the site. Throughout the journey, guests are provided with bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and complimentary WiFi.

The tour also includes a delicious lunch, ensuring visitors are well-nourished as they enjoy the rich cultural and historical legacy of Polonnaruwa.

Cultural Experience

Travelers exploring the Polonnaruwa Ancient City enjoy a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance.

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of the region’s bygone eras, with highlights including:

• Majestic ruins, intricate temples, and royal palaces that evoke the splendor of Polonnaruwa’s reign
• Insightful historical context and narratives that bring the site’s past to life
• Sacred spaces adorned with intricately carved moonstones and Buddha statues, exuding a profound spiritual energy
• Colossal Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, radiating an aura of tranquility and enlightenment
• Opportunities to deeply connect with the region’s cultural heritage and traditions.

Pickup and Return

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from Colombo, allowing participants to embark on their journey to the historical wonders of Polonnaruwa. This full-day adventure starts and ends in the capital city, providing a seamless experience for visitors. Once the tour concludes, travelers are transported back to their original pickup location in Colombo.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time	Return Location	Return Time
Colombo	8:00 AM	Colombo	6:00 PM

This arrangement ensures a hassle-free experience, enabling guests to focus on seeing the captivating history and culture of Polonnaruwa without worrying about transportation.

Languages and Accessibility

Alongside the multilingual options offered, the tour caters to wheelchair users, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The tour is available in English, French, German, and Spanish, catering to diverse language preferences.

Wheelchair accessibility is a top priority, allowing travelers with mobility challenges to fully experience the ancient wonders.

The tour features:

• Guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City
• Access to the renowned Gal Vihara rock temple
• Visits to the Royal Palace ruins and other significant sites
• Opportunities to discover the Polonnaruwa Museum
• A picnic lunch amidst the tranquil historical surroundings

This comprehensive tour guarantees a seamless, inclusive experience for all participants, regardless of language or accessibility needs.

Cancellation and Payment

Cancelling the tour is hassle-free, with a full refund available up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start. This gives travellers the flexibility to adjust their plans without worry.

The tour also offers a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without an upfront payment. This flexible booking system makes it easy to plan and budget for the Polonnaruwa adventure.

Upon arrival, guests can skip the ticket line, saving valuable time to explore the ancient city’s wonders. The all-inclusive package covers transportation, bottled water, WiFi, and a delightful picnic lunch, ensuring a seamless and carefree sightseeing experience.

Important Information

While certain items aren’t permitted on the tour, such as alcohol and drugs, visitors are free to enjoy the rich cultural experience Polonnaruwa has to offer.

The tour’s itinerary is subject to change, and guests should check availability for starting times.

Visitors can expect:

• A guided exploration of the majestic ruins, intricate temples, and royal palaces
• Opportunities to learn about the historical context of Polonnaruwa’s reign of kings and dynasties
• Experiences that capture the spiritual energy of sacred spaces with intricately carved moonstones and Buddha statues
• Moments to absorb the tranquility from the colossal Buddha statues at Gal Vihara
• Accessibility for wheelchair users, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on this tour. The tour package includes bottled water and a picnic lunch, allowing you to fully learn about the cultural experience without the hassle of packing your own provisions.

Are There Any Special Dress Requirements for the Tour?

The tour generally has a relaxed dress code, but visitors should avoid revealing or sleeveless clothing to respect the cultural and religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the ancient ruins and temples.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, travelers will receive a full refund. The tour operator provides a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to rebook or get their money back if adverse conditions prevent the tour from running.

Can I Split the Payment With a Friend?

You can split the payment for the tour with a friend. The tour operator offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing you and your friend to book the tour and pay separately later.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, so travelers of all ages can participate. However, the itinerary may not be suitable for young children, and parental supervision is advised to ensure their safety and enjoyment throughout the day’s activities.

The Sum Up

This all-inclusive day tour of Polonnaruwa offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient history. Explore the royal ruins, marvel at the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and savor a picnic lunch by the serene Parakrama Samudra reservoir. With convenient transportation, multilingual options, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour ensures a hassle-free and culturally immersive experience, inviting visitors to uncover the timeless grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.