Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Galle

Uncover the captivating history of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital on a guided tour of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Galle. This immersive journey promises a deep dive into the architectural wonders and cultural legacy that have earned the site UNESCO World Heritage status. Led by expert local historians, you’ll explore iconic sites like the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and the majestic Royal Palace ruins, gaining invaluable insights into the city’s sophisticated past. With included refreshments and seamless coordination, this tour offers a truly captivating experience. Prepare to be transported back in time as you discover the captivating story of Polonnaruwa, a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

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

Good To Know

• Guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, featuring captivating ruins, intricate statues, and cultural heritage insights.
• Priced from $200.00 for up to 3 participants, with a 16-hour experience that includes hotel pickup from Galle or Hikkaduwa.
• Highlights include Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the royal palace, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, with expert guides providing cultural insights.
• Includes bottled water and seasonal fruits, with a flexible cancellation policy and pay-later option available.
• Not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, and a dress code must be followed at temples.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour offers a guided exploration of this UNESCO-listed archaeological treasure from the city of Galle. Priced from $200.00 per group of up to 3 participants, this 16-hour experience takes visitors on a journey through the captivating ruins and intricate statues of the ancient capital.

Highlights include the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the majestic royal palace, and the serene Parakrama Samudra reservoir. With the expertise of local guides, travelers can explore the cultural heritage of this remarkable site.

Complimentary amenities, such as bottled water and seasonal fruits, ensure a comfortable and enriching experience. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and pay-later option make it a convenient choice for explorers.

Itinerary and Experience

Commencing the tour, visitors will be picked up from their hotels in Galle or Hikkaduwa. After the journey, they’ll spend 4 hours exploring the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, marveling at its intricate statues and ancient avenues. At the iconic Gal Vihara, they’ll admire the stunning rock-cut Buddhas. The tour also includes visiting the royal palace and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, allowing guests to enjoy the cultural heritage. Throughout the experience, expert guides will provide captivating insights, enhancing the understanding of this magnificent historical site.

Main Activities	Highlights	Inclusions	Exclusions
Guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City	UNESCO-listed ruins	Bottled water	Food and drinks
Visit Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas	Intricate statues	Hotel pickup and drop-off	Gratuities
Explore royal palace and Parakrama Samudra	Ancient avenues	Professional English-speaking driver	Entrance fees
Cultural heritage insights from expert guides		Air-conditioned vehicle (shared)

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour, the package includes essentials such as bottled water, a professional English-speaking driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Plus, visitors will enjoy seasonal fruits (subject to availability) and a special guide at the ancient city, providing valuable insights into the cultural heritage.

The tour excludes food and drinks (unless specified), gratuities, and entrance fees for the sites.

Guests are encouraged to bring their passport, comfortable shoes, a camera, rain gear, and cash to make the most of this immersive experience.

The tour operator ensures a seamless and informative journey through the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.

Important Information and Restrictions

This Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour may not be suitable for certain individuals. Pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or insect allergies should avoid this excursion. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring necessary items like your passport, camera, rain gear, and cash. Prohibited items include alcohol, drugs, glass objects, fireworks, and nudity. When visiting temples, you’ll need to remove your footwear and hats, and cover your shoulders and knees.

Restrictions
Pregnant Women	Individuals with Back/Heart Issues	Recent Surgeries
Motion Sickness	Insect Allergies	Prohibited Items

This guided tour offers an immersive experience exploring the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Prepare for a memorable journey into Sri Lanka’s captivating cultural heritage.

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Pickup and Communication Details

The tour operator will reconfirm the pickup time, so guests should arrive at their hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

For those needing pickup or drop-off outside the city limits, additional charges may apply – just contact the operator.

To ensure smooth communication, guests are encouraged to provide their WhatsApp contact details.

While the tour will generally proceed as planned, weather conditions may cause cancellations. If this happens, the operator will offer alternative tour dates.

Guests can look forward to a well-coordinated experience, with the operator proactively managing logistics and keeping everyone informed.

• Reconfirm pickup time
• Contact for out-of-city service
• Share WhatsApp for easy communication
• Flexible dates if weather disrupts tour

Guided Tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Guests embark on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, guided by expert local historians who bring the site’s rich cultural heritage to life.

They’ll explore the intricate rock-cut Gal Vihara Buddhas, marvel at the imposing royal palace ruins, and discover the engineering marvels of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

Along the way, the guides share insights into the city’s history as the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, highlighting the architectural sophistication and profound spirituality that defined this ancient civilization.

This immersive experience allows visitors to truly connect with the timeless grandeur of Polonnaruwa, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s remarkable cultural legacy.

Visit to Gal Vihara Rock-cut Buddhas

One of the highlights of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour is the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara, a complex of four massive rock-cut Buddha statues that showcase the exceptional artistry and technical mastery of the medieval Sinhalese sculptors.

As visitors approach the site, they’re immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of these breathtaking sculptures, which include:

• A colossal reclining Buddha measuring over 14 meters in length
• A serene, cross-legged seated Buddha in meditation
• A towering, standing Buddha exuding an aura of tranquility
• An intricately carved Buddha in the act of rising from meditation

The Gal Vihara is a true masterpiece, a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.

Explore Royal Palace and Reservoir

Visitors exploring the Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour can’t help but be captivated by the majestic ruins of the Royal Palace and the awe-inspiring Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

The Royal Palace, once the seat of the Polonnaruwa kingdom, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the past. Its intricate architectural details and imposing presence leave a lasting impression.

The Parakrama Samudra, an expansive ancient reservoir, is another highlight of the tour. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of this engineering feat and imagine the bustling activity it once sustained.

Exploring these remarkable sites offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa, capturing the imagination of all who venture here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Guided Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The guided tour offers English-language services, but the operator may accommodate other languages upon request, subject to availability. Travelers are encouraged to inquire about language options when booking to ensure a personalized and enriching cultural experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to suit travelers’ specific interests. The expert guides can tailor the experience, focusing on areas of particular interest like architecture, archaeology, or local culture. This flexibility ensures an engaging and personalized tour.

What Facilities Are Available at the Ancient City Site?

The ancient city site offers basic visitor facilities. There are restrooms and refreshment stalls available for travelers. Visitors can explore the ruins, sculptures, and historical monuments at their own pace with the guidance of the expert tour guide.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour is suitable for most ages, though it’s not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with certain health conditions, or those with motion sickness or insect allergies. The operator can provide guidance on any age restrictions.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Sites or Activities?

The tour can be extended to include additional sites or activities, but this would come at an extra cost. Guests can discuss personalized options with the tour operator, who’ll be happy to accommodate requests and customize the experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO-listed ancient city. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover the architectural marvels and cultural heritage of this medieval capital. From the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas to the majestic Royal Palace ruins, this enriching journey promises an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka’s remarkable past.

You can check availability for your dates here: