Imagine stepping back in time to explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the thriving capital of medieval Sri Lanka. This exclusive historical expedition invites you on a captivating cycling tour through the city’s majestic remains, including the iconic Royal Palace and the awe-inspiring rock-cut statues of Gal Vihara. With the convenience of air-conditioned transport and multilingual guides, you’ll uncover the secrets of this remarkable legacy, enjoying Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history. Where will this journey take you, and what untold tales will you uncover along the way?
Good To Know
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through a guided 3-hour tour featuring cycling adventures among the historic ruins.
- Discover iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and Lankathilaka Temple, enjoying Sri Lanka’s captivating blend of history, culture, and serene landscapes.
- Enjoy cost-effective pricing with pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels, along with entrance fees and cycling tour included in the package.
- Experience the expedition in multiple languages, ensuring comprehensive understanding of Polonnaruwa’s rich history for international guests.
- Set out on a 1.5-hour drive to Polonnaruwa, followed by a 2.5-hour guided tour and 10 km cycling adventure through the expansive archaeological site.
Overview of the Activity
Offering a unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich past, the "Polonnaruwa Time Travel: Exclusive Historical Expedition" takes travelers on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
This 3-hour guided tour allows participants to explore the historic ruins, cycling through the site and admiring the intricate carvings and towering statues.
Visitors will discover iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara’s rock-cut Buddha figures, and the Lankathilaka Temple, seeing the blend of history, culture, and serene landscapes.
Available in multiple languages, the expedition provides a comprehensive experience at a cost-effective price, making it an unmissable adventure for history enthusiasts.
Detailed Itinerary
The Polonnaruwa Time Travel: Exclusive Historical Expedition takes participants on a captivating journey through the ancient city’s storied past.
Departing from select pickup locations, guests are whisked away in an air-conditioned vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to Polonnaruwa.
Upon arrival, the guided tour explores the UNESCO-listed ruins, including the iconic Royal Palaces, rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, and the serene Parakrama Samudra.
Travelers will cycle approximately 10 km through the archaeological site, seeing the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The expedition culminates with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum before the return trip to the hotel.
Highlights of the Tour
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, travelers will discover intricate carvings and towering statues that bring the ancient kingdom’s storied past to life.
They’ll visit the iconic Royal Palace, marveling at its architectural grandeur. The Gal Vihara‘s rock-cut Buddha statues are a highlight, showcasing the region’s mastery of stone carving.
The Lankathilaka Temple, with its stunning brick structure, offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city.
Throughout the journey, visitors will experience the captivating blend of history, culture, and serene landscapes that make Polonnaruwa a truly unique destination.
Included and Excluded Items
The excursion comes with a range of inclusions to ensure travelers can focus on seeing the historical wonders of Polonnaruwa.
Pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels, entrance fees for the sightseeing activities, and the cost of the cycling tour are all covered.
Travelers won’t have to worry about additional costs as government taxes are also included.
While personal expenses and gratuities are excluded, the comprehensive package allows guests to fully experience the UNESCO World Heritage site without any unnecessary hassles.
- Pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels
- Entrance fees for sightseeing
- Cost of cycling tour
Important Information
Visitors are advised to bring their passport along, as it’s required for the expedition.
The dress code for the tour is modest, with clothing covering the shoulders and knees, especially when visiting sacred sites.
It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time, as the transportation may vary based on the location.
Roundtrip transportation is available from centrally located hotels, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.
With these simple guidelines in mind, travelers can fully enjoy the rich historical and cultural wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa during this exclusive historical expedition.
Pickup Locations
The expedition’s pickup locations span across Dambulla, Kandalama, Habarana, and Sigiriya, providing travelers with convenient access to the historical site of Polonnaruwa. This allows guests to easily join the tour from various central points around the ancient city.
The air-conditioned vehicles will then whisk them away on a 1.5-hour journey to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once at Polonnaruwa, guests can look forward to:
- Guided tours through the ancient ruins
- Cycling adventures across the expansive site
- Exploring iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara
After a memorable day, the transportation will return guests to their original pickup locations.
Transportation and Duration
Once guests have been picked up from the convenient locations around Dambulla, Kandalama, Habarana, and Sigiriya, they’ll embark on a comfortable 1.5-hour drive to the historic city of Polonnaruwa. During this journey, they’ll have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and anticipate the adventures that await them in the ancient capital.
| Duration | Transportation |
|---|---|
| 1.5 hours | Air-conditioned vehicle |
| 2.5 hours | Guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City |
| Approximately 10 km | Cycling through the ruins |
| 1.5 hours | Return transportation to hotel |
| 3 hours | Total duration of the expedition |
This carefully curated itinerary ensures guests can enjoy the rich history and captivating landscapes of Polonnaruwa, the second-most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Languages Offered
Linguistic diversity is a hallmark of the Polonnaruwa Time Travel: Exclusive Historical Expedition, catering to a wide range of international guests.
The tour is offered in an impressive array of languages, including:
- English
- French
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Arabic
- German
- Russian
This linguistic flexibility ensures that visitors from around the globe can fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Polonnaruwa.
Whether you’re a Francophone, a Mandarin speaker, or a Russophone, you can discover the ancient city’s captivating secrets through the lens of your native tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photographs during the tour. They’ll have ample opportunities to capture the stunning ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and serene landscapes that make Polonnaruwa a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is the Cycling Portion Optional or Required?
The cycling portion of the tour is optional. Guests can choose to explore the Polonnaruwa ruins on foot or opt for the cycling activity. This allows visitors to customize their experience based on their preferences and fitness levels.
Are Any Meals Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any meals. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and snacks during the 3-hour expedition. The focus of the tour is on exploring the historical sites of Polonnaruwa.
Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?
There’s no minimum group size for this tour. Guests can book individually and the tour will run as long as there’s at least one participant. It’s a flexible arrangement perfect for solo travelers or small groups.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Absolutely! The tour is customizable to suit your preferences. You can work with the operator to modify the itinerary, activity duration, or add/remove stops based on your interests and travel needs.
The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Cycle through UNESCO-listed ruins, marvel at the majestic Royal Palace, and discover the stunning rock-cut statues of Gal Vihara. With air-conditioned transport and multilingual guides, you’ll experience the rich history and culture of this enchanting destination. It’s an exclusive historical expedition that’ll transport you back in time for a truly enriching adventure.