Uncover the captivating history of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this private guided tour from Colombo. Explore the awe-inspiring rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara and stroll through the ancient royal palace, marveling at the engineering feat of Parakrama Samudra. With air-conditioned transport, refreshing bottled water, and an expert English-speaking guide, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and prepare to be enchanted by the timeless allure of this remarkable destination. But the true wonder lies in the stories that await your discovery.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive 14-hour private guided tour of the UNESCO-listed ruins and archaeological sites in Polonnaruwa from Colombo.
- Experience the ancient royal palace, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir with an English-speaking guide.
- Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and seasonal fruits, with a flexible cancellation policy.
- Recommended for participants in good health, with proper attire and etiquette required at sacred sites.
- Flexible pickup options available, with booking process that allows for no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Colombo offers travelers an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s captivating past.
Priced at €162.37 per group (up to 3 participants), the 14-hour tour whisks visitors from Colombo to the UNESCO-listed ruins of the ancient city.
Along the way, a professional English-speaking guide illuminates the site’s rich heritage, from the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas to the sprawling royal palace and the scenic Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
With complimentary bottled water, seasonal fruits, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a hassle-free way to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most significant archaeological treasures.
Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and convenient option.
Itinerary Highlights
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour immerses visitors in the captivating history of this UNESCO-listed site.
The tour highlights include:
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Exploring the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, a remarkable feat of ancient sculpting.
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Wandering through the ruins of the royal palace, once the seat of power for the Polonnaruwa kingdom.
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Marveling at the Parakrama Samudra, an enormous ancient reservoir that showcases the engineering prowess of the era.
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Cycling through the ancient streets, allowing for a unique perspective of this well-preserved archaeological wonder.
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Benefiting from the insights of a professional English-speaking guide, who illuminates the rich heritage of Polonnaruwa.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour are bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, and seasonal fruits subject to availability.
A professional English-speaking guide will illuminate the rich heritage of this UNESCO-listed ancient site.
However, food and drinks beyond what’s specified, as well as entrance fees for the sites, aren’t included. Gratuities for the guide and driver are also not covered.
It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as those with health conditions or allergies.
Participants should come prepared with the recommended items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Participant Information
Not everyone may be well-suited for this private Polonnaruwa tour.
Pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, back issues, or recent surgeries, those with allergies, and people with motion sickness or colds should avoid this activity.
Plus, pets, drones, food in the vehicle, alcohol, glass objects, and fireworks aren’t permitted.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring snacks, cash, and a charged smartphone.
When visiting temples, remember to remove footwear and hats, and cover shoulders and knees.
Etiquette and Requirements
When visiting the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa, one must observe proper etiquette.
Visitors should remove their footwear and hats before entering the Buddhist and Hindu temples. It’s also important to cover one’s shoulders and knees to show respect.
A valid passport is required on the day of the tour.
The weather policy states that the tour is subject to favorable conditions, and alternative dates may be offered if the tour is canceled due to poor weather.
Plus, guests should confirm the exact pickup time, as additional charges may apply for locations outside the Kandy city limits.
Weather Policy
The tour’s weather policy states that it’s subject to favorable conditions. If poor weather causes the cancellation of the tour, alternative dates will be offered. This ensures that travelers can still enjoy the historic sights of Polonnaruwa, even in the face of unpredictable weather.
Some key points about the weather policy include:
- Scheduled tour times may be adjusted based on weather conditions
- Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, may lead to tour cancellation
- Refunds or rescheduling options are available if the tour is canceled due to weather
- Participants should come prepared with appropriate rain gear and be flexible in their plans
- The tour operator closely monitors the forecast to make timely decisions about tour operations.
Pickup Details
Travelers should confirm the exact pickup time for their private Polonnaruwa guided tour. Additional charges may apply for locations outside Kandy city limits. To ensure a smooth start to the day, it’s recommended to provide the tour operator with the pickup address and contact details in advance.
| Pickup | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | 7:00 AM | Colombo city center |
| Requested | 6:30 AM | Suburbs of Colombo |
| Subject to Availability | Flexible | Outside Kandy city limits |
Prompt communication with the tour provider will help set expectations and avoid any surprises on the day of the tour.
Booking Information
Booking this private Polonnaruwa guided tour is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot online by paying later without any upfront costs.
The tour is priced at €162.37 per group of up to 3 participants, making it an affordable option. The tour includes:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Flexible booking with no payment required at the time of reservation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle
- A professional English-speaking guide to explore the ancient city
With a duration of 14 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the UNESCO-listed ruins, rock-cut Buddhas, and other highlights of Polonnaruwa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Stops Will We Make During the Tour?
The tour will make several stops to explore the ancient ruins and sites of historical significance in Polonnaruwa. The itinerary highlights the UNESCO-listed ancient city, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the royal palace, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized based on your interests. The guide will work with you to adjust the itinerary and focus on the sites and activities that appeal to you most during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
While the standard tour duration is 14 hours, the provider may offer the option to extend it for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary or lengthening the tour to suit their interests and pace.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?
The tour accommodates up to 3 participants per group. This allows for a more personalized experience as the guide can provide focused attention and adapt the pace to the group’s needs during the 3-hour guided tour of the ancient ruins.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Senior Citizens?
Unfortunately, the tour information does not mention any discounts for students or senior citizens. The price seems to be a fixed rate per group of up to 3 participants, regardless of age or student status.
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The Sum Up
The Private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Colombo offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Travelers can enjoy the UNESCO-listed ruins, marvel at the architectural wonders, and gain insights from a knowledgeable guide. With convenient transportation, refreshments, and flexible policies, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Polonnaruwa’s enchanting ancient city.