Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom Day Tour
Polonnaruwa is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of Sri Lanka’s premier cultural and historical destinations, offering a unique and awe-inspiring look into a sophisticated ancient kingdom. For anyone interested in history, archaeology, or photography, it’s an unmissable experience.
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Why Polonnaruwa is Worth Visiting: The Highlights
- A Vast Archaeological Park: Unlike the rock fortress of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa is a sprawling, flat complex of royal ruins. You’ll explore the remains of a complete capital city, including palaces, monasteries, temples, and even ancient recreational parks. The scale is breathtaking.
- Incredibly Well-Preserved Ruins: Many of the structures and artifacts in Polonnaruwa are in remarkable condition. You can see:
- Exquisite Stone Carvings: The Gal Vihara is the star attraction—four magnificent Buddha statues carved seamlessly from a single, massive granite rock face. The detail and scale are simply stunning.
- Ancient Hindu Temples: The Shiva Devale temples are some of the oldest structures in Polonnaruwa, showcasing fine Chola architecture.
- Elaborate Relic Shrines: The Vatadage (a circular relic house) is a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese architecture, with intricately carved moonstones and guardian stones.
- A Glimpse into Advanced Urban Planning: As you explore, you’ll see evidence of a highly advanced civilization. The Parakrama Samudra, a massive man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I, is a testament to their engineering prowess and is still in use today. It highlights the kingdom’s focus on agriculture and sustainability.
- Easy to Explore by Bicycle: One of the great joys of visiting Polonnaruwa is renting a bicycle. The site is flat and largely shaded, making a bike the perfect way to explore at your own pace, moving freely between the scattered ruins. It adds a fun and active element to the day.
Tagline: Cycle Through a Royal Past & Discover Sri Lanka’s Best-Preserved Ancient City!
Tour Code: POL-01
Quick Overview
- Duration: Very Long Full Day (Approx. 14-16 hours)
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, or Kandy.
- Highlight: Exploring the ancient royal ruins by bicycle.
- Key Attractions: Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Sacred Quadrangle, Lotus Pond.
- Perfect For: History lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, photographers, and active travelers.
Detailed Itinerary
04:30 AM – 05:30 AM: Early Morning Hotel Pick-up
Your journey back to the 12th century begins with an early pick-up to beat the heat and crowds.
05:30 AM – 09:30 AM: Journey to the Ancient Kingdom
Travel through rural Sri Lanka to the North Central Province, passing ancient reservoirs and traditional villages.
09:30 AM: Arrival at Polonnaruwa & Bicycle Preparation
Rent bicycles (included) and begin your exploration of this sprawling ancient capital.
10:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Ancient City Exploration by Bicycle
Discover the magnificent ruins at your own pace:
- Gal Vihara: Marvel at four magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock
- Royal Palace Complex: See the remains of King Parakramabahu’s seven-story palace
- Sacred Quadrangle: Explore this concentrated area of ancient temples and stupas
- Shiva Devale: Beautiful Hindu temple showing South Indian influence
- Lotus Pond: Unique octagonal design, a masterpiece of ancient architecture
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Traditional Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the ancient city.
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Polonnaruwa Museum
Visit the excellent archaeological museum to better understand the history and significance of the ruins you’ve explored.
03:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Parakrama Samudra
Visit King Parakramabahu’s massive “Sea of Parakrama” – an enormous ancient reservoir that showcases advanced irrigation technology.
03:30 PM: Begin Return Journey
Start your journey back to the coast, stopping for refreshments.
07:30 PM – 08:30 PM: Hotel Drop-off
You will be dropped off at your hotel, filled with awe for ancient Sri Lankan engineering and artistry.
What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| ✅ Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off | ❌ Personal Expenses |
| ✅ Transport in Private A/C Vehicle | ❌ Tips & Gratuities |
| ✅ Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur | ❌ Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site Fees (~$25) |
| ✅ Bicycle Rental for Ancient City | ❌ Lunch |
| ✅ Bottled Water & Refreshments | ❌ Any items not mentioned above |
| ✅ All Government Taxes & Service Charges |
Pricing & Options
- Private Tour:
- 1-2 Persons: $XXX (excluding site fees)
- 3-4 Persons: $XXX (excluding site fees)
- Price includes transport, chauffeur, and bicycle rental.
- Alternative Options:
- By Tuk-Tuk: Explore with a guided tuk-tuk instead of bicycle (+$15 per person)
- With Guide: Add a professional archaeological guide (+$25 per group)