Embark on an unforgettable Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa Day Tour from Trincomalee, where ancient wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites await. This full-day cultural excursion takes you deep into Sri Lanka’s rich history, starting with the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock—an awe-inspiring 5th-century fortress rising dramatically from the jungle, famed for its frescoes, mirror wall, and panoramic views. Continue to the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, home to the Gal Viharaya’s serene Buddha statues, the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, and the sacred Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Ideal for history lovers and adventure seekers, this guided tour from Trincomalee offers a seamless blend of archaeological marvels, scenic landscapes, and authentic Sri Lankan heritage.
Discover Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa - A Cultural Day Tour from Trincomalee
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
Exclusions
- Entrance Ticket - Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Museum
- Entrance Ticket – Polonnaruwa
Tour Plan
This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Trade routes are explained, showing Sigiriya's connections with the Gulf, China, India and the Roman Empire.
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres high.
Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasty after their successful invasion of the country's then capital, Anuradhapura, in the 10th century. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.[1]
Currently the new Polonnaruwa is undergoing a major development project known as the "Awakening of Polonnaruwa" under the concept of President Maithripala Sirisena. It envisions the development of all sectors in Polonnaruwa including roads, electricity, agriculture, education, health and environment will be developed comprehensively
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structure dating back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha
Itinerary
This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Trade routes are explained, showing Sigiriya's connections with the Gulf, China, India and the Roman Empire.
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres high.
Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasty after their successful invasion of the country's then capital, Anuradhapura, in the 10th century. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.[1]
Currently the new Polonnaruwa is undergoing a major development project known as the "Awakening of Polonnaruwa" under the concept of President Maithripala Sirisena. It envisions the development of all sectors in Polonnaruwa including roads, electricity, agriculture, education, health and environment will be developed comprehensively
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structure dating back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha
Meeting / Pickup
Know Before You Go
- Infant seats available
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Reviews
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3 Comments
4.6
Exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa with the group was a captivating dive into Sri Lanka’s rich culture. We wandered through ancient ruins and marveled at the stunning frescoes, which truly brought the history to life. While the day was packed with activities, a longer lunch break would have been perfect for us to savor the local cuisine a bit more.
4.4
We had an enriching experience exploring Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa during our day trip. The views from the fortress were simply stunning, and we loved wandering through the ancient ruins, imagining the history behind them. One small drawback was the heat—make sure to bring plenty of water and wear hats! Our guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories, which made the cultural aspect even more engaging for us. Overall, it was a fantastic way to discover the heritage of this beautiful region.
4.4
Climbing the ancient fortress with our family was a highlight, as the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking.