Discover the timeless charm of Sri Lanka’s royal past on this Polonnaruwa Ancient City All-Inclusive Day Tour from Colombo. Journey to the island’s second ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkably preserved ruins, grand palaces, and sacred temples that reflect the glory of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdom. Explore the Gal Vihara rock temple with its iconic Buddha statues, admire the royal palace complex, and wander through ancient shrines and reservoirs that reveal the island’s sophisticated engineering and artistry. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and steeped in history, this Polonnaruwa day tour from Colombo offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, making it the perfect experience for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
Explore the Enchanting Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from Colombo
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Entry / Admission - Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya & polonnaruwa Vatadage
- Entry / Admission - Lankathilaka Image House & Lotus Pond
- Entry / Admission -Rankoth Vehera & Thivanka Image House
- Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya
- Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving
- Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
- Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
Tour Plan
An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka.
The Gal Vihara, also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I.
Medirigiriya Vatadageya is a Buddhist structure in Medirigiriya, Sri Lanka. It was built during the Anuradhapura era.
Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.
Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances.
Rankoth Vehera is a stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. The stupa was built by Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa, who ruled the country from 1187 to 1196.
Itinerary
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.
The Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) in Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal rock-cut Buddha statues. Carved from a single granite rock during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, the seated, standing, and reclining Buddha figures showcase exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual serenity2.
Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, built by King Nissanka Malla. Its massive brick structure, inspired by Anuradhapura’s architectural style, stands as a symbol of Buddhist devotion and ancient engineering excellence.
The Nelum Pokuna or Lotus Pond is a beautifully designed stone pond shaped like a blooming lotus flower. This unique structure reflects the artistic ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering and is a tranquil spot within the ancient city
Thiwanka Image House is famed for its unique curved walls and the towering Buddha statue within. The interior walls are adorned with well-preserved frescoes depicting Jataka tales, making it a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art.
Parakrama Samudraya is a vast man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning over 2,500 hectares, this engineering marvel was designed to “not let a single drop of rainwater flow into the sea,” showcasing ancient Sri Lanka’s advanced irrigation systems.
Discover the artistry of traditional Sri Lankan wood carving at Oak Ray Wood Carving Center. Skilled artisans craft intricate statues, masks, furniture, and sculptures using teak, mahogany, and ebony, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship
Explore the dazzling world of Sri Lankan gemstones at Premadasa Gems & Jewellers. Renowned for its exquisite collection of sapphires, diamonds, and pearls, this gem house offers high-quality jewelry, a gemological museum, and insights into the mining process.
Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness
Meeting / Pickup
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
Please Note
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Wheelchair accessible
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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2 Comments
4.4
Wandering through the ruins was like stepping back in time—each ancient structure told a story that captivated me completely. I loved the quiet moment I found while sitting under a massive tree, just absorbing the history surrounding me, although the midday heat made it a bit overwhelming at times.
4.2
Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was a captivating experience for our family, filled with stunning ruins and rich history that truly felt enchanting. The transportation from Wattala was comfortable, although we did hit some traffic on the way back to Colombo, which slightly dampened our energy.