Private Tour to Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Dambulla
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Private Tour to Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Dambulla

Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

7:30AM: After breakfast, you will be driven to Polonnaruwa(1 and half hour drive)

9:00 - 11:30AM : You will take a cycling tour of one of the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon with guide - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, you will be cycling about 10km on soft surfaces as you whizz between the ruins Although nearly 1000 years old,

11:30AM: After Polonnaruwa site seeing you will be driven to Habarana - Hiriwadunna Village Safari.(1 Hour Drive )

12:30 - 3:30PM: Hiriwadunna Village Safari by Bullock cart ride, Boat Ride, Visit a Village House, See a local Vegetable garden, have a local lunch and Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride.

4:00 - 6:30PM: Enjoy sightseeing at Sigiriya rock fortress with guide.famous for its toadstool of golden-hued granite, protruding into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrubland, which is transformed in the rainy season to a water garden.

6:30PM - Drop to your hotel

Available options

Private Tour to Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Dambulla

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes
Sri Lankan Style Lunch at a Village in front of Hiriwadunna Lake at Sameera Village Safari & Lodge
Air-conditioned vehicle
Use of bicycle

Detailed itinerary

1

you will take a cycling tour of one of the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon with English / German / French / Russian / Arabic /Japanese / Chinese luggage speaking guide - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, which was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Today you will be cycling about 10km on soft surfaces as you whizz between the ruins. The ancient heart of Sri Lanka. An important royal capital with its well-preserved 12th century ruins & impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past. Although nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura and generally in better repair. The monuments are arranged in a reasonably compact garden setting and their development is easier to follow.

2

Complete package includes ( Sameera Village Safari) a Bullock cart ride, Boat Ride, Visit a Village House, See a local Vegetable garden, have a local lunch and Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride.

Bullock Cart Ride

Usually this 03 hour trek begins with a Bullock Cart Ride to Hiriwadunna through unbeaten village tracks. There are 2 Bulls dragging the cart and ride last long from 15mins to 30mins. Rides ends near the Hiriwadunna Lake where you get off from the cart and join for

Catamaran Boat ride.

Catamaran Boat Ride takes place on the Hiriwadunna lake. You will cruise admiring the amazing views besides the lake which is also overlooking the Sigiriya and pidurangala rocks. If you are interested in, you can also join with the Boatman and help out rowing the boat. He might surprise you with his craftsmanship and creativity, hat for the gentleman and a beautiful necklace for the ladies. At the end of the Tour Boat will dock by the small village on the other side of the shore.

Village House & Lunch

You can observe a traditional daily live of a real village house. Should not miss a visit to the paddy field, See a garden where endemic vegetable grown. Climb the tree house next to the paddy field where farmers sleeps at night and try to keep animals away from the paddy. You can enjoy a simple traditional meal prepared by a village woman the using the Farmer’s hand-picked vegetables from the plot. If time permits you can also see how a village woman cook a traditional meal or a roti. After lunch there will be small presentation of how to make a roof out of coconut leaves and how to use kulla and mirisgala to separate rice seeds from the husks and straw.

Tuktuk Ride

Short Catamaran Ride back to the other banks of the lake. At the end of the village tour you will be taking a Tuk-Tuk ride few-miles back to the main road- Habarana.

3
Stop 3

Enjoy sightseeing at Sigiriya rock fortress with English / German / French / Russian / Arabic /Japanese / Chinese luggage speaking guide. Sigiriya is famous for its toadstool of golden-hued granite, protruding into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrubland, which is transformed in the rainy season to a water garden. In the 5th century King Kashyapa domesticated the Lions Rock, by building a palace atop its summit. Sigiriya commemorates some of the turbulence of Sri Lanka history.

Available languages

Guide guide
CS AR DE CMN EN IT FR DA NL ES
Written guide
CS AR DE CMN EN IT FR DA NL ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Before Enter to polonnaruwa ask your driver to get entrance tickets for you by showing your tickets. Do same at Sigiriya too

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.

Historical Full day Free

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.

Historical 1 hour Free

Isurumuniya Temple

A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian.

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mihintale Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery Tea tasting Visiting temples Exploring ancient ruins Attending religious ceremonies Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival

Best Time to Visit

January to March

This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

UTC+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Anuradhapura is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure.
  • • Use reputable tour operators.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.

Getting there

By air
  • Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km
By train

Anuradhapura Railway Station

By bus

Anuradhapura Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sacred City New Town Tuktukaraya

Day trips

Mihintale
12 km • Half day

A sacred mountain site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, featuring ancient ruins and temples.

Ritigala Forest Monastery
30 km • Full day

A UNESCO-listed forest monastery with ancient ruins and a rich biodiversity.

Avukana Buddha Statue
50 km • Full day

A colossal Buddha statue carved out of a single rock, standing 40 feet tall.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • July/August (full moon day) Poson Festival • June (full moon day) Vesak Festival • April/May (full moon day)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Sacred City early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical sites.
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Respect the religious customs and traditions when visiting temples.
  • Carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 19-65
1
Childs
Age 10-15
0
Infants
Age 6-9
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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