Polonnaruwe and Sigiriya Day Trip from Trincomalee or Nilaveli

Sri Lanka , Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwe and Sigiriya Day Trip from Trincomalee or Nilaveli

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

We offer this day tour a significant world UNESCO heritage two sites of Sigiriya Lion Rock and Polonnaruwe Ancient city. Polonnaruwe is the second royal kingdom of Sri Lanka and one of the best planned Archeological relic sites. Sigiriya is an impressive design of a private fortress in Sri Lanka. Whilst you will be excited by a giant architecture and building with the ruins these two kingdoms. Then we will proceed to Trincomalee or Nilaveli and drop off at your hotel

We should spend about 4hrs for Trincomalee to Sigiriya & Comeback to Trincomalee Transport time

Available options

Polonnaruwe and Sigiriya Day Trip from Trincomalee or Nilaveli

Pickup included

What's included

Mineral Water Bottles

Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle

Hotel Pick up & Drop off

Experience English Speaking Guide

All Government Tax & Charges

Detailed itinerary

To the east of the Cultural Triangle, following the Anuradhapura era is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. The Polonnaruwa legacy may have lasted for only two centuries however judging by the colossal monuments and monasteries it left behind it is clear that it was dynasty that cannot be easily forgotten. The archaeology remains at Polonnaruwa are exhibited at the Museum of the Central Cultural Fund and its visitor centre.

Stop 2

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. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 metres (590 ft) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Sinhapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City)

What's not included

Sigiriya Lion's Rock

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The total tour duration includes travel time.

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Nature Full day Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Street Food Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife safaris Surfing White-water rafting Beach lounging Ayurvedic spa treatments Tea plantation tours Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.

25°C to 30°C 77°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Galle Fort Colombo Fort

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

180 km from Colombo • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Adam's Peak

40 km from Ratnapura • Full day

A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.

Festivals

Vesak • April/May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)

Pro tips

Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving