Polonnaruwa Ancient City All Inclusive Day Tour From Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa Ancient City All Inclusive Day Tour From Anuradhapura

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the timeless charm of Sri Lanka’s royal past on this Polonnaruwa Ancient City All-Inclusive Day Tour from Anuradhapura. 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 Anuradhapura offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, making it the perfect experience for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

Available options

Polonnaruwa Ancient City All Inclusive Day Tour From Anuradhapura

Pickup included

What's included

Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Entry / Admission - Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya & polonnaruwa Vatadage

Entry / Admission - Lankathilaka Image House & Lotus Pond

Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery

Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving

Entry / Admission -Rankoth Vehera & Thivanka Image House

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

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.

Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.

The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period.

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.

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.

Available languages

Written guide

DE IT FR ES

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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