Dambulla Temple And Polonnaruwa Day Tour From Kandy

Kandy , Sri Lanka

Dambulla Temple And Polonnaruwa Day Tour From Kandy

Active

8h - 10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience two of Sri Lanka’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this Dambulla and Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from Kandy. Begin your journey at the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site famed for its towering golden Buddha statue, intricate cave paintings, and centuries-old rock-carved shrines that beautifully showcase Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, once a thriving royal capital, where you can explore remarkable ruins, grand palaces, and the famous Gal Vihara rock temple with its serene Buddha sculptures. Perfect for travelers eager to uncover the country’s rich history and artistry, this Dambulla and Polonnaruwa day tour from Kandy offers a fascinating blend of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty all in one unforgettable journey.

Available options

Dambulla Temple And Polonnaruwa Day Tour From Kandy

Pickup included

What's included

Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery

Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge (Sinhala: වටදාගෙ) 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.

Stop 6

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country.

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.

What's not included

Entrance Tickets-Dambulla Temple

Entrance Tickets – Polonnaruwa

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 Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (small fee for guided tours)

Kandy Esala Perahera

A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Multiple days Free (special seating may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

String Hoppers (Idiyappa)

A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Elephant watching Tea plantation tours Boat rides on Kandy Lake Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Visiting temples and historic sites Attending cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°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

Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km

By train

Kandy Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Kandy Peradeniya Daluwala

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

65 km • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.

Sigiriya

100 km • Full day

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Dambulla

80 km • Full day

Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • August Vesak • May (date varies) Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)

Pro tips

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.