Day Tour from dambulla to Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
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Day Tour from dambulla to Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

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(13 reviews)
9h
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

If you get this tour with us no need rent bicycle we have special licence for going to inside city with our personal vehicle. So do you get our best service we are ready to give you unforgettable tour for you. on the way from Sigiriya to polonnaruwa we can show you maybe wild elephant in jungle and some animals. We have very good knowledge about this area.

Available options

Day Tour from dambulla to Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

Pickup included

What's included

tuk tuk driving lesson

Detailed itinerary

1

Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Citadel Rock
Sigiriya Citadel Rock

The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level.

Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles.

Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.

The surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhibited for several thousand years.

Since 3th century BC the rocky plateau of Sigiriya served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th century king Kasyapa decided to construct a royal residence here.After his death Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, when it was abandoned.

Sigiriya Lion Claws
Sigiriya Lion Claws

The main entrance is located in the northern side of the rock.
It was designed in the form of a huge stone lion, whose feet have survived up to today but the upper parts of the body were destroyed.
Thanks to this lion the palace was named Sigiriya. The term Sigiriya originates from the word Sihagri, i.e. Lion Rock. Sigiriya

Sigiriya Fresco
Sweeping Stroke Paintings

The western wall of Sigiriya was almost entirely covered by frescoes, created during the reign of Kasyapa. Eighteen frescoes have survived to this day

The frescoes are depicting nude females and are considered to be either the portraits of Kasyapa’s wives and concubines or priestess performing religious rituals.

Despite the unknown identity of the females depicted in the frescoes, these unique ancient paintings are celebrating female beauty and have incredible historical significance.

Sigiriya Mirror Wall
Sigiriya Mirror Wall

One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall.
In the old days it was polished so thoroughly that the king could see his reflection in it.

The Mirror wall is painted with inscriptions and poems written by the visitors of Sigiriya.

The most ancient inscriptions are dated from the 8th century.

These inscriptions are proving that Sigiriya was a tourist destination more than a thousand years ago. Today, painting on the wall is strictly prohibited.

2

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 1993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. You'll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip.

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
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Tripadvisor 4.9
12 reviews
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
please wear clothers to cover your knees and shoulders when visitingn temple

Meeting point

we are pickup from any where in sigiriya

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

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 3
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Free cancellation available
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