Pick-up from your hotel
Drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa.
~1–1.25 hrs
Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour
Palaces, temples and the serene rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara in the medieval royal city.
One day. Unforgettable.
Overview
Sri Lanka's medieval royal capital (11th–13th centuries), a UNESCO World Heritage Site of palaces, temples and the magnificent rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara, explored by car or bicycle.
Tour highlights
- Archaeological Museum for the story of the city
- Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu and the Council Chamber
- The Sacred Quadrangle: Vatadage, Hatadage and Gal Pota
- Rankoth Vehera and Kiri Vehera stupas
- Lankatilaka image house
- Gal Vihara's four rock-cut Buddha statues
- The vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- Optional cycling between the ruins
- Total tour time
- ~7.75 hrs (07:00–14:45)
- Driving
- ~2.5 hrs
- Sightseeing
- ~4.25 hrs
- Meals & breaks
- ~1 hr
- With afternoon safari
- ~11.5 hrs (07:00–18:30)
Timed around the best light and the smallest crowds
How your day unfolds
-
07:00
-
08:15
ExperienceArchaeological Museum
Models and finds that bring the city to life.
~45 min -
09:00
ExperienceRoyal Palace & Council Chamber
King Parakramabahu's palace, audience hall and royal bath.
~45 min -
09:45
ExperienceSacred Quadrangle
Vatadage, Hatadage, Gal Pota and other shrines.
~1 hr -
10:45
ExperienceRankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka & Kiri Vehera
Great stupas and a towering image house.
~1 hr -
11:45
Experience
Gal Vihara
Four Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock.
~45 min -
12:30
Lunch by Parakrama Samudra
Lunch with views of the ancient reservoir.
~1 hr -
13:30
Return to Sigiriya
Or continue to an optional Minneriya / Kaudulla safari (14:30–17:30).
~1–1.25 hrs -
14:45
Arrive at your hotel
End of tour (around 18:30 with the safari).
We'll collect you from your hotel
Pick-up points & travel time
| Starting from | One-way travel | Pick-up | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habarana | ~45 min | 07:15 | Recommended |
| Sigiriya | ~1–1.25 hrs | 07:00 | As shown |
| Dambulla | ~1.25 hrs | 06:45 | |
| Pasikuda | ~1.5 hrs | 06:30 | Good from the east coast |
| Kandy | ~3.5 hrs | 05:00 | Long day |
Before you go
What to bring
- Socks for hot stone
- Hat, sunscreen and water
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees
Good to know
- Shoes and hats come off at shrines such as the Vatadage and Gal Vihara.
- Keep your entry ticket, as it's checked at several points around the site.
- Start early: the ruins get very hot by late morning.
- Times are a guide and may shift with traffic, weather and the group's pace.
Optional add-ons
- Minneriya or Kaudulla jeep safari (best Jul–Oct)
- Bicycle tour of the ruins
- Medirigiriya Vatadage
Part of these round tours
Big adventures, one day at a time
More day tours
Full day
01
Anuradhapura Day Tour
Walk among giant stupas and join pilgrims at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka's first great capital.
- Duration
- ~10.5 hrs
- Starts from
- Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana
- Level
- Moderate
Full day
02
Dambulla and Sigiriya Day Tour
Climb the Lion Rock at opening time, then step into Dambulla's painted cave temples, with a village lunch in between.
- Duration
- ~11.5 hrs
- Starts from
- Kandy
- Level
- Active
Full day
03
Galle Fort and Southern Coast Heritage Tour
Mask carvers, stilt fishermen, a seaside Peace Pagoda and sunset on the ramparts of Galle Fort.
- Duration
- ~12.5 hrs
- Starts from
- Colombo
- Level
- Easy