Tour from Colombo/Kandy to the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Bandaranaike International Airport - Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport or from your hotel in Colombo/Negombo or Kandy, meet your chauffeur guide and proceed to Polonnaruwa.

Embark on your journey to Polonnaruwa, a significant archaeological site in Sri Lanka, attracting numerous tourists during their vacations. The majority of Polonnaruwa’s monuments are linked to Buddhism and Hinduism.

Visit the Royal Palace, Lankatilaka Gedige (Temple), Gal Vihara (Temple), Demala Maha Seya (Temple), and Thuparama.

After completing the first day of your tour, enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

Dambulla Cave Temple - En route to Polonnaruwa, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. Located in the central part of the country, it is 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - As the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was initially established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom. It was renamed Jananathamangalam by the Chola dynasty following their successful invasion of Anuradhapura, the then capital, in the 10th century. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is a World Heritage Site.

Hurulu Eco Park - After exploring Polonnaruwa, prepare for a safari at Hurulu Eco Park, designated as a biosphere reserve in January 1977. The forest reserve is a vital habitat for the Sri Lankan elephant and represents Sri Lanka’s dry-zone dry evergreen forests. Surrounding protected areas include Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, Minneriya-Girithale and Mahaweli flood plains nature reserves, Wasgamuwa National Park, and Kahalla-Pallekele Sanctuary. The Hurulu Eco Park, located at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, offers jeep safaris.

Sigiriya to Anuradhapura - Full Day Tour

Anuradhapura - After breakfast, embark on a day excursion to Anuradhapura, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th Century B.C. to the end of the 10th Century A.D. It is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s most famous relic is the sacred Bo Tree, believed to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. Planted 2250 years ago, it is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Twin Ponds, Isurumuniya, Samadhi Statue, etc.)

Return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historic sacred Bo tree in the Mahamewuna Garden in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have grown from a cutting of the southern branch of the historical sacred Bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, destroyed during Emperor Ashoka the Great’s time at Buddha Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained Enlightenment. The Buddhist nun Sangamitta Maha Theri, daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka in 288 BC during the reign of Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa. At over 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree with a known planting date.

Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Swarnamali Maha Seya (lit. ‘the Great Thupa’), is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha’s relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere. It was built by Sinhalese King Dutugemunu around 140 B.C., who became king of Sri Lanka after defeating the Chola King Elāra. It is also known as Swarnamali Seya, Svaṇṇamāli Mahaceti (in Pali), and Rathnamali Seya.

Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds or pools) are well-preserved ancient bathing tanks or ponds in Sri Lanka. Built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom, they are part of the Abhayagiri Vihāra complex and exemplify the ancient Sinhalese’s hydrological engineering, architecture, and art.

Isurumuniya Temple - The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is now known as the Isurumuni Vihara. Built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura, it was constructed for 500 high-caste children who were ordained. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) later renovated this viharaya, naming it “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera” after his two daughters and himself. The viharaya is connected to a cave with a cliff above it, where a small stupa is built. The stupa’s construction belongs to the present period. Carvings of elephants and a horse are found on the rock, and the Isurumuniya lovers’ carving has been relocated there from another place.

Sigiriya - Pidurangala and Drop-off at Your Hotel

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - After breakfast, prepare to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala. Upon completing these two sites, you will be transferred to one of your hotels in Colombo or Negombo.

According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was once a large forest. After storms and landslides, it became a hill and was chosen by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace atop this rock and adorned its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the rock, he constructed a gateway in the form of a giant lion. The name of this place, Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock, is derived from this structure.

Pidurangala Rock - Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It shares a fascinating history with the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing Pidurangala Rock is more challenging than Sigiriya, but for those who are fit and adventurous, it is a worthwhile climb. It takes about two hours to reach the top. There is less to see here compared to Sigiriya.

• Private transportation
• Pickup and drop off
• Driver meals and accommodations
• Tolls and government taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Fuel and parking fees

• Gratuities
• Entrance tickets for all the locations
• Safari jeep hire
• Accommodations and meals

The commencement of your expedition begins either from your lodging in Colombo or the Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB), and this concise three-day tour is curated to provide a brief but comprehensive glance at Sri Lanka’s illustrious past. Delve into the remnants and prominent features of Sri Lanka’s ancient sovereign seats, where you’ll witness the undiluted echoes of Sri Lanka’s storied heritage.

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