The ancient city of Polonnaruwa packs centuries of Sri Lankan history into one compact, UNESCO-protected site. For the smart traveler, three tour options stand out: traditional guided walks, breezy cycling routes, and local tuk-tuk adventures. The guided walking tours excel at bringing the ruins to life with detailed historical context, while bicycle tours let you cover more ground at your own pace – perfect for escaping the midday heat. I especially love the tuk-tuk option, which combines the freedom of independent travel with a local driver’s knowledge.
Most tours smartly bundle Polonnaruwa with nearby highlights like Sigiriya’s rock fortress or Minneriya’s elephant gatherings. The best value comes from day trips departing from Colombo, Kandy, or Dambulla, which include comfortable transport and expert commentary.
Let’s look at our recommended tours that make the most of your time in this remarkable ancient capital.
Key Points
- The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour is a comprehensive option that showcases the UNESCO-listed ruins and engineering marvels of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.
- Tuk-tuk tours offer a flexible and cost-effective way to explore Polonnaruwa, allowing for independent sightseeing and a unique mode of transportation.
- The Dambulla/Sigiriya tour provides a broader Sri Lankan cultural experience, combining the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa with the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Cycling tours in Polonnaruwa offer an active and immersive way to explore the site, with guided experiences highlighting the historical and architectural significance.
- The Polonnaruwa & Minneriya safari combines the ancient city with a wildlife adventure, providing the opportunity to witness the annual “Gathering” of elephants in their natural habitat.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Galle
For those seeking to explore the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa, the Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Galle offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Priced at $200 per group (up to 3 participants), this 16-hour tour provides guided visits to the UNESCO-listed ruins, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palace, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Guests will be picked up from Galle or Hikkaduwa and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour includes bottled water, a professional English-speaking driver, and a knowledgeable guide to provide insights into the site’s rich heritage.
While food and entrance fees aren’t included, visitors can enjoy seasonal fruits during the tour.
Important considerations include the tour’s unsuitability for those with certain medical conditions and the need to cover up when visiting temples.
With free cancellation and a reserve-now-pay-later option, this guided tour promises an unforgettable journey through Polonnaruwa’s ancient wonders.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Galle Review
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Polonnaruwa: Explore by Tuk-Tuk Tour
Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a tuk-tuk tour provides a unique and immersive experience. This half-day tour allows visitors to cover the key sites of the medieval capital in a cost-effective and flexible manner.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, the Dambulla/Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Park Jeep Safari tour is a 12-hour excursion that includes pickup and covers the major attractions of Polonnaruwa at $89.08 – $75.72 per person.
Alternatively, the From Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour/Day Tour is an 8-hour option priced at $69.87 – $66.38 per person. This tour provides a guided exploration of the site’s impressive archeological wonders.
For a more immersive cycling experience, the Polonnaruwa: All Inclusive Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour offers a 4-hour small group tour at $85.00 per person.
These tuk-tuk tours allow visitors to navigate the expansive ruins of Polonnaruwa at their own pace, providing an intimate and memorable way to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa: Explore by Tuk-Tuk Tour Review
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Guided Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour From Kandy
While visiting the cultural capital of Kandy, travelers can embark on a guided tour to discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour from Kandy is an 8-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the well-preserved medieval capital. With pickup service available, the tour provides a hassle-free experience. Priced at $83.84 per person, the tour includes a guided walk through the impressive archaeological site, showcasing the impressive architecture and historical significance of the ruins.
Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings, towering stupas, and the iconic Gal Vihara, a series of four massive Buddha statues carved out of a single rock. The tour also offers the opportunity to witness the ancient irrigation system and visit the Thivanka Image House, known for its beautiful frescoes.
This comprehensive guided tour is an excellent way to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the grandeur of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Read our full review: Guided Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour From Kandy Review
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Kaluthara
Travelers seeking to uncover the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa can embark on a guided tour from the coastal town of Kaluthara. This private tour offers an in-depth exploration of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour duration is 1 day, with pickup and dropoff services available. The tour price is $70.00 per person and includes a private guide who’ll share the rich history and significance of the archaeological ruins.
Highlights include the impressive Quadrangle, the Vatadage (a circular relic house), and the massive Buddha statues. Visitors can also explore the ancient royal palace, temples, and irrigation systems that made Polonnaruwa a thriving medieval capital.
This tour provides a convenient way for travelers based in Kaluthara to experience the grandeur of Polonnaruwa. With a knowledgeable guide and a personalized itinerary, visitors can explore the captivating past of this remarkable Sri Lankan UNESCO site.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Kaluthara Review
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Private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Colombo
Those based in Colombo can embark on a private guided tour to uncover the majestic wonders of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City.
This 14-hour experience takes travelers on a journey to explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, intricate statues, stupas, and historical grandeur with expert guides. Priced at SEK1,966 for up to 3 participants, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and seasonal fruits.
Visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the royal palace, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and convenience. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain health conditions.
Participants should dress appropriately and bring necessary items such as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cameras to capture the ancient wonders.
Read our full review: Private Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Colombo Review
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Polannaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Kandy
For those looking to explore the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa from Kandy, a guided tour offers a convenient and comprehensive experience. Priced at €11426 for a group of up to 3 participants, the 12-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off in Kandy and Matale, as well as a guided journey through the UNESCO-listed ruins.
Highlights include visiting the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and exploring the royal palaces by bicycle. The tour also features free time for independent sightseeing and a local lunch, though the latter incurs an additional fee.
Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes bottled water, seasonal fruits, and an English-speaking driver and guide.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain health conditions, it does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Based on positive customer reviews, the tour provides an engaging and accommodating experience for exploring the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa.
Read our full review: Polannaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Kandy Review
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Bentota
Exploring the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa from Bentota is made easy with a guided tour. Travelers can choose from a variety of options, from day trips to multi-day tours.
A popular choice is the 8-hour Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour, which includes pickup from Bentota. Priced at €66.53 per person, this tour covers the key sights of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site, such as the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and the Quadrangle.
For a more immersive experience, the Polonnaruwa Ancient City Private Day Tour takes visitors off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. This new activity, priced at €28.56 per person, offers a personalized exploration of the ancient city.
Alternatively, travelers can combine a Polonnaruwa tour with a Minneriya National Park safari to see both cultural and natural wonders. Prices for this 8-hour Polonnaruwa and Minneriya tour start at €79.83 per person.
With these diverse options, Bentota visitors can easily incorporate a Polonnaruwa adventure into their Sri Lankan itinerary.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Bentota Review
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour With Minneriya Elephant Safari
Visitors seeking to uncover the captivating history of Polonnaruwa and witness the majestic elephants of Minneriya National Park can embark on an 8-hour guided tour from Bentota. This tour offers a 10% discount, with prices starting at €71.85 per person.
Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, marveling at the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara’s colossal Buddha statues, and the sacred Quadrangle. The highlight of the tour is the Minneriya Elephant Safari, renowned for the annual “Gathering” of elephants.
Experienced naturalists guide visitors on a 4×4 jeep, providing insights into the ecosystem and allowing close encounters with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, entrance fees, refreshments, and lunch.
While a guide for the Polonnaruwa ruins is optional, the overall tour has received excellent reviews, with travelers praising the flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and abundant elephant sightings.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour With Minneriya Elephant Safari Review
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Hikkaduwa
What better way to take in Polonnaruwa’s ancient splendor than on a guided tour from Hikkaduwa? This 1-day experience takes visitors on a journey through the UNESCO-listed ruins, with a knowledgeable guide to bring the site’s rich history to life.
Pickup from Hikkaduwa is available, ensuring a seamless start to the day. Highlights include exploring the Quadrangle, the Royal Palace, and the iconic Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
Visitors can marvel at the engineering feats of the ancient Sinhalese civilization, from the vast irrigation systems to the intricate carvings. The tour also includes a stop at the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum, providing context and insights into the site’s significance.
With a duration of around 8 hours and starting from Kč717 per person, this guided tour offers an immersive and affordable way to discover the wonders of Polonnaruwa.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it’s an ideal addition to any Sri Lankan itinerary.
Read our full review: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Hikkaduwa Review
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Recap
Polonnaruwa offers a range of guided tours that allow visitors to explore its ancient city. These tours depart from various cities, including Galle, Kandy, Kalutara, Colombo, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa. Visitors can choose from options that include a tuk-tuk tour, a private guided tour, or a combination with an elephant safari. Each tour provides an immersive experience to discover the historical and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.