Embarking on a journey through Sri Lanka’s storied past, the Dambulla Cave and Polonnaruwa All-Inclusive Day Tour from Kandy offers visitors a chance to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage. Spanning two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this comprehensive tour showcases the breathtaking Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, known for its remarkable architectural marvels. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delectable lunch included, the tour promises a seamless and insightful experience. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the intriguing histories that have shaped this captivating region.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion from Kandy visits the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, admission tickets, a private English-speaking guide, and a complimentary lunch.
- Highlights at Dambulla include exploring the five cave temples and seeing the impressive 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
- In Polonnaruwa, the tour features the ancient city’s remarkable architecture, including the Vatadage and colossal Gal Vihara statues.
- The tour is priced from $255.56 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to two of Sri Lanka’s most significant archaeological sites – the Dambulla Cave Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Operated by Classical Lanka Tours, the tour includes round-trip transportation, admission tickets, and a private English-speaking guide. Guests will explore the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive rock carvings and Buddha statues.
They’ll then travel to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, to discover the Vatadage, Gal Vihara, and other well-preserved ruins.
With complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi, and a private air-conditioned vehicle, the tour offers a comfortable and immersive experience.
Priced from $255.56, the tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kandy.
Included Experiences
This day tour includes a comprehensive exploration of two of Sri Lanka’s most renowned archaeological sites. Guests will visit the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with five magnificent cave temples.
Next, they’ll discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, featuring:
- The Vatadage, a circular relic house with intricate stone carvings
- Gal Vihara, a series of four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite
- Lankathilaka Image House, a majestic rock-carved temple
- Medirigiriya Vatadage, a well-preserved circular relic house
The tour also includes admission fees, private air-conditioned transportation, a delicious lunch, and professional guide services, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Pickup and Schedule
Pickup points are available for this tour, allowing guests to conveniently join the experience. The tour starts at 6:30 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day. The tour duration is approximately 8-9 hours, providing ample time to explore the historical sites.
Pickup Points | Start Time | Tour Duration |
---|---|---|
Multiple locations in Kandy | 6:30 am | 8-9 hours |
This all-inclusive tour includes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey throughout the day. With the tour’s prompt start time, guests can look forward to a comprehensive exploration of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, two of Sri Lanka’s most renowned archaeological wonders.
Accessibility and Participation
This tour is wheelchair accessible, with the transportation provided being wheelchair-friendly.
Infant seats are also available for those traveling with small children. Most travelers can participate in this tour, regardless of age or mobility levels.
The tour offers:
- Wheelchair-accessible Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa sites
- Assistance for those who need extra help navigating the historical sites
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey
- Ample breaks and lunch to ensure a leisurely, enjoyable experience
- Flexibility to accommodate the needs of travelers with various accessibility requirements.
Tour Pricing and Booking
The tour pricing for this Dambulla Cave and Polonnaruwa Day Tour starts at $255.56 per person, with the final cost varying depending on the group size.
Booking this all-inclusive tour includes entrance tickets to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka Image House, and Medirigiriya Vatadage.
Travelers also receive private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, and a complimentary lunch.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Customers have the option to reserve now and pay later for this comprehensive tour in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Highlights of Dambulla
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is one of the highlights of this comprehensive day tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 80 caves, with 5 main caves housing an incredible collection of Buddhist statues and murals dating back to the 1st century BC.
Some key highlights include:
- Impressive statues of Buddha in various poses, including a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha
- Elaborately painted cave ceilings depicting religious scenes and the life of Buddha
- Ancient rock inscriptions providing insights into Sri Lanka’s history
- Stunning views overlooking the surrounding plains and countryside
- Opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and cultural legacy.
Exploring Polonnaruwa
After exploring the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, the tour continues to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries. Visitors can marvel at the impressive Vatadage, a circular relic house, and the colossal Gal Vihara, a series of four massive Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.
The Lankathilaka Image House, with its towering walls and ornate frescoes, also showcases the architectural prowess of the Polonnaruwa kingdom. The tour also includes a visit to the Medirigiriya Vatadage, another well-preserved relic house.
Throughout the site, travelers can uncover the remarkable history and engineering feats of this ancient capital.
Reasons to Book
With its comprehensive coverage of two of Sri Lanka’s top historical sites, the Dambulla Cave and Polonnaruwa Day Tour offers a compelling reason to book. Priced affordably from $255.56, the tour includes all-inclusive access to key attractions like the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins.
Travelers will appreciate the convenience of private transportation, entrance tickets, and a delicious lunch – all seamlessly arranged. The tour’s flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, gives added peace of mind.
Key reasons to book this tour include:
- Extensive sightseeing of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- All-inclusive experience with no hidden costs
- Private transportation for a personalized journey
- Knowledgeable guide to bring the history to life
- Flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours prior
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?
The tour guide is likely fluent in English, as the tour is operated by Classical Lanka Tours which caters to international travelers. Fluency in English is typically expected for guides leading this type of all-inclusive day tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes bottled water and a provided lunch, so outside food and drinks are not permitted. All-inclusive means the tour provider handles all meals and refreshments.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?
The tour allocates a specific amount of time for each site visit, allowing visitors to fully explore the historical and cultural significance of the Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins. The schedule is designed to provide an immersive experience within the allocated duration.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour offers a set itinerary and duration, but there’s no option to extend the tour. Travelers who want more time can consider booking a private tour or exploring sites independently after the scheduled tour ends.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?
The tour is all-inclusive, with no additional fees or hidden costs. The price includes all entrance tickets, transportation, lunch, and other amenities as listed. Customers can expect a hassle-free experience without any surprise expenses.
Recap
The Dambulla Cave and Polonnaruwa All-Inclusive Day Tour from Kandy offers an exceptional opportunity to discover Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides a seamless and enriching journey through Sri Lanka’s captivating history and architectural wonders.
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