Day Tour From Kandy to Sigiriya, Dambulla & Polonnaruwa Kingdom

Exploring the UNESCO-listed wonders of central Sri Lanka is a captivating journey that transports travelers back in time. From the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple and the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, this day tour from Kandy promises an immersive cultural experience. With the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking driver, visitors can explore the rich history and architectural marvels that have shaped the island nation. But the real question is, what secrets and stories lie hidden within these ancient sites, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• This private day tour from Kandy explores the UNESCO sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, lunch, and all entrance fees, starting at $75 per person.
• Highlights include climbing the 1,200 steps of Sigiriya, admiring the intricate Buddhist murals and statues in Dambulla, and discovering the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but can accommodate most travelers, with the exception of pregnant individuals.
• Pickup is provided from Kandy hotels at 7:00 AM, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage throughout the day.

Tour Overview

This day tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore three renowned historical sites in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

The tour is a private activity, with only the group’s participants, and starts at 7:00 am with pickup from hotels in Kandy. The price starts at $75.00 per person, varying by group size.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, all entrance fees, and lunch.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, but infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate.

With a 5.0 rating from a single review, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Inclusions

As part of the day tour, the inclusions feature an air-conditioned vehicle for private transportation.

The tour also includes an English-speaking driver to guide the group throughout the journey. Bottled water is provided for the travelers’ convenience.

All entrance fees to the historical sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa Kingdom are covered. Lunch is also included, ensuring the participants can refuel during their exploration of these remarkable destinations.

With these comprehensive inclusions, the day tour offers a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for visitors seeking to discover the cultural and archaeological wonders of central Sri Lanka.

Pickup Details

The tour’s pickup information indicates that travelers will be collected from all their hotels in Kandy. The tour starts at 7:00 AM, ensuring an early start to the day’s activities.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time
Kandy Hotels	7:00 AM
Start Time	7:00 AM

This convenient pickup service eliminates the need for travelers to arrange their own transportation, making the day tour seamless and hassle-free. With the tour’s inclusions, such as private transportation and an English-speaking driver, participants can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning landscapes and cultural highlights of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

Participant Information

According to the tour details, you will receive confirmation of their booking upon reservation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Most travelers can participate, though it isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

The key participant information is:

• Confirmation received at booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Most travelers can participate

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an ancient rock fortress that stands tall at 660 feet (200 meters) above the surrounding plains.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century AD and was once the palace of King Kasyapa.

Visitors can climb the 1,200 steps to the top, where they’ll find the remains of the royal gardens, pools, and palace.

Along the way, they’ll marvel at the frescoes adorning the rock walls and the famous "Lion Staircase," which leads to the fortress’ entrance.

Sigiriya is renowned for its engineering feats, sophisticated hydraulic system, and stunning views overlooking the lush Sri Lankan countryside.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla’s cave temple is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a history that dates back to the 1st century BC.

The temple complex consists of five caves, housing an impressive collection of Buddhist murals and over 150 statues of the Buddha.

Highlights include:

• The colossal reclining Buddha statue, measuring 14 meters in length
• Intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha
• Numerous Buddha images carved into the cave walls, some dating back over 2,000 years
• The stunning view from the top of the rock, overlooking the surrounding countryside

Visitors can explore the caves and marvel at the artistic and religious significance of this extraordinary site, a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

After exploring the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, the tour proceeds to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries.

Visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, temples, and monuments, including the magnificent Gal Vihara, a collection of four Buddha statues carved directly from rock.

The tour provides an opportunity to step back in time and gain insights into the architectural and cultural achievements of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

With the guidance of the knowledgeable driver, travelers can fully enjoy the rich history and grandeur of this ancient site.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical sites, beginning with the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the remains of an ancient palace and gardens atop a dramatic 200-meter-high rock.

Next, the tour explores the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to a series of impressive Buddha statues and murals spanning over 2,000 years.

The final stop is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and Vatadage.

Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and marvel at the architectural wonders of these remarkable destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, based on the tour overview and inclusions, it can be inferred that the tour is a full-day excursion, likely lasting around 8-10 hours from the 7:00 am pickup time.

Are Any Meals Provided Other Than Lunch?

The tour includes bottled water as an additional meal provision beyond lunch. No other meals are provided as part of the tour package.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to include additional sites, but this may incur extra costs. Travlers should inquire with the tour provider about the possibility and pricing for adding additional stops to the itinerary.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. Light, sun-protective attire is advisable given the tropical climate.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

According to the tour overview, there are no age restrictions for participants. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and infant seats are available. However, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the nature of the activities.

Recap

This captivating day tour from Kandy allows visitors to explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Travelers will be transported in comfort and enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich history and architectural wonders, guided by an English-speaking driver throughout the journey.