Fom Colombo: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Uncover the captivating allure of Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders with a captivating day tour from Colombo. Set out on a journey to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the UNESCO-listed city of Polonnaruwa, where you’ll learn about a tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural significance. From the towering Lion Rock to the well-preserved ruins, this excursion promises to transport you back in time and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that defines this enchanting island nation. Prepare to be captivated, for there’s much more to discover beyond the first step of this captivating adventure.

Key Points

• This 12-hour guided tour from Colombo explores the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
• The tour includes pickup from select hotels in Colombo and Mount Lavinia at 5:30 AM, ensuring a timely arrival at the destinations.
• Highlights of the tour include a 3.5-hour guided exploration of Polonnaruwa’s key landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya, as well as the climb up Sigiriya Rock.
• The tour is priced from LKR 4,511 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
• Experienced English and German-speaking guides provide engaging insights into the cultural and historical significance of the sites, enhancing the overall tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This 12-hour tour, priced from LKR 4,511 per person, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Guests will be picked up from their hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, or Colombo 06 at 5:30 AM.

The tour includes a guided 3.5-hour exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a climb up the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Travelers will witness Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage, admiring the architectural marvels and engineering feats of these ancient sites.

The tour includes comfortable transportation, an English/German-speaking guide, and complimentary water and snacks, with the entrance fees and lunch at a local restaurant available as optional extras.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off at 5:30 AM with pickup from hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, or Colombo 06. Guests then arrive at the 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa around 10:00 AM, where they embark on a guided 3.5-hour tour of the site’s key landmarks:

Landmark	Description
Royal Palace	Showcases the architectural brilliance of the era
Gal Viharaya	Houses impressive Buddha statues carved from rock
Lankathilaka Stupa	Exemplifies the skilled craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lanka

After the Polonnaruwa tour, the group proceeds to Sigiriya, where they climb the 660-foot-tall rock fortress and explore the ancient palace ruins and water gardens.

Cultural and Historical Significance

After exploring the impressive landmarks of Polonnaruwa, the tour moves on to explore the cultural and historical significance of the sites.

Sigiriya, built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, is renowned for its remarkable lion carving and innovative engineering feats that showcased the advanced capabilities of ancient Sri Lankan architects and craftspeople.

The site’s strategic location atop a towering rock outcrop and its well-preserved palace ruins and water gardens offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the kingdom.

Similarly, Polonnaruwa’s historical craftsmanship and architectural brilliance are evident in the intricate details and design of its iconic structures, demonstrating the cultural sophistication of the era.

Transportation and Guiding

For this tour, travelers are provided with an air-conditioned luxury private vehicle to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. The vehicle will pick up guests from their hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, or Colombo 06 at 5:30 AM, allowing them to reach the historic sites of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya at the scheduled times.

Tour Guide	Language Proficiency
Experienced	English and German
Knowledgeable	Provide insights into
Engaging	Sri Lankan history and culture

The tour guide accompanying the group is fluent in both English and German, ensuring that all guests can fully appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of the sites visited.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Refreshments and Taxes

Complimentary bottled water and light snacks are provided throughout the tour to keep travelers refreshed.

Refreshments are an essential part of the tour, as the day involves a considerable amount of sightseeing and exploration. The tour organizers understand the importance of staying hydrated and energized, especially in the warm Sri Lankan climate.

All applicable government taxes are included in the tour price, ensuring a hassle-free experience. By including the taxes in the overall price, customers don’t have to worry about any hidden or additional costs, allowing them to focus on enjoying the rich cultural and historical experiences.

Exclusions

While the tour price covers transportation, guiding, and taxes, visitors are responsible for paying the entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

Lunch at a local restaurant is also not included in the tour price, allowing travelers the flexibility to choose their own dining options.

Plus, gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t part of the included costs, giving participants the opportunity to reward exceptional service at their discretion.

Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the tour inclusions are also the responsibility of the travelers.

Cancellation and Reservations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing travelers the flexibility to adjust their plans. Visitors can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, simply paying later to secure their place on the excursion.

This convenient reservation policy includes the following benefits:

1. No need to pay immediately – book now and pay later.

2. Flexibility to cancel for a full refund with 24 hours’ notice.

3. Secure your preferred travel dates without an upfront financial commitment.

4. Hassle-free booking process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

With these flexible cancellation and reservation options, travelers can plan their Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa adventure with confidence.

Pickup Locations

The tour offers pickup services from select hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, and Colombo 06, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Guests will be picked up at 5:30 AM from their accommodations in these areas, allowing them to begin their exploration of the ancient wonders without the hassle of transportation.

This convenient pickup service eliminates the need for participants to make their own way to the starting point, making the tour accessible and stress-free.

Whether you’re staying in the heart of the city or along the coastal suburbs, the tour ensures a smooth and efficient beginning to your journey through Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though children may require assistance when climbing Sigiriya Rock. The tour includes pickup and drop-off service for convenience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, complimentary water and snacks are provided during the sightseeing portions of the itinerary.

Is There a Dress Code to Visit the Historical Sites?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are expected to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting the historical sites. Loose, comfortable attire is recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour on the Day?

Extending the tour duration on the day may be possible, but it’s best to check with the tour provider in advance. They can advise if it’s feasible and provide the additional cost, if any. Flexibility in tour length may depend on availability and logistics.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites Along the Way?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention additional site visits, but you can inquire with the tour provider about customizing the tour to include extra stops along the way. They may be able to accommodate your request for a longer or modified tour.

Recap

This captivating tour from Colombo to Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore the iconic Sigiriya Fortress, marvel at the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa, and enjoy comfortable transportation with complimentary refreshments.

It’s an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s historical marvels that shouldn’t be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: