Fom Dambulla: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Embark on an enriching day trip from the cultural hub of Dambulla to explore the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Sri Lanka’s captivating history and heritage. With a luxury vehicle providing comfortable transportation, travelers can look forward to discovering the stunning architecture and colossal Buddha statues of Polonnaruwa, before ascending the 1,200 steps of Sigiriya for breathtaking panoramic vistas. From these ancient wonders, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s remarkable past and the enduring legacies that continue to captivate the modern-day explorer.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, departing from Dambulla.
• The 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation in an air-conditioned private vehicle, guided visits to key sites, and entrance fees.
• Highlights include the Royal Palace, Nissankamalla Palace, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka, and Vatadage in Polonnaruwa, followed by a climb to the summit of Sigiriya Rock.
• The tour is led by an English or German-speaking guide, providing insights into the historical and cultural significance of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The package offers flexibility, with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour, priced at $140.00 per person, offers an 8-hour duration with the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can also choose the ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option.

The tour includes hotel pickup from Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama, and provides air-conditioned luxury private transportation, entrance fees, an English/German-speaking guide, and complimentary refreshments and water.

Lunch at a local restaurant, gratuities, and any changes to the itinerary aren’t included.

This comprehensive tour showcases the engineering marvels and cultural significance of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, making it an exceptional value for visitors to Sri Lanka.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at 8:00 AM with hotel pickup from Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama, before departing for the 12th-century World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa at 9:00 AM.

Upon arrival, guests embark on a guided 3.5-hour tour of the ancient city, exploring highlights such as:

• The impressive Royal Palace and Nissankamalla Palace

• The awe-inspiring Gal Viharaya, home to four colossal Buddha statues carved out of solid granite

• The majestic Lankathilaka and Vatadage, showcasing the architectural prowess of the era

After the Polonnaruwa visit, the tour proceeds to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where guests can climb 1,200 steps to the ancient palace ruins and take in breathtaking panoramic views.

Transportation and Inclusives

After exploring the highlights of Polonnaruwa, the tour provides comfortable air-conditioned transportation to the next destination – the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The package includes entrance fees to both Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, ensuring a hassle-free experience. An English or German-speaking guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and cultural significance throughout the journey.

Fuel surcharges, driver fees, and parking costs are all covered, leaving you with no additional expenses. Complimentary refreshments and water are provided to keep you hydrated during the day.

This comprehensive tour offers exceptional value, with all the transportation and entry fees taken care of so you can focus on enjoying Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Cultural Significance

Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa represent two of Sri Lanka’s most significant historical and cultural sites, showcasing the country’s remarkable engineering accomplishments and architectural prowess of bygone eras.

Sigiriya, the 5th-century rock fortress, is a marvel of innovative design and construction, demonstrating the ingenuity of its builders.

Polonnaruwa, the 12th-century ancient capital, boasts an impressive array of well-preserved structures that exemplify the sophistication of Sri Lankan craftsmanship during its golden age.

These sites hold immense cultural value, as they:

• Provide insights into the advanced civilizations that flourished in Sri Lanka centuries ago

• Reflect the country’s rich heritage and the resilience of its people

• Inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Hotel Pick-up and Departure

Departing at 8 AM, the tour provides hotel pick-up from Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama to commence the day’s exploration of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.

The air-conditioned luxury private vehicle transports guests to the 12th-century World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where a 3.5-hour guided tour awaits. After visiting the site’s highlights, including the Royal Palace and ancient statues, the group departs for the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

This 5th-century engineering marvel stands 660 feet tall, and guests will have the opportunity to ascend 1200 steps to the summit, taking in breathtaking views along the way.

With entrance fees, guide services, and transportation all included, this comprehensive tour provides a seamless experience to discover Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Guided Tour of Polonnaruwa

Upon arrival at Polonnaruwa, the guided tour typically begins with an in-depth exploration of the Royal Palace complex, showcasing the remarkable architectural prowess of the 12th-century Polonnaruwa kingdom.

The tour then moves on to other highlights, including:

• The Nissankamalla Palace, known for its intricate stone carvings and imposing facade

• The Gal Vihara, a series of four massive Buddha statues carved directly into the rock

• The Lankathilaka and Vatadage structures, renowned for their exquisite religious symbolism and artistic design

Throughout the 3.5-hour tour, the expert guide shares insights into the history, culture, and significance of each site, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Polonnaruwa’s enduring legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

After exploring the well-preserved ruins and architectural marvels of Polonnaruwa, the tour takes visitors to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century engineering masterpiece that sits atop a towering rock formation.

Ascending the 1,200 steps to the summit, guests are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. The climb offers a glimpse into the ancient palace ruins, intricate water gardens, and the famous lion carving that once guarded the entrance.

Sigiriya’s historical significance and impressive engineering feats make it a must-see attraction, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and the ingenuity of its past civilizations.

Additional Information

The tour package doesn’t include lunch at a local restaurant, as that cost isn’t covered in the package price. Gratuities for the guide and driver are also not included, allowing guests to provide their own discretionary tips.

Plus, the provided itinerary is subject to change and is for reference only, as tour schedules may vary depending on factors such as traffic or weather conditions.

The tour’s flexibility allows for adjustments to accommodate unexpected circumstances:

• Guests can choose to enjoy lunch at their own expense, allowing for more personalized dining experiences.

• Tipping the guide and driver is optional, giving visitors the freedom to reward exceptional service at their discretion.

• The itinerary serves as a general outline, subject to modification to ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Smaller Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a smaller group. The pricing listed is per person, so the total cost would be lower for a smaller group. Customers can check availability and book the tour directly with the tour provider.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounted rates for children or seniors. The price of $140 per person is a flat rate regardless of age. However, children under 5 years old can join the tour for free.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Meet My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator can customize the itinerary to meet guests’ preferences. They’ll work with you to adjust the schedule, activities, and durations to suit your interests and needs within the overall tour framework.

What Should I Bring for the Sigiriya Rock Climb?

When climbing Sigiriya Rock, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a hat or sunscreen to protect against the sun. Bringing a lightweight backpack can also be helpful for carrying essentials during the ascent.

Are There Any Recommended Restaurants Near the Sites?

The tour doesn’t include lunch, but there are several highly-rated local restaurants near Sigiriya Rock and the Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Visitors can ask their guide for recommendations on the best places to eat during the tour.

Recap

This day trip from Dambulla offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, uncovering architectural marvels and gaining insights into the country’s heritage.

With hotel pickup, transportation, and a guided tour, the experience is both convenient and enriching, allowing travelers to make the most of their time and discover the wonders of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: