Fom Negombo: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Set out on a captivating journey from Negombo and explore two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This immersive tour offers a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural heritage, complete with insightful commentary and stunning vistas. Discover the architectural marvel of Sigiriya, towering 660 feet high, and uncover the well-preserved relics of Polonnaruwa’s Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Sri Lanka’s remarkable past.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Negombo explores the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and covers landmark attractions like the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and the Sigiriya rock summit.
• Visitors can marvel at the architectural marvels, innovative irrigation systems, and ancient engineering prowess of these historical sites.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, enhancing the booking experience.
• Highlights of the tour include breathtaking views from Sigiriya Rock and a guided exploration of Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers an immersive exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka – the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the historic city of Polonnaruwa, providing visitors a glimpse into the architectural and cultural brilliance of the country’s past.

Priced reasonably from €169.37 per person, the 12-hour experience includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and comprehensive sightseeing across the two iconic destinations.

Highlights encompass the majestic Sigiriya Rock, remnants of royal palaces, and archaeological wonders in Polonnaruwa.

With a flexible cancellation policy and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching Sri Lankan adventure.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a 5:30 AM pickup from the hotel, followed by an arrival at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa around 10 AM.

Visitors then embark on a 3.5-hour guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring key landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Nissankamulla Palace, Gal Viharaya, Thuparama Stupa, Lankathilaka Stupa, Vatadage, Rankoth Vehera, and the Parakramabahu Statue.

After the Polonnaruwa visit, the tour proceeds to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an iconic 5th-century architectural marvel standing at 660 feet tall.

Guests can marvel at the ancient palace ruins, the famous lion carving at the entrance, and the site’s innovative irrigation and archaeological technologies while taking in the breathtaking views from the summit.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Around 10 AM, visitors arrive at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 12th century. This once-thriving capital of medieval Sri Lanka boasts an array of well-preserved architectural marvels that offer a glimpse into the island’s storied past. During the 3.5-hour guided tour, key landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and Lankathilaka Stupa are explored. The tour showcases the site’s innovative irrigation systems, advanced engineering, and intricate stone carvings that exemplify the remarkable achievements of the Polonnaruwan civilization.

Landmark	Description	Significance
Royal Palace	Elaborate multi-story stone structure	Seat of power for Polonnaruwan kings
Gal Viharaya	Four colossal Buddha statues carved into rock	Renowned for their artistic excellence
Lankathilaka Stupa	Towering brick stupa with intricate stone carvings	Important Buddhist shrine and landmark
Vatadage	Circular relic house with ornate stone carvings	Unique architectural style of the period

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

After exploring the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa, visitors then journey to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century.

Standing at an impressive 660 feet tall, this ancient rock citadel was built by King Kashyapa and showcases the architectural brilliance and engineering prowess of the Polonnaruwan civilization.

Guests can marvel at the palace ruins, the impressive lion carving at the entrance, and the remarkable irrigation and archaeological technologies.

As they climb to the top, they’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and well-preserved water gardens.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a true testament to the ingenuity and ambition of ancient Sri Lanka.

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Inclusions

This tour includes transportation by air-conditioned luxury private vehicle, along with an English/German-speaking guide during the sightseeing activities. The fuel surcharge and driver charges are covered, and parking fees are included as well. Refreshments and water are provided complimentarily, and all government taxes are incorporated into the overall price. Plus, entrance fees to both the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Polonnaruwa Ancient City are included. Lunch at a local restaurant is also part of the package, though gratuities are not.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Air-conditioned luxury private vehicle
Guide	English/German-speaking
Other Fees	Fuel surcharge, driver charges, parking fees
Extras	Refreshments, water, government taxes
Admissions	Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Meal	Lunch at local restaurant

Key Features

Travelers can experience the architectural brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka through this tour, which explores two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The tour showcases the innovative irrigation and archaeological technologies that were employed in the construction of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the well-preserved ruins of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City.

Climbers can take in the breathtaking views from atop the 660-foot-tall Sigiriya Rock, while also marveling at the ancient palace ruins and the iconic lion carving at the entrance.

The flexibility of the booking process, with a reserve now and pay later option, makes this an appealing choice for those looking to discover Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing travelers with flexibility in their booking. This cancellation policy is straightforward and generous, allowing customers to adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties. The table below outlines the key details of the cancellation policy:

Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 Hours in Advance
Full Refund	Provided
Flexibility	For Traveler’s Plans
Penalties	None

This hassle-free cancellation option is a significant benefit, ensuring a stress-free booking experience for travelers interested in exploring the ancient wonders of Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa.

Additional Information

Considering that itineraries are subject to change, travelers should verify availability for specific dates and group sizes prior to booking the tour.

The tour operator suggests checking the tour’s availability before reserving, as some dates may be sold out or have limited capacity.

Guests should also be aware that the itinerary is subject to modification due to factors beyond the tour company’s control, such as weather conditions or unexpected closures.

Plus, while gratuities aren’t included in the tour price, they’re customary for the guide and driver to recognize exceptional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided?

The tour provides transportation by an air-conditioned luxury private vehicle. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey for visitors throughout the day’s activities at the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, complimentary refreshments and water are provided. Bringing one’s own snacks or meals is optional, as a lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour package.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and sensible shoes for the walking and climbing involved. Avoid revealing or overly casual attire to be respectful of the cultural sites.

Can I Take Photos at the Sites?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at the sites. However, visitors should refrain from using flash and respect any restrictions or requests from the tour guides or site staff. Capturing the stunning scenery and historical landmarks is encouraged during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be entirely suitable for young children. The long duration, extensive walking, and climbing of Sigiriya Rock could prove challenging. Parents should consider their child’s age, stamina, and interest before booking to ensure a comfortable experience.

Recap

This immersive tour from Negombo offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, marveling at their architectural wonders and rich history.

With insightful commentary and stunning vistas, this experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country’s remarkable past and leave with a deeper appreciation for its remarkable cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: