Exploring the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa is a must-do for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The guided tour from Bentota offers an immersive 15-hour experience, inviting travelers to uncover the UNESCO-listed site‘s rich heritage. With an expert guide leading the way, participants can cycle through the historic streets, marveling at the majestic royal palace and the intricate rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara. Flexible payment options and a free cancellation policy make this tour an attractive choice for those seeking a truly enriching cultural adventure. But what else does this tour have to offer? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Points
- Guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Bentota, lasting approximately 15 hours and priced at £236.37 for up to 3 participants.
- 3-hour guided sightseeing experience featuring the grandeur of the royal palace, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and cycling through ancient streets.
- Opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa ruins and learn about the history and cultural significance from an expert English-speaking guide.
- Includes shared air-conditioned vehicle transfer and provides flexibility to pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tour highlights the engineering marvels, architectural wonders, and irrigation systems of the ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Tour Overview
This guided tour of Polonnaruwa ancient city offers visitors an immersive experience, departing from Bentota and lasting approximately 15 hours.
Priced at £236.37 for a group of up to 3 participants, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the UNESCO-listed ruins. Guests can cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes 3 hours of guided sightseeing, allowing visitors to marvel at the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and discover the grandeur of the royal palace.
With the flexibility to pay later, this tour presents an excellent opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
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Itinerary Details
The tour commences with a pickup from Bentota, where guests embark on a journey to explore the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, spending approximately 3 hours on a guided sightseeing experience.
The itinerary highlights include:
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Witnessing the grandeur of the royal palace and its exquisite architectural features
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Admiring the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara, a remarkable collection of rock-cut Buddhas
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Cycling through the ancient streets and discovering the Parakrama Samudra reservoir
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Gaining insights into Polonnaruwa’s rich heritage from the expert, English-speaking guide
After the tour, guests will be returned to their starting point in Bentota, having experienced the stunning historical wonders of this ancient city.
Highlights and Attractions
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, visitors can witness the grandeur of the royal palace and its exquisite architectural features.
The highlight of the tour is the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara – a remarkable set of rock-cut Buddha statues that showcase the exceptional skill of ancient Lankan craftsmen.
Cycling through the ancient streets, guests will also discover the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, a stunning feat of engineering from the 12th century.
With the expert guidance of local hosts, travelers can explore the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable site, uncovering the stories and significance behind each impressive ruin and monument.
Transportation and Pickup
Shared air-conditioned vehicle transfers guests from Bentota to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, with pickup available 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
The operator will confirm the pickup time, and additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations. For efficient communication, it’s recommended to provide WhatsApp contact details.
The tour’s transportation features include:
- Shared transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup location at Bentota
- Guests advised to arrive 10 minutes early
- Operator confirmation of pickup time and potential extra charges for alternate drop-off points
This convenient and comfortable transportation ensures a seamless journey to explore the wonders of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyExclusions and Limitations
Although the tour includes various amenities, certain expenses aren’t covered.
Food and drinks beyond the specified bottled water and seasonal fruits aren’t included in the package price. Plus, visitors are responsible for gratuities and entrance fees to any sites visited during the tour.
On top of that, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as back or heart problems, or those suffering from colds. The tour operator recommends checking with them for any specific limitations or exclusions before booking.
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Duration and Price
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour from Bentota offers a full-day experience, lasting approximately 15 hours, and is priced at £236.37 per group of up to 3 participants.
This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, admire the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and discover the grandeur of the royal palace.
The tour includes:
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Shared air-conditioned vehicle transfer
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Bottled water and seasonal fruits (subject to availability)
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Professional English-speaking driver
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Knowledgeable guides who provide insights into Polonnaruwa’s rich heritage
With the option to pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable exploration of this historic site.
Cancellation Policy
This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund should plans change. This flexible policy ensures you can book with confidence, knowing you won’t be penalized for unforeseen circumstances.
| Cancellation Period | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 hours | 100% |
| Less than 24 hours | No refund |
| No-show | No refund |
| Date change | Allowed |
| Partial cancellation | No refund |
With this worry-free cancellation option, you can plan your Polonnaruwa adventure with peace of mind.
Tour Experience Features
Visitors can cycle through the ancient streets of Polonnaruwa and witness the grandeur of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir during this comprehensive tour. Expert guides provide invaluable insights into the rich heritage of this UNESCO-listed site, bringing the ruins and royal palace grandeur to life.
The tour experience features:
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Exploration of the magnificent Gal Vihara, home to the iconic rock-cut Buddha statues
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An in-depth look at the engineering marvels and architectural wonders of the ancient city
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Discovery of the complex irrigation systems and advanced hydraulic engineering of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom
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Opportunities to learn about the cultural significance and historical importance of this remarkable archaeological site
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is focused on exploring the ancient ruins and requires walking. For the safety and comfort of all participants, only service animals are permitted.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
The tour is primarily offered in English, but the operator may accommodate other languages upon request, subject to availability of multilingual guides. Guests should inquire about language options when booking the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome, though the activity may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions. The tour provider can provide more details upon booking.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
The tour provider generally offers a set itinerary, but they may be able to accommodate some customization requests if communicated in advance. Customers should inquire about the flexibility of the tour to suit their preferences.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Participants should dress appropriately for the warm, tropical climate and be prepared for activities such as walking and cycling through the ancient ruins.
Recap
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Bentota offers an enriching cultural experience, featuring a comprehensive exploration of the UNESCO-listed site.
Visitors can enjoy a guided cycling experience through ancient streets, learning about the rich heritage and architectural marvels from an expert English-speaking guide.
With flexible payment options and a free cancellation policy, this tour provides an opportunity to take in the captivating history of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
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