Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Hikkaduwa

Exploring the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa is a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. This guided tour from Hikkaduwa offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the UNESCO-listed ruins and uncover the secrets of this former capital. From the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas to the remnants of grand royal palaces, the tour promises to transport participants back in time. With an expert guide to share insights and an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable experience, this excursion promises to leave travelers with a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s remarkable past. But the true allure lies in the chance to witness the grandeur of Polonnaruwa firsthand.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City from Hikkaduwa, priced at €274.66 per group (up to 3 participants), with a 15-hour duration and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include exploration of UNESCO-listed ruins, such as Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, royal palaces, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir, with insights provided by an expert guide.
• Tour package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and seasonal fruits, ensuring a comfortable journey.
• Pickup available in Hikkaduwa, with guests required to provide WhatsApp contact details for communication, and additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.
• Tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back/heart issues, or those prone to motion sickness, as the ancient ruins and long drives may pose challenges.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa from Hikkaduwa is priced at €274.66 per group for up to 3 participants, with a duration of 15 hours and the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers don’t need to pay upfront, as they can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at their hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking driver, bottled water, and seasonal fruits.

Visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, admire the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and discover the royal palaces and Parakrama Samudra reservoir, with an expert guide providing insights into Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.

Itinerary and Experience

The Polonnaruwa ancient city guided tour commences with a pickup from the travelers’ hotel in Hikkaduwa.

During the 15-hour excursion, the highlight is a 3-hour guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed ruins. Here, visitors can marvel at the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and uncover the grandeur of the royal palaces and Parakrama Samudra reservoir. An expert guide provides valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s captivating historical and cultural heritage.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy bottled water and seasonal fruits, while the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour package includes bottled water, a professional English-speaking driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, which is shared with other participants.

Plus, the tour includes:

• Seasonal fruits, subject to availability

• A special guide at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to provide insights into Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural heritage

• Entrance fees for the sites visited during the tour

• Gratuities for the driver and guide

• Food and drinks, unless specified otherwise

The tour excludes any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions, so travelers should budget accordingly for meals and any additional activities or purchases they wish to make during the tour.

Pickup and Communication

Pickup is available in Hikkaduwa, and travelers should arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the selected pickup time. Early or late pickup isn’t possible, so it’s essential to be on time.

To ensure smooth communication, guests are asked to provide their WhatsApp contact details. This allows the tour operator to stay in touch and address any questions or concerns that may arise.

However, travelers should note that additional charges may apply if they request a different drop-off location than the one specified.

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Participant Restrictions

This tour may not be suitable for certain participants, including pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, people with animal allergies, those who’ve recently undergone surgery, or travelers prone to motion sickness.

To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, the following individuals are advised to refrain from this tour:

• Pregnant women

• Persons with back or heart conditions

• Those with allergies to animals

• Individuals who’ve recently undergone surgery

• Travelers susceptible to motion sickness

The ancient ruins and long drive may pose challenges for these groups.

The tour operator kindly requests guests to consider their physical limitations before booking to have the best possible experience.

Explore UNESCO-listed Ruins

Visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City will be captivated by the well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s illustrious past.

This former capital city boasts a remarkable array of ancient structures, including royal palaces, temples, and the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas.

Wandering through the expansive archaeological site, guests will marvel at the architectural sophistication and intricate carvings that showcase the ingenuity of the Polonnaruwa civilisation.

With the guidance of expert local guides, travellers can delve deep into the history and cultural significance of these magnificent ruins, gaining a profound appreciation for Sri Lanka’s remarkable heritage.

Admire Gal Vihara Buddhas

Among the most captivating highlights of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour is the Gal Vihara, a magnificent ensemble of four colossal Buddha statues carved directly from a single granite rock face.

These immense rock-cut figures exude an aura of tranquility and spiritual power, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Sri Lanka’s medieval artists. Visitors can admire:

• The towering 15-meter Recumbent Buddha, lying in a serene pose

• The standing Buddha, radiating inner peace

• The seated Buddha, deep in meditation

• The smaller Buddha image, carved into the rock itself

These Gal Vihara Buddhas stand as a testament to the cultural and religious significance of Polonnaruwa, inviting visitors to reflect on the region’s rich heritage.

Discover Royal Palaces and Reservoirs

Polonnaruwa’s royal heritage comes alive through the grand palace complexes and awe-inspiring reservoirs that dot the ancient city. Visitors will marvel at the remarkable ruins of the Royal Palace, once the seat of Sri Lankan monarchs.

Nearby, the Parakrama Samudra reservoir impresses with its sheer scale, a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of the time. Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the Polonnaruwa kingdom.

Knowledgeable guides share insights into the architectural styles, historical significance, and cultural traditions associated with these remarkable structures, bringing the past to life.

From the palatial ruins to the expansive reservoirs, these royal landmarks captivate and inspire all who witness them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Single Participant?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a single participant. The pricing is listed per group of up to 3 people, so a single person can join the tour at the same rate.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer tour, which may incur additional fees. The tour operator is flexible and can accommodate custom tour lengths, subject to availability and additional costs.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Additional Languages Besides English?

The tour guides speak additional languages besides English, though the specific languages offered may vary. Customers are encouraged to inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure their needs are accommodated.

How Often Do the Air-Conditioned Vehicles Get Serviced?

The air-conditioned vehicles used for the tour are regularly serviced to ensure they’re functioning properly and provide a comfortable ride for passengers. The service schedule varies based on the vehicle’s mileage and manufacturer recommendations.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The pricing is a flat rate of €274.66 per group of up to 3 participants, regardless of age or student status.

Recap

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Hikkaduwa offers an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich history.

Travelers can discover UNESCO-listed ruins, marvel at the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, and uncover the remains of royal palaces and reservoirs.

With hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an expert guide, this comprehensive tour provides a comfortable and insightful way to experience the cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa.

You can check if your dates are available here: