Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour From Kaluthara

Exploring the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa is a must-do for any visitor to Sri Lanka. This guided tour from Kaluthara promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to uncover the rich history and cultural significance of the UNESCO-listed sites. Led by expert guides, the tour takes visitors through the impressive Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and the remnants of the royal palace, providing insights into the intricate carvings and architecture that have stood the test of time. With convenient transportation and refreshments included, this tour offers a seamless way to explore Sri Lanka’s captivating past. But the true highlight? Discovering the stories that lie within these hallowed grounds.

Key Points

• The guided tour from Kaluthara to Polonnaruwa Ancient City lasts 15 hours and includes UNESCO-listed sites, such as royal palaces and rock-cut Buddhas.
• The tour starts at LKR 6,945 for up to 3 individuals and offers a free cancellation policy and ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
• Guided cycling through the ancient streets, expert insights from guides, and an opportunity to understand Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage are key highlights of the tour.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those with animal allergies or recent surgery due to the guided cycling activity.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a professional English-speaking driver, but excludes food, drinks, entrance fees, and tips.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The guided tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa from Kalutara offers participants a comprehensive experience, with a duration of 15 hours and a starting price of LKR 6,945 for up to 3 individuals.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the tour features a ‘reserve now, pay later‘ option, providing flexibility in booking.

Highlights of the itinerary include exploring the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, statues, stupas, and architectural wonders, as well as visiting the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the royal palace, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with pickup from Kalutara, the starting point of this captivating journey.

Key stops along the way include the majestic Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas, the grand royal palace, and the serene Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Visitors can expect to spend 3 hours exploring the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, statues, stupas, and architectural wonders of this historic site.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Discovering the intricate carvings and statues that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Marveling at the historic grandeur of the royal palaces and their impressive design.

3. Admiring the scenic beauty of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, a testament to ancient engineering.

4. Gaining valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s past from the expert guides leading the tour.

Experience Details

Guided cycling through the ancient streets allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of Polonnaruwa.

Expert guides provide valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s captivating past, bringing the site’s intricate statues, historic royal palaces, and the serene beauty of Parakrama Samudra reservoir to life.

Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed ruins, marveling at the well-preserved structures and impressive stone carvings that showcase the region’s remarkable artistry and engineering.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for Polonnaruwa’s enduring legacy.

Participant Restrictions

Although the tour is suitable for most travelers, there are some participant restrictions to be aware of. Pregnant women, individuals with back problems, those with animal allergies, and people who’ve recently undergone surgery are advised not to join this tour, as the activity level and physical demands may prove challenging for them.

The tour involves guided cycling through ancient streets, which may not be comfortable for certain individuals.

Plus, the operator notes that early or late pickups aren’t possible, so participants must be ready at the specified time.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to provide a WhatsApp contact for better communication with the operator.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Drop-off

Pickup for the tour starts at Kalutara, where you will be collected by the air-conditioned vehicle and transported to the historic Polonnaruwa ancient city.

The pickup process is smooth and convenient, with the driver coordinating the meeting time and location to ensure a seamless start to the excursion.

At the end of the tour, the same vehicle will drop off participants back at their original pickup point in Kalutara.

This door-to-door service allows travelers to focus on the fascinating sights and sounds of the ancient city without worrying about transportation logistics.

The tour provider ensures a hassle-free experience from beginning to end.

Included Amenities

The tour provides several amenities to ensure a comfortable and informative exploration of the Polonnaruwa ancient city. Participants receive bottled water, are accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver, and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle.

Plus, the tour includes:

1. Seasonal fruits, subject to availability, to fuel the exploration.

2. A special guide who provides expert insights into the rich history of the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, statues, stupas, and architectural wonders.

3. The opportunity to explore the intricate statues, historic grandeur of royal palaces, and the beauty of Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

4. The flexibility of a reserve now & pay later option.

Excluded Costs

While the Polonnaruwa ancient city tour includes several amenities, it doesn’t cover food, drinks (unless specified), gratuities, or entrance fees for the sites.

Participants are responsible for covering these additional costs on their own during the excursion. The tour package doesn’t include meals, so visitors will need to budget for their own lunch and snacks while exploring the ruins.

Similarly, any tips or gratuities for the guide or driver aren’t part of the tour price. Entrance fees to the various archaeological sites within the Polonnaruwa complex also need to be paid separately.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Polonnaruwa ancient city tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows guests to book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.

Key points about the cancellation policy include:

1. Cancellation must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour start time.

2. Guests will receive a 100% refund of the total tour price upon cancellation.

3. There are no penalties or fees associated with cancellations made within the 24-hour window.

4. Travelers can easily cancel and receive their refund by contacting the tour operator directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour typically includes a set itinerary, but the operator may be able to accommodate requests to visit specific sites within Polonnaruwa. Guests should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour offers discounted group rates. Groups of up to 3 participants can book the tour for a fixed price of K₵6,945. Larger groups may be eligible for further discounts, so it’s best to inquire with the tour operator.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour organizers recommend comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes for sightseeing. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting religious sites. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also advisable to protect against the sun.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions Within the Ancient City?

The tour generally allows photography within the ancient city, though visitors should avoid flash photography and respect any restrictions indicated by guides or site signage. Photography policies may vary by location, so participants should follow the instructions of the tour leaders.

Can I Request a Private or Semi-Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private or semi-private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Additional fees may apply for private or semi-private tours, so check with the operator for pricing details.

Recap

The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Guided Tour from Kalutara offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Visitors will discover UNESCO-listed sites, marvel at the intricate rock carvings, and gain valuable insights from an expert guide.

With convenient transportation, refreshments, and a flexible itinerary, this tour provides an immersive and comfortable experience for travelers seeking to explore the country’s captivating history.

You can check if your dates are available here: