The Polonnaruwa and Dimbulagala Highlights Tour offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes. Visitors are drawn to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, where they’ll marvel at the Gal Vihara Buddha statues and the impressive Lankathilaka Image House. But the tour’s true gem lies in the serene beauty of Dimbulagala, where towering granite peaks and lush greenery create a tranquil escape. With knowledgeable drivers and comfortable transportation, this private tour ensures a personalized experience that leaves travelers eager to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders.
Key Points
- The tour offers a private day-trip showcasing Sri Lanka’s historical sites of Polonnaruwa and Dimbulagala, with round-trip transportation and an English-speaking driver.
- Polonnaruwa highlights include the Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka Image House, and Parakrama Samudra, providing insights into the region’s rich history and archaeological significance.
- Dimbulagala offers a serene escape with towering granite peaks, lush forests, ancient rock carvings, and diverse wildlife, enhancing the natural experience.
- The tour includes various amenities such as bottled water, passenger insurance, and air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.
- The tour operates daily with a flexible cancellation policy and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for travelers.
Tour Overview
This day-trip to Polonnaruwa and Dimbulagala provides an opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s most captivating historical sites.
The tour is a private experience, ensuring a personalized and exclusive outing for your group. Operated by Lanka Excursions Holidays, the tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and admission tickets to Polonnaruwa.
With a knowledgeable English-speaking driver, you’ll explore the rich history and cultural significance of these ancient sites.
The tour’s flexible cancellation policy, comprehensive inclusions, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for visitors seeking an immersive and hassle-free exploration of Sri Lanka’s remarkable heritage.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Batticaloa.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour provides a comprehensive set of inclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Travelers will receive 1000 ml of bottled drinking water per person, as well as the services of a knowledgeable English-speaking driver. Plus, the tour includes passenger insurance cover of 500,000 LKR per person, along with all fuel costs, parking charges, road tax, and insurance tax.
The air-conditioned vehicle and entrance tickets to Polonnaruwa are also covered.
However, the exclusions include:
- Extra persons beyond the booked group size
- Additional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Food, meals, and beverages other than water
- Replacement vehicle in case of unforeseen events
Pickup and Departure
According to the information provided, travelers have the convenience of being picked up at their hotel lobby or a designated meeting point in Pasikuda Beach.
After the pickup, the tour departs immediately, ensuring an exclusive reservation for the group. The air-conditioned vehicle is equipped with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver, and passengers are covered by a 500,000 LKR insurance policy per person.
The tour operates on a set schedule, with opening hours from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, Monday through Sunday, between January 26, 2024, and July 25, 2025.
Travelers are advised to confirm the departure time with the local provider in advance.
Polonnaruwa: Historical Highlights
Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, boasts a rich history and a wealth of archaeological wonders.
Visitors can explore the impressive Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park, which features:
- The majestic Gal Vihara, a series of four Buddha statues carved into granite boulders
- The iconic Lankathilaka Image House, a beautifully preserved example of medieval Sri Lankan architecture
- The Parakrama Samudra, a massive man-made reservoir that was a key part of the city’s irrigation system
- The Audience Hall, where the king would have held court and received visitors
These captivating sites offer a glimpse into the glory of the Polonnaruwa kingdom, when it served as the island’s capital during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Dimbulagala: Natural Wonders
Dimbulagala’s towering granite peaks and lush forests captivate visitors seeking a respite from the bustling city. This sacred site, revered by Buddhists, offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Visitors can hike along forested trails, past ancient rock carvings, to reach panoramic viewpoints atop the granite boulders.
| Highlights | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Ancient Rock Carvings | Intricate carvings depicting Buddhist deities and motifs adorn the granite rocks. |
| Scenic Vistas | Sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and distant mountain ranges reward those who reach the summit. |
| Diverse Wildlife | The forests are home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. |
The Dimbulagala segment of the tour promises to be a refreshing contrast to the historical sites of Polonnaruwa, allowing visitors to enjoy the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes.
Traveler Accommodations
While the natural wonders of Dimbulagala captivate visitors, the tour also provides comfortable accommodations to ensure a pleasant experience.
The tour includes air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey. Plus, the tour offers:
- Pickup from the hotel lobby or a designated meeting point in Pasikuda Beach, allowing for a seamless start to the day.
- Confirmation of booking received at the time of reservation, providing peace of mind.
- Passenger insurance coverage up to 500,000 LKR per person, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the travelers.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking drivers who can provide insights and guidance throughout the tour.
These amenities contribute to a hassle-free and enjoyable excursion for the travelers.
Additional Information
The tour operates daily, with pickup and departure times set between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to accommodate the opening hours of Polonnaruwa.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and service animals are allowed.
While most travelers can participate, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Passengers are advised to confirm the pickup time with the local provider in advance, as the tour runs from January 26th, 2024, to July 25th, 2025.
Additional excursions outside the itinerary and replacement vehicles in case of unforeseen events aren’t included in the package price.
Recap
The Polonnaruwa and Dimbulagala Highlights Tour offers a captivating blend of historical and natural attractions. Visitors are enchanted by the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the breathtaking landscapes of Dimbulagala, making it a must-do day trip for history and nature enthusiasts. With knowledgeable drivers and comfortable transportation, this private tour ensures a personalized and memorable experience in Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders.