Polonnaruwa Day Tour From Kandy

Exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient capital of Polonnaruwa is a must-do for any traveler visiting the island nation. The Polonnaruwa Day Tour from Kandy offers an immersive experience into the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Over the course of 7-10 hours, visitors can marvel at the impressive Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, admire the colossal 3.5-meter statue believed to be of King Parakramabahu I, and discover the wonders of the ancient archaeological park, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. With convenient transportation, refreshments, and entrance fees included, this tour ensures a seamless adventure – but the true allure lies in the captivating stories that await those who embark on this journey.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a private day tour from Kandy, lasting 7-10 hours and covering key attractions like the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir.
• Gain insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage from a knowledgeable guide during the tour.
• Marvel at the impressive 3.5-meter statue, potentially depicting King Parakramabahu I or sage Pulasti, within the Polonnaruwa archaeological park.
• Enjoy the tour’s amenities, including bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and pre-purchased entrance tickets to all attractions.
• Benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring flexibility in your travel plans.

Tour Overview

This private tour from Kandy to Polonnaruwa offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historical and religious sites.

The tour lasts 7-10 hours, allowing ample time to visit an archaeological park, the massive Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, and the Potgul Pedesa library.

Travelers will learn about the cultural, religious, and historical significance of these landmarks from a knowledgeable guide.

The tour includes bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

With confirmed bookings and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this Polonnaruwa day tour from Kandy provides a hassle-free way to discover Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders.

Key Attractions

Among the key attractions on this Polonnaruwa day tour is the Parakrama Samudraya, the largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka.

Built by the great King Parakramabahu, this impressive feat of engineering measures an extensive 5,630 hectares. Visitors can spend about 30 minutes exploring the reservoir and learning about its historical and cultural significance.

Another highlight is the towering 3.5-meter statue, speculated to represent either King Parakramabahu I or the sage Pulasti.

This statue offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the legacy of its rulers. With these and other archaeological wonders, the Polonnaruwa day tour provides an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s captivating past.

Parakrama Samudraya

The Parakrama Samudraya is the largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka, covering an impressive 5,630 hectares.

Built by the legendary King Parakramabahu the Great, this engineering marvel was designed to store water for irrigation and domestic use.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of this ancient reservoir, which measures approximately 12 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width.

The Parakrama Samudraya offers a glimpse into the sophisticated hydraulic engineering of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, and its strategic importance as a reliable water source for the region.

Exploring this historic site provides a unique opportunity to understand the cultural and technological achievements of Sri Lanka’s medieval past.

Statue of Parakramabahu I

Towering at an impressive height of 3.5 meters, the statue of Parakramabahu I stands tall as a testament to the legacy of this legendary Sri Lankan monarch.

Believed to represent either the king himself or the sage Pulasti, the statue is a captivating site that offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Visitors have approximately 30 minutes to marvel at this impressive sculpture, which serves as a focal point within the Polonnaruwa archaeological park.

Though the exact nature of the statue’s representation remains a subject of speculation, its sheer size and grandeur make it a must-see attraction for those exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Tour Logistics

This private tour from Kandy to Polonnaruwa provides all the necessary logistics for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The package includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and entrance tickets, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout the day.

Pickup is available from the Kandy area, and confirmation is received upon booking.

The tour is stroller accessible and located near public transportation, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

Plus, the operator, Travel with Hasith, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans.

The tour logistics include:

1. Bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, and private transportation
2. Entrance tickets to all key attractions
3. Pickup from the Kandy area and confirmation upon booking

Pricing and Cancellation

The Polonnaruwa Day Tour is priced from $122.00 per group (up to 2 people). This fee includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and entrance tickets to the key attractions.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in their plans.

The tour is operated by Travel with Hasith, and customers have rated the service as excellent, highlighting the safe driving and engaging historical insights provided by the guide.

With a perfect 5-star rating from 2 reviews, the Polonnaruwa Day Tour offers a compelling and hassle-free way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site from Kandy.

Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback underscores the Polonnaruwa Day Tour’s excellence, with a perfect 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

Travelers highlighted:

1. Exceptional service from the knowledgeable guide, who provided engaging historical insights throughout the tour.
2. Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation that ensured a safe and enjoyable journey.
3. The opportunity to explore Polonnaruwa’s remarkable archaeological wonders, including the impressive Parakrama Samudraya and the iconic statue of King Parakramabahu I.

The consistently glowing reviews demonstrate the tour’s ability to exceed customer expectations, making it a must-consider option for those seeking an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital.

Experience Highlights

What sets the Polonnaruva Day Tour apart is its immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Visitors will marvel at the Parakrama Samudraya, an enormous ancient man-made reservoir built by the great King Parakramabahu. They’ll also encounter the striking 3.5-meter statue, which may depict the king himself or a revered sage.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides in-depth insights into the significance of these sites, bringing the past to life.

With convenient transportation and included entry fees, this tour offers a seamless, enriching adventure for those eager to explore Sri Lanka’s captivating history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves visiting historical sites that may not hold much interest for young kids. However, the private transportation and bottled water are family-friendly features.

What Is the Dress Code Recommended for the Tour?

The recommended dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable clothing. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for easy movement, as the tour may involve walking through historical sites. Closed-toe shoes are also advisable.

Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Tour?

The tour provides ample opportunities for photography, allowing visitors to capture the historical sites, architectural wonders, and natural landscapes encountered during the excursion. Photography is generally permitted, though it’s recommended to check with the guide for any restrictions.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. Travelers can discuss their specific interests with the tour operator, who can adjust the itinerary to accommodate their requests within the available time.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Outside Food or Drinks?

The tour doesn’t have any restrictions on bringing outside food or drinks. Guests can bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the tour. The tour provider encourages bringing water to stay hydrated.

Recap

The Polonnaruwa Day Tour from Kandy offers an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Travelers can marvel at the ancient archaeological park, the massive Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, and the impressive statue, likely of King Parakramabahu I. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and inclusive pricing, this tour ensures a seamless and memorable experience, backed by a flexible cancellation policy.