Sri Lankas Ancient Wonders: Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders, Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa, captivate visitors with their stunning architectural feats and rich cultural heritage. Perched atop a towering rock, Sigiriya’s palatial fortress and lush gardens offer breathtaking views, while the UNESCO-listed ruins of Polonnaruwa showcase the ingenuity of past civilizations. These sites provide a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s impressive history and the remarkable ingenuity of its people. Exploring these marvels not only broadens one’s understanding of the island’s past, but also leaves an indelible impression that lingers long after the journey has ended.

Key Points

• This private one-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Highlights include a guided cycling tour through the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, followed by a visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock with a guided tour.
• Participants will enjoy a 2-hour lunch break at a local restaurant in Sigiriya, featuring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to fuel the exploration.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
• Due to the physical demands of the tour, it is not recommended for pregnant women, and participants are encouraged to pack light and wear comfortable shoes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour ‘Sri Lanka’s Ancient Wonders: Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa’ costs from $190.00 per person and lasts one day, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later for this activity.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private vehicle transport, a professional English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant, and entrance fees to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

However, expenses of a personal nature and gratuities aren’t included.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 6:00 AM in Kandy, followed by the first stop at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa around 9:30 AM.

Travelers will enjoy a morning cycling tour, approximately 10 kilometers through the ruins, which lasts for around 3 hours.

After the tour, they’ll have a 2-hour lunch break at the Oak Ray Restaurant in Sigiriya.

The group then visits the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress at 2:30 PM, where they’ll embark on a guided tour and sightseeing, lasting about 3 hours.

Exploring Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich history and architectural prowess.

Travelers begin their exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by embarking on a guided cycling tour through the well-preserved ruins, seeing the grandeur of the former Polonnaruwan Kingdom.

The extensive site features impressive structures like the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the Quadrangle, all showcasing the advanced engineering and artistic talents of the kingdom’s inhabitants.

As cyclists navigate the expansive grounds, they’ll uncover intricate carvings, towering statues, and the remnants of once-thriving cities, providing a profound understanding of Sri Lanka’s storied past.

Lunch at Sigiriya

After exploring the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, travelers enjoy a 2-hour lunch break at the Oak Ray Restaurant in Sigiriya, allowing them to recharge and savor the local cuisine.

The restaurant provides a scenic setting with views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The menu features a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, including curries, rice, and vegetarian options, all prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Theres some good traditional favorites like lentil dhal, coconut sambol, and pol roti.

The lunch provides a much-needed respite before the next adventure – the guided tour of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive ancient wonders.

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Visiting Sigiriya Rock

Travelers then make their way to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive ancient wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guides lead visitors on a captivating tour through the remarkably well-preserved ruins, providing insights into the fortress’s rich history and cultural significance.

Ascending the steep staircase, adventurers are rewarded with panoramic vistas overlooking the lush, verdant landscape.

Along the way, they’ll discover the remnants of ancient gardens, water fountains, and the famous frescoes adorning the rock face.

The tour culminates at the summit, where guests can explore the royal palace complex and marvel at the incredible engineering feats of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights include exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Polonnaruwa Kingdom and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which offer a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.

At Polonnaruwa, visitors will embark on a morning cycling tour through the ancient ruins, providing an immersive experience.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a dramatic ancient palace and fortress, is the tour’s main attraction, with a guided tour showcasing its impressive architecture and breathtaking views from the summit.

The tour also offers an opportunity to gain cultural insights and appreciate the remarkable historical achievements of Sri Lanka’s past civilizations.

These highlights make this tour a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the wonders of Sri Lanka’s ancient past.

What’s Included

This tour conveniently includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing seamless transportation throughout the day.

Plus, it offers private vehicle transport, allowing for a personalized and comfortable exploration of the sites.

A professional English-speaking guide accompanies participants, sharing expert insights and historical context about the UNESCO World Heritage destinations.

Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, offering an authentic culinary experience.

On top of that, the tour covers all entrance fees to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Tour Restrictions

Pregnant women aren’t recommended to participate in this tour due to the physical demands involved. The tour includes a 3-hour cycling excursion through the ruins of Polonnaruwa and extensive walking at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

While the tour operator aims to be inclusive, they must prioritize the safety and comfort of all participants. Travelers should also note that expenses of a personal nature, such as souvenirs or gratuities, aren’t covered by the tour price.

The operator encourages guests to pack light and wear comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven terrain at the historic sites. By understanding these restrictions, visitors can better prepare for an enriching exploration of Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Unfortunately, bringing your own food is generally not allowed on this tour. The package includes lunch at a local restaurant, so participants are expected to have the provided meal. Bringing outside food is usually discouraged to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a private tour, so you can book it even if you’re traveling solo. The tour operator will provide a private vehicle and guide just for your group.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can customize the itinerary to include other historical or cultural attractions in the region, subject to availability and additional costs.

How Fit Do I Need to Be to Complete the Cycling Tour?

The cycling tour through the Polonnaruwa ruins covers around 10km, so moderate fitness is recommended. Those with limited mobility may find the cycling challenging, but the tour can be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

Travelers don’t need any special equipment for the cycling tour. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and a lightweight backpack or daypack should be sufficient. The tour operator provides bicycles and helmets, so participants only need to bring personal items and a camera.

Recap

Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders, Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa, showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance.

Visitors can explore the magnificent Sigiriya rock fortress, admire the intricate carvings at Polonnaruwa, and gain a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity of Sri Lanka’s past civilizations.

These UNESCO-listed sites offer a unique and unforgettable experience for those interested in history and cultural exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here: