Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Explore the ancient capital of Sri Lanka
Start/End: Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya / Dambulla
Est. Price: $70 - $85 pp
Book with: Best SriTaxis Sri Lanka (+94 71 549 6949)
Book Now via WhatsAppWander through royal palaces, ancient temples, and beautifully carved Buddha statues in the peaceful ruins of Polonnaruwa. Explore by car, bicycle, or tuk-tuk as you discover hidden corners, lakes, and shady trees filled with monkeys and birds. It's a quiet, relaxed day full of history and photo opportunities.
The estimated price is $70–$85 per person, and you can book your Polonnaruwa day tour with Best SriTaxis Sri Lanka at +94 71 549 6949.
About This Activity
Discover the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that flourished from the 11th to the 13th century. Polonnaruwa offers a more compact and accessible archaeological experience than Anuradhapura, with well-preserved ruins that showcase the advanced urban planning and architectural skills of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
This day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. The site is flat and easily navigable by various transportation options, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Itinerary
Morning: Royal Palace Complex
Start your tour at the Royal Palace complex, including the Audience Hall and the Council Chamber with their intricately carved elephants and lions.
Sacred Quadrangle
Explore the Sacred Quadrangle, the spiritual heart of Polonnaruwa, featuring the Vatadage, Thuparama, and Hatadage shrines.
Gal Vihara Rock Temple
Marvel at the magnificent Gal Vihara, with its four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face, considered masterpieces of Sinhalese rock carving.
Afternoon: Lake & Archaeological Museum
Enjoy lunch by the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) lake, then visit the Archaeological Museum to better understand the site's history before returning to your hotel.
Tour Highlights
Royal Palace Ruins
Explore the remains of King Parakramabahu's seven-story palace with its impressive architecture.
Gal Vihara Buddha Statues
See the four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face.
Bicycle Exploration
Option to explore the expansive site by bicycle for a more immersive experience.
Photography Opportunities
Countless photo opportunities amid ancient ruins, tranquil lakes, and local wildlife.
What's Included
Customer Reviews
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An absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and showed us hidden corners we would have missed on our own. The Gal Vihara statues took my breath away. Highly recommend this tour!
Polonnaruwa is a must-see for anyone interested in history. We chose to explore by bicycle which was perfect for the flat terrain. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that it was quite hot - bring plenty of water!
Booking through Best SriTaxis was seamless. The driver was punctual and the vehicle was comfortable. Polonnaruwa itself is magical - you can feel the history in every stone. The monkeys everywhere added to the charm!