Sri Lanka · Archaeology

Full-Day Polonnaruwa Heritage Tour with Ancient Royal Ruins

1 Day Round trip from Negombo Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Dive into the history of Vatadage
02 Cherish the ruins of King Parakramabahu's Royal Palace
03 Visit the Lankathilaka Viharaya temple
04 Explore Gal Vihara, a 12th-century Buddhist temple carved from solid stone

Sign up for a short yet magnificent tour of Polonnaruwa, the residence of kings who ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious center. Discover the glories of the ancient age in its archaeological treasures, offering a glimpse into how the city looked in its heyday. Visit the Vatadage, Lankathilaka Viharaya, and other astonishing relics with a local guiding expert.

The palace once had over 1,000 rooms and seven stories.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Negombo, Polonnaruwa

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Historical Tour of Polonnaruwa

Get picked up by your chauffeur from your hotel in Negombo and head to Polonnaruwa. Your journey commences at Gal Vihara, a 12th-century Buddhist temple made out of solid stone.
See another beautiful image house, considered the largest one in ancient Sri Lanka, when you visit Lankathilaka Viharaya, built by Parakramabahu I, King of Polonnaruwa, between 1153 and 1186.
Visit Vatadage, a well-preserved monument also known as the Circular Relic House.
Admire the ruins of King Parakramabahu's royal palace and his statue. The palace once had over 1,000 rooms and seven stories.
Catch a sight of Parakrama Samudraya, a portion of the ancient city's water reservoir, before returning to your hotel in Negombo.