Sri Lanka · Archaeology

12-Hour Ancient Kingdoms Tour from Negombo with Yapahuwa Fortress

12 Hours Round trip from Dambadeniya Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the Temple of the Tooth at ancient Dambadeniya
  • 02 Marvel at Yapahuwa's rock fortress with its carved staircases and pillars
  • 03 Climb to the summit of Yapahuwa to see the ruins of the stupa
  • 04 Explore Panduwasnuwara, one of the first kingdoms in Sri Lanka
  • 05 See archaeological finds at the Panduwasnuwara museum

Discover the three ancient kingdoms of Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Panduwasnuwara on this 12-hour tour from Negombo. Step back into the 13th century as you admire the ruins of Dambadeniya, including the Temple of the Tooth and the royal palace complex. Continue to the marvellous rock fortress of Yapahuwa, known for its wide staircases, beautiful stone sculptures, and highly detailed pillar carvings. The journey ends in the ancient city of Panduwasnuwara, one of the first kingdoms in Sri Lanka, where you can explore its rich archaeological heritage.

Climb to the top of the fortress to view the ruins of the stupa on the summit of the rock, which was once used as a centre for meditation.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Negombo, Yapahuwa
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Explore the Ancient Kingdoms of Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Panduwasnuwara

  • Meet your tour guide at your hotel in Negombo in the morning, and then travel to the Kingdom of Dambadeniya.

  • Step back in time as you wander around the ruins of Dambadeniya, once a bustling mid-13th century hub reigned over by King Parakramabahu II.

  • See the recently excavated remains of the Temple of the Tooth, as well as the fascinating royal palace complex with its gardens, walls, and moats.

  • Make your way to the next destination, Yapahuwa.

  • Marvel at the city's fortress, built on a giant rock and boasting wide staircases, beautiful stone sculptures, and highly detailed pillar carvings. Climb to the top of the fortress to view the ruins of the stupa on the summit of the rock, which was once used as a centre for meditation.

  • Have lunch at a local restaurant in Yapahuwa.

  • The final destination of the day is the ancient city of Panduwasnuwara, which was one of the first kingdoms in Sri Lanka.

  • Visit the museum, which houses fascinating archaeological finds from excavations in the area.

  • Make your way back to your hotel in Negombo.

Dambadeniya ruins, Yapahuwa rock fortress, Panduwasnuwara museum

Where this trip takes you

Dambadeniya ruins, Yapahuwa rock fortress, Panduwasnuwara museum

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dambadeniya 2 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Bottled water

  • Lunch

  • All entrance fees

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • English-speaking tour guide

What's Not Included

  • Tips and gratuities

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Dambadeniya, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Dambadeniya.

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