Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Dambulla And Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour From Colombo

11 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Wattala. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple
  • 02 Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
  • 03 See iconic sites including Gal Vihara and Polonnaruwa Vatadage
  • 04 Discover historic monuments such as Rankoth Vehera and Lankathilaka Image House
  • 05 View the beautifully designed Lotus Pond
  • 06 Learn about ancient Sri Lankan irrigation at Parakrama Samudraya
  • 07 Experience traditional craftsmanship at Oak Ray Woodcarving
  • 08 Explore local gems, jewellery, herbs, and spices

Discover two of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated heritage sites on this full-day journey from Colombo to Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. Visit the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, known for its remarkable cave shrines, Buddhist art, and enduring spiritual significance, before continuing to the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa.

As you explore Polonnaruwa, you’ll encounter impressive archaeological and religious landmarks including the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka Image House, Rankoth Vehera, and the Lotus Pond. Along the way, the tour also features stops connected to Sri Lankan craftsmanship and local traditions, offering a well-rounded look at the island’s history, culture, and artistry.

The Nelum Pokuna or Lotus Pond is a beautifully designed stone pond shaped like a blooming lotus flower.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Dambulla, Polonnaruwa
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka.

Gal Vihara

The Gal Vihara, also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I.

Sandakada Pahana

The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period.

Lankathilaka Image House

Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.

Rankoth Vehera

Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, built by King Nissanka Malla. Its massive brick structure, inspired by Anuradhapura’s architectural style, stands as a symbol of Buddhist devotion and ancient engineering excellence.

Lotus Pond

The Nelum Pokuna or Lotus Pond is a beautifully designed stone pond shaped like a blooming lotus flower. This unique structure reflects the artistic ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering and is a tranquil spot within the ancient city.

Thivanka Image House

Thiwanka Image House is famed for its unique curved walls and the towering Buddha statue within. The interior walls are adorned with well-preserved frescoes depicting Jataka tales, making it a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art.

Samudra Parakrama

Parakrama Samudraya is a vast man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning over 2,500 hectares, this engineering marvel was designed to “not let a single drop of rainwater flow into the sea,” showcasing ancient Sri Lanka’s advanced irrigation systems.

Oak Ray Woodcarving

Discover the artistry of traditional Sri Lankan wood carving at Oak Ray Wood Carving Center. Skilled artisans craft intricate statues, masks, furniture, and sculptures using teak, mahogany, and ebony, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship

Premadasas Gems and Jewellery

Explore the dazzling world of Sri Lankan gemstones at Premadasa Gems & Jewellers. Renowned for its exquisite collection of sapphires, diamonds, and pearls, this gem house offers high-quality jewelry, a gemological museum, and insights into the mining process.

Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Wattala. 2 cities · 11 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • WiFi on board
  • Private transportation
  • Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya
  • Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving
  • Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
  • Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Ticket - Dambulla Temple
  • Entrance Ticket – Polonnaruwa

Know before you go

  • Stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats available
  • Wheelchair accessible

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Wattala.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Wattala.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Wattala..

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