Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Polonnaruwa Ancient City All Inclusive Day Tour From Kandy

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Kandy. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa on a day trip from Kandy
02 Visit major ancient landmarks including Gal Vihara and Polonnaruwa Vatadage
03 See sacred monuments such as Rankoth Vehera and Thivanka Image House
04 Discover the beautifully designed Lotus Pond within the ancient city
05 View the vast Parakrama Samudraya reservoir and its historic engineering significance
06 Enjoy private air-conditioned transport with pickup in Kandy
07 Entry tickets to the listed sites are included

Step back into Sri Lanka’s royal past on this full-day journey from Kandy to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkably preserved monuments, sacred spaces, and impressive engineering. Explore a landscape shaped by kings, devotion, and artistry as you visit highlights including the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vehera, Lotus Pond, and Thivanka Image House.

Along the way, discover more of the island’s cultural traditions with visits connected to wood carving, gemstones, and herbal knowledge. With private transport, included entry tickets, and hotel pickup in Kandy, this experience offers a convenient and enriching way to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most important historic capitals.

Step back into Sri Lanka’s royal past on this full-day journey from Kandy to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkably preserved monuments, sacred spaces, and impressive engineering.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kandy, Polonnaruwa

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structure dating back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha.

Gal Vihara

The Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) in Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal rock-cut Buddha statues. Carved from a single granite rock during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, the seated, standing, and reclining Buddha figures showcase exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual serenity2.

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 & Jewellery - Kandy

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