Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Polonnaruwa Ancient City All Inclusive Day Tour From Anuradhapura

7 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Anuradhapura. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa
  • 02 See the iconic rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara
  • 03 Explore sacred monuments including Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Rankoth Vehera
  • 04 Admire ancient design at the Lotus Pond and Thivanka Image House
  • 05 Discover the scale of the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir
  • 06 Enjoy private transport with bottled water and WiFi on board

Step into the royal past of Sri Lanka on this all-inclusive day tour from Anuradhapura to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa is celebrated for its remarkably preserved ruins, sacred monuments, and impressive examples of medieval Sri Lankan architecture and engineering.

Explore highlights including the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, the rock-cut Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vehera, the Lotus Pond, Thivanka Image House, and the vast Parakrama Samudraya reservoir. Along the way, you will also visit local cultural stops including a woodcarving center, a gem and jewellery showroom, and a spice and herbal garden, making this a varied and enriching journey through Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Step into the royal past of Sri Lanka on this all-inclusive day tour from Anuradhapura to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Anuradhapura, Kandy, Polonnaruwa
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
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

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Anuradhapura. 3 cities · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • WiFi on board
  • Private transportation
  • Entry / Admission - Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya & polonnaruwa Vatadage
  • Entry / Admission - Lankathilaka Image House & Lotus Pond
  • Entry / Admission -Rankoth Vehera & Thivanka Image House
  • Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya
  • Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving
  • Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
  • Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

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

Your 7 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Anuradhapura..

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