Sigiriya: Pidurangala Sunrise Hike & Polonnaruwa Tour Sigiriya: Pidurangala Sunrise Hike VIP Tour
ID: GYG1406062-O-2163430
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
05:00 hours
Description
Embark on a early-morning hike up Pidurangala Rock for breathtaking views of Sigiriya, followed by a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
Start your day early with a hotel pickup in Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Habarana. Head straight to Pidurangala Rock and begin your trek to the summit just before dawn. As the sun rises, enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding lush jungle and an iconic front-row view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
After descending, take a short break for a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second ancient capital.
Explore the ancient archaeological park with your guide. Walk among the remains of majestic palaces, shrines, and monasteries. Key stops include the Royal Palace, the sacred Quadrangle (Vatadage), and the renowned Gal Vihara, home to four massive rock-relief Buddha statues carved into granite.
Wrap up your journey with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch before enjoying a smooth drop-off back at your hotel.
Highlights
- Witness a stunning sunrise over Sigiriya Fortress from Pidurangala Rock
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage ancient ruins and temples of Polonnaruwa
- Marvel at the monumental granite Buddha statues carved into Gal Vihara
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Pidurangala Rock Hike: The final 10–15 minutes require moderate rock scrambling over large boulders. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
• Temple Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered at temple sites in Polonnaruwa and near Pidurangala. Shoes and hats must be removed when entering sacred grounds.
• Entrance Fees: Please ensure you bring local currency (LKR) or USD for cash payment at the site ticket counters if your option does not include entrance tickets.
• Weather: Early morning climbs can be cool, but Polonnaruwa gets hot during midday. Light, breathable clothing is best.
INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (from Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Habarana)
- Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Bottled drinking water
- All parking fees and toll charges
NOT INCLUDED
- Pidurangala Rock entrance ticket
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City entrance ticket
- Breakfast and lunch
- Bicycle hire inside Polonnaruwa (optional)
- Gratuities and tips
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
