Kandy: Sigiriya Rock & Ancient Kingdom Polonnaruwa Day Trip
ID: GYG1091773-1676482
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
11:00 hours
Description
Discover Sri Lanka's epic past on a day trip from Kandy. Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle.
Begin your day with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kandy. Relax in a private, air-conditioned vehicle as you travel through the scenic countryside towards the plains of the Cultural Triangle.
Your first stop is the magnificent ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you'll explore the sprawling archaeological park, best seen by bicycle (included for a classic experience, or opt for a tuk-tuk at an extra cost). Witness remarkably well-preserved ruins including the Royal Palace complex, the sacred Quadrangle with its stunning Vatadage (circular relic house), and the famous Gal Vihara—four magnificent Buddha statues carved seamlessly from a single granite rock.
After an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, continue to the legendary Sigiriya Lion Rock. Ascend this 200-meter tall rock fortress, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of ancient urban planning. Climb the metal stairways past the renowned Mirror Wall and the breathtakingly detailed Sigiriya Frescoes (Damsels). Pass through the colossal Lion's Paw gateway and be rewarded with unforgettable 360-degree panoramic views from the summit, once the palace of King Kasyapa.
Also You can visit Dambulla Cave Temple,Herbal Gardens and Matale Hindu Temple on your way back to Kandy.
After descending, begin your comfortable journey back to Kandy, with drop-off at your hotel in the evening, filled with memories of Sri Lanka's glorious past.
Highlights
- Marvel at the breathtaking Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the vast ancient city of Polonnaruwa from the seat of a bicycle
- Enjoy a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a curated local restaurant
- Travel stress-free in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup
- Learn the fascinating history and legends from your chauffeur-guide
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The climb to the top of Sigiriya is strenuous and involves over 1200 steps.
Wear Suitable clothes when visting Religious sites
Times are approximate and subject to change based on traffic and pace.
INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kandy (within city limits)
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle with professional chauffeur-guide
- Bicycle hire for exploring Polonnaruwa
- Entry Fees to Herbal Garden in Matale
- Entry Fees to Hindu Temple in Matale
- WiFi
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- A traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a recommended restaurant
- Parking and Tolls
NOT INCLUDED
- Expenses of personal nature (e.g., souvenirs, additional drinks)
- Tips / gratuities for your guide and driver (optional)
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.
