Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Lunch by Mahaweli
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Overview
Step back in time on a private day tour of ancient Polonnaruwa, exploring centuries-old temples, stupas, and royal ruins, with a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch included.
Polonnaruwa stands as one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable historical treasures, the ancient royal capital of a kingdom that once ruled this island nation. The Kaduruwela area forms the modern town, while the original royal city has been preserved as an extraordinary archaeological park. Within this compact heritage zone, you'll discover hundreds of ancient structures — from sacred temples and towering stupas to impressive royal tombs and meditation halls — all waiting to be explored at your own pace.
Your private tour takes you deep into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, guided by a knowledgeable driver-guide who can bring each site to life with historical context and local insight. From the iconic Gal Vihara rock temple with its magnificent reclining Buddha to the grand Rankot Vihara stupa, every corner of Polonnaruwa offers a window into a glorious past. The tour also includes a visit near Minneriya, famed for its spectacular wild elephant gatherings, and a stop at a local spice garden to discover the aromatic world of Sri Lankan spices.
A delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch served by the Mahaweli River rounds out this culturally rich day, making it a truly immersive experience from start to finish.
Highlights
- Tour will be covering the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- One major site of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Main Temple of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological site
- A beautiful Man Made Lake located in the heart of Polonnaruwa
- A man made lake located near the Polonnaruwa ancient city
- Ideal place to see wild elephants
What's Included
Itinerary
Arrival & Polonnaruwa Ancient City Orientation
Tour will be covering the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. We will be taking the guests to all the important archaeological sites located within the Polonnaruwa area — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with hundreds of well-preserved temples, stupas, royal tombs, and statues from the medieval kingdom.
Key Archaeological Site Visit
Explore one of the major sites within the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with insights from your driver-guide into the history and significance of the ruins.
Gal Vihara Rock Temple
Visit the Main Temple of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site — the iconic Gal Vihara, famous for its magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues including a colossal reclining Buddha. One of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture.
Parakrama Samudra (Man-Made Lake)
Pass by a beautiful man-made lake located in the heart of Polonnaruwa. This ancient reservoir, built by King Parakramabahu I, is one of the largest irrigation reservoirs in Sri Lanka and a stunning sight against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.
Giritale Tank & Surroundings
Pass by another scenic man-made lake located near the Polonnaruwa ancient city, a peaceful stop en route that highlights the impressive ancient water engineering of the kingdom.
Minneriya National Park (Optional)
An ideal place to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. This is an optional visit — guests are free to decide and let the driver know if interested. Minneriya is famous for its spectacular elephant gatherings during the dry season.
Spice Garden Visit (Optional) & Return
An optional visit to a local spice garden, an ideal place to discover the world-famous Sri Lankan spices and their cultivation. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel, completing this rich cultural and natural day tour.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my tickets?
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