Our most recommended things to do in Polonnaruwa District

Polonnaruwa: Explore by Tuk-Tuk Tour

1. Polonnaruwa: Explore by Tuk-Tuk Tour

Begin the tour at 8:30 with hotel pickup, and travel on to Polonnaruwa, which remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, and was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982. Shift from the past to the present while wandering through these impressive sites, explore well-preserved dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings, and stunningly beautiful statues. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride around the Sea of Parakrama, a vast 12th-century man-made water reservoir that is also one of the main highlights of this wonderful ancient city. Visit one of the best-kept ancient cities in the country, with many sights and monuments in a small area, and make the most of a trip to Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel following the end of the tour.

Wasgamuwa: Wasgamuwa National Park Private 3-Hour Safari

2. Wasgamuwa: Wasgamuwa National Park Private 3-Hour Safari

Neighboring the historic city of Polonnaruwa, Wasgamuwa National Park is one of the precious national treasures of Sri Lanka. On a morning or afternoon 3-hour safari, discover the opulence of the flora and fauna in the dry tropical forest setting, overlooking the stunning landscape of the park. Enjoy a private safari ride while filling your lungs with the refreshing air and listening to the symphony of crickets and birds. Rest assured you will capture the sight of mighty elephants on this safari ride. The national park is also a home to a diverse range of mammals including leopard, sloth bear, purple-faced langur monkey, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, buffalo, and endemic yellow fronted barbet. Small water pools scattered throughout the national park are rich habitats for a diversity of aquatic life including water monitor, crocodile, python, and various beautiful aquatic birds. Wildlife lovers will be provided clear sights of the wildlife surrounding the pools, offering a world of opportunities to capture extraordinary photographs to take home. The ideal time to visit the park is during November to May, which guarantees you the largest herds of elephants. For those who are planning to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, an exciting and adventurous safari ride to Wasgamuwa National Park is an absolute must.

Dambulla: Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya All-Inclusive Tour

3. Dambulla: Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya All-Inclusive Tour

First of all you'll be picked up from your hotel in Dambulla, Sigiriya or Habarana and driven to Polonnaruwa, before arriving at Polonnaruwa ancient city to discover the ruins. Polonnaruwa is the ancient heart of Sri Lanka, and an important royal capital with its well-preserved 12th century ruins and impressive stone culture. Although nearly 1,000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka's first capital - and generally in better repair. The monuments are arranged in a reasonably compact garden setting and their development is easier to follow. Afterwards, you will arrive to a local restaurant for lunch, before exploring the wondrous Rock Fortress of Sigirya. This place is famous for its toadstool of golden-hued granite, protruding into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrubland, which is transformed in the rainy season to a water garden. In the 5th century, King Kashyapa domesticated the Lions Rock, by building a palace atop its summit. Sigiriya commemorates some of the turbulence of Sri Lanka’s history. Thereafter, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Dambulla/Sigiriya/Habarana .

All-Inclusive Minneriya National Park Afternoon Safari

4. All-Inclusive Minneriya National Park Afternoon Safari

Begin with an afternoon pickup from your hotel or residence and make your way to Minneriya National Park to begin the safari.  Minneriya National Park comprises about 21,000 acres (8,889 hectares), and contains a vast abundance of wildlife species. Take the opportunity to observe the large herds of magnificent Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat at close range. Also, be on the lookout for two rare species of monkey endemic to Sri Lanka, namely the Purple-faced Langur Monkey and the Toque Macaque. Other rare and endangered species such as Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear inhabit the park, as well as saltwater crocodiles and Indian pythons, which you may be lucky enough to spot! After a 3-hour safari spotting these various rare animals, your transport will return you to your accomodation.

Polonnaruwa: Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour

5. Polonnaruwa: Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour

8:00 You will be taken by TukTuk to tour the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa where you meet your cycling guide. 8:20 Arrive and do a cycling tour of one of the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, which was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Today you will be cycling about 10km on soft surfaces as you whizz between the ruins. The ancient heart of Sri Lanka 11:30 You will be taken back to your hotel.

Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

6. Colombo: 3-Day Cultural Triangle 5 UNESCO Heritage Site Tour

Day 1 Explore the important historical monuments in Sri Lanka on this 3 days tour while visiting ancient Buddhist temples, museums, palaces, gardens, Buddha statues, and many more. Embark on an exciting and very rare 3-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka's holiest, the Cultural Triangle. Explore 5 UNESCO-listed sites where important historical monuments are to be found. Visit cultural triangle cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy. Stay overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya between private-guided sightseeing ventures. Get picked up in Colombo and head to your hotel in Sigiriya via Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka. The first activity of the 3 days tour is the hop-on hop-off city tour of the historical city of Anuradhapura. The tour covers a large number of historical places such as Buddhist temples, dagobas, palaces, gardens, and other remarkable structures in the city testify to the grandeur of ancient civilization. The city tour also includes the most sacred 8 Buddhist sites in the city, better known as "Atamasthana", Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama. Later in the day settle in for a good night's sleep at your hotel in Sigiriya. Day 2 After breakfast leave for the Sigiriya rock fortress, home to one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Your Sigiriya tour starts early morning, allowing you to escape the mid-day heat. Climb the rock and reach the summit to see the site of the King's palace, swimming pool, and king's throne. Soak up in the breathtaking scenery from the top of the pinnacle. Later drive to Polonnaruwa and see the dozens of ancient temples, Buddha statues, and many ancient structures built by ancient Kings. Witness massive stone-cut Buddha statues, dagobas, an audience hall, and much more at the cultural museum of Polonnaruwa. Later in the day Minneriya safari on an open jeep. Enhance your experience with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. Spot wild elephants, bears, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and maybe even a leopard. Stay overnight in Sigiriya. Day 3 Depart early for Colombo via Kandy, visiting a spice/herbal garden en route. In Matale, spices and herbs are used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine. Hear about this history as you explore the site with your guide. Later visit Dambulla Golden Temple and Tooth Relic Temple are sure to add another level of sacrosanctity to your experience. Dambulla hosts more than 150 Buddha statues and a large number of ancient murals. The next stop will be Kandy city. Today Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most important cities because of the presence of the temple of the sacred tooth of the Buddha. This is the most visited Buddhist temple on the island, frequented by thousands of devotees every day. Return to your hotel in Colombo.

Sri Lanka 7 days beaten path tour

7. Sri Lanka 7 days beaten path tour

This 7-day Sri Lanka tour gives you a complete picture of Sri Lanka from historical temples, palaces, and other monuments in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka to breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, mountains, and tea gardens in the hill country. The 7 days trip also gives you access to Yala national park, where you spot elusive leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffaloes, and many other creatures. The tour wind-up with an overnight stay on the west coast beach resort giving you time to relax. Day 1 Meet your driver and proceed to your hotel in Dambulla. You will visit a 1st century BC ancient temple today, Dambulla golden temple, and witness more than a hundred ancient Buddha statues and paintings. Later Check-in at the hotel and leisure. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast, climb the Sigiriya rock fortress and see the site of the palace of King Kassapa, who lived in the palace in the 5th century AD. Today you can see his swimming pool, granite throne, and other ancient constructions. Later proceed to the historical city of Polonnaruwa and take the city tour. 3 hours city tour gives you an opportunity to witness temples, Buddha statues, gardens, the king's place, and many other important monuments. Overnight stay in Dambulla. Day 3 After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to the hotel in Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden. In the afternoon Kandy city and a walking tour, visit the temple of the tooth relic, Peradeniya botanical garden, and witness the Kandyan cultural show. Overnight stay in Kandy. Day 4 After an early morning breakfast, head to Kandy railway station and board the train to Nuwara Eliya. The hill country train journey lasts about 4 hours and is one of the most scenic train trips in the world. Immerse yourself in the captivating mountain scenery along the way. Later visit tea plantations and tea factory and the Nuwara Eliya city tour follows. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. Day 5 After breakfast, head to the South coast wildlife park, Yala national park, en-route stop at Ravana Waterfalls and Sita Amman temple. In the afternoon Yala national park safari. Yala national park is the most popular wildlife park in Sri Lanka for wildlife tours and visitors can witness a large number of wild animals during the safari such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, wild buffaloes, etc. Overnight stay in Yala. Day 6 After a leisurely breakfast, leave for the hotel in Bentota. en-route walking tour of it Galle Fort, and a boat safari of the mangrove lagoon in Bentota ( Madu River estuary). Overnight stay in Kalutara/Bentota. Day 7 After a leisurely breakfast leave for Colombo. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport after your Colombo sightseeing tour. Your Colombo sightseeing tour includes Gangarama temple, Simamalaka, Viharamahadevi Park, Cinnamon Garden, Independence memorial hall, Galle face green, and town hall.

Sri Lanka culture, Nature, Beach, Sightseeing Tour

8. Sri Lanka culture, Nature, Beach, Sightseeing Tour

( 13 Nights & 14 Days, Sri Lanka Culture Nature, Beach Sightseeing Tour Is The Following ) Day--01--pick up from the Airport to Negombo, Rest in the Hotel Over Night Stay at Negombo. Day--02--Morning after breakfast transfer to Sigiriya on the way, Visit the--( Pinnawala Elephant -- Dambulla Cave Temple )-- Over Night Stay at Sigiriya. Day--03-- Morning after breakfast visit the --( Sigiriya Lion Rock or Pidurangala rock Temple-- Hirivaduna Village Safari--Sigiriya Sightseeing-- and If you like can visit the -- Ayurveda Spa to have a Herbal Bath and Massage at Habarana. )-- Over Night Stay at Sigiriya. Day--04--Morning after breakfast transfer to--( Polonnaruwa Historical Location at Polonnaruwa.---After Visit the wood Carving Place in polonnaruwa. )--Over Night Stay at Polonnaruwa. Day--05--Morning after breakfast transfer to Kandy on the way can visit the --( Matale Spicy Garden---Hindu Temple---Tooth Temple-- and Kandy City Tour. )-- Over Night Stay at Kandy. Day--06--Morning after breakfast visit the--( Kandy Botonical Garden--- Kandy Gem Museum--After 5.00pm Kandy Culture Dance. ( 01 Hour only ) )-- Over Night Stay Kandy. Day--07--Morning after breakfast Transfer to Ella, on the way--( Tea Factory--water falls-- Sightseeing --Nuwara Eliya Market--and 12:43 Noon Beautiful Train Journey to Nany Oya To Ella. )-- Over Night Stay at Ella. Day--08--Morning after breakfast visit the--( Ella Little Adam's Peak -- Nine Arch Bridge--Ella Sightseeing )-- Over Night Stay at Ella. Day--09--Morning after breakfast transfer to yala on the way visit the --( Rawana water falls---Buduruwagala Rock Temple--- and 1.00pm Yala National Park Jeep Safari. )-- Over Night Stay at Thissamaharama. Day--10-- Morning after breakfast transfer to-- ( Beautiful Beach Rest in Mirissa in pelena Beach Rest )-- Over Night Stay at Pelena. Day--11-- Beach Rest in the Hotel. Day--12-- Morning after Breakfast visit --(Short time to the Galle Dutch Fort and Back to Hotel Beach Rest )-- Over Night stay at Pelena Beach Rest. Day--13--Beach Rest in the Hotel. Day--14--Morning after breakfast --( Drop to Airport or Your Place ) End Off The Tour. Service included : Transporting with , AC / Car / Van / Mini Tourist Bus / and Big Tourist Coach with Fuel / Driver / Guide. Service Included : All the High way fees and Parking fees. ( Service Not Included : Any Enternce fees ) * End of the tour we Drop you all from your booking hotel / or Airport / Also we provide you for beautiful places in sri lanka and our service for your 100% Satisfaction during the tour in sri lanka.and Make your Sri Lanka Holiday Unfogettable.

World Heritage “Golden Triangle” Day Tour

9. World Heritage “Golden Triangle” Day Tour

Our adventure begins in Dambulla, a town nestled in the north-central region of Sri Lanka. Here, we will discover the renowned Dambulla Rock Cave Buddhist Temple, an awe-inspiring complex perched on a massive rock formation. Ascend the steps to enter a sacred realm adorned with ancient murals and towering statues of Lord Buddha. The rock caves serve as a testament to the devotion and artistic brilliance of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The vibrant frescoes depict vivid scenes from Buddhist mythology and provide a window into the past, where spirituality and art intersect. Next, we venture to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, and an archaeological treasure trove. As we explore this Unesco-listed site, marvel at the remarkably preserved ruins that transport you back in time to the grandeur of the bygone era. Admire the intricately carved stone structures of the Gal Vihara, including the famous colossal standing Buddha statues. Discover the royal palaces, sacred temples, and intricately designed bathing pools that once thrived in this flourishing city. The impressive archaeological remains of Polonnaruwa offer a glimpse into the advanced civilization and architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Sigiriya, a majestic rock fortress known as the "Lion Rock." Ascending this Unesco World Heritage site is a truly unforgettable experience. Climb the staircases that wind around the rock's perimeter, passing intricately designed water gardens, frescoes, and the remnants of the iconic Lion's Paw entrance. As you reach the summit, be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, a testament to the strategic brilliance of King Kasyapa, who built his palace atop this formidable rock. Sigiriya is a testament to ancient engineering, artistic finesse, and the indomitable human spirit. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides will regale you with historical anecdotes, providing insights into the significance of these sites and the civilizations that once flourished here. Learn about the rise and fall of kingdoms, the spiritual beliefs that shaped the culture, and the legends that surround these architectural marvels. As we explore these Unesco World Heritage sites, you will have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs, immersing yourself in the beauty and mystique of each location. Witness the interplay of light and shadows on ancient ruins, the intricate details of centuries-old artwork, and the natural beauty that surrounds these cultural landmarks. Our journey through Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya will leave you with a profound appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. You will carry with you memories of majestic rock caves, ancient temples, and the echoes of a glorious past. Join us on this unforgettable tour and discover the captivating stories etched into the stone and soul of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Gal Oya National Park Overnight Tour

10. Sri Lanka: Gal Oya National Park Overnight Tour

Take an adventurous trip to the Gal Oya National Park on this overnight tour. Experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife highlights via both jeep and boat and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime stay at the Oya Lodge with all meals included. The adventure starts with a pickup from your accommodation. You’ll be driven to Gal Oya Lodge, to check in to one of the inviting wooden eco bungalows. After enjoying lunch at the lodge’s main restaurant, embark on a jeep safari to explore the richness of Gal Oya’s wildlife. This national park is a sanctuary to 32 species of terrestrial mammals, including the langur, toque macaque, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, water buffalo, and more. If you’re feeling more intrepid, the safari can continue on foot. Hike through the park with our expert naturalists to explore hidden corners of the park and see the wildlife up close. After the first adventure, arrive back at the lodge to refresh before dinner at the lodge. The next day, following a delicious breakfast, start your exciting morning boat safari. Enjoy the only opportunity in Sri Lanka which allows you to spot wildlife from the water: a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. With a little luck, you might even spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge on this 2-3 hour trip.  Finally, arrive back at your lodge before being driven back to your accommodation.  

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What people are saying about Polonnaruwa District

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 6 reviews

Lalli (German speaking guide) and Jayasuriya (driver) did a super job. We got to see many places and were able to experience Sri Lankan culture. It was fun, thanks for that.