Tour Description

Step back into Sri Lanka's medieval history on this private Polonnaruwa Ancient City all-inclusive day tour from Kandy. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second ancient capital and one of the country's best-preserved archaeological cities, renowned for its magnificent stupas, temples, royal monuments, and remarkable stone sculptures.

Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your professional English-speaking chauffeur as you journey from Kandy through the scenic landscapes of central Sri Lanka. Along the way, experience authentic Sri Lankan traditions with visits to a Herbal & Spice Garden, a Woodcarving Workshop, and a Gem & Jewellery Showroom, offering fascinating insights into the island's spices, traditional craftsmanship, and world-famous gemstones.

Your journey through Polonnaruwa begins at the beautifully preserved Polonnaruwa Vatadage, an architectural masterpiece built around a sacred relic. Continue to the magnificent Gal Vihara, where four remarkable Buddha statues were carved directly into a granite rock face. Explore the imposing Rankoth Vehera, the elegant Lotus Pond, and the historic Thivanka Image House, known for its ancient murals and impressive Buddhist artwork.

Complete your exploration with a visit to Parakrama Samudra, the enormous ancient reservoir built by King Parakramabahu the Great. This extraordinary irrigation system demonstrates the advanced engineering and water-management skills of Sri Lanka's medieval civilization.

Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, photographers, and history enthusiasts, this all-inclusive private day tour offers an immersive journey into Sri Lanka's ancient kingdom while combining cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and scenic countryside.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa Ancient City
• Visit the beautifully preserved Polonnaruwa Vatadage
• Admire the world-famous rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara
• Discover the magnificent Rankoth Vehera
• Visit the elegant ancient Lotus Pond
• Explore the historic Thivanka Image House
• See the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir
• Discover Sri Lanka's spices at a traditional Herbal & Spice Garden
• Watch skilled artisans at a traditional Woodcarving Workshop
• Learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous gemstones at a Gem & Jewellery showroom
• Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking chauffeur
• All entrance fees included for a hassle-free experience
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kandy included

Tour Itinerary

Hotel Pickup – Kandy

Meet your professional English-speaking chauffeur at your hotel in Kandy and begin your private journey towards Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.

Scenic Drive to Polonnaruwa

Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through Sri Lanka's central highlands and countryside, passing forests, villages, paddy fields, and traditional landscapes.

Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

Visit a traditional herbal and spice garden to discover Sri Lanka's famous spices, Ayurvedic herbs, and their traditional medicinal and culinary uses.

Oak Ray Woodcarving Workshop

Watch skilled Sri Lankan artisans demonstrate traditional woodcarving techniques and create beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.

Premadasa's Gems & Jewellery – Kandy

Discover Sri Lanka's world-renowned gemstones and learn about sapphire mining, gem cutting, polishing, and traditional jewellery craftsmanship.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Enter the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and discover one of Sri Lanka's best-preserved archaeological sites, filled with temples, stupas, royal monuments, and ancient ruins.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Explore the beautifully preserved circular relic house, admired for its intricate stone carvings, elegant design, and remarkable ancient craftsmanship.

Gal Vihara

Admire the magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues carved into a granite rock face, regarded as some of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture.

Rankoth Vehera

Visit the impressive Rankoth Vehera, one of the largest stupas in Polonnaruwa and a striking example of medieval Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture.

Lotus Pond

Discover the uniquely designed Lotus Pond, an elegant ancient structure inspired by the shape of a blooming lotus flower.

Thivanka Image House

Explore the historic Thivanka Image House, renowned for its impressive Buddha image and beautifully preserved ancient Buddhist murals.

Lunch Break (Optional)

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine or international favourites (meal not included unless stated).

Parakrama Samudra

Visit the enormous Parakrama Samudra reservoir, an extraordinary ancient irrigation masterpiece built by King Parakramabahu the Great and a symbol of the engineering achievements of medieval Sri Lanka.

Return Journey to Kandy

Relax on the scenic drive back to Kandy before being dropped off at your hotel, concluding your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's ancient heritage.

Why You'll Love This Tour

✅ Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa Ancient City

✅ Discover some of Sri Lanka's finest ancient monuments and archaeological treasures

✅ Admire the world-famous rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara

✅ Visit Vatadage, Rankoth Vehera, Lotus Pond, and Thivanka Image House

✅ Discover the remarkable ancient irrigation system of Parakrama Samudra

✅ Experience Sri Lanka's spices, gemstones, and traditional woodcarving craftsmanship

✅ Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with entrance fees included

✅ Travel comfortably with a private English-speaking chauffeur

✅ Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, photographers, and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic Sri Lankan cultural experience