Dambulla And Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour From Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Duration10h - 12h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience two of Sri Lanka’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this Dambulla and Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from Colombo. Begin your journey at the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site famed for its towering golden Buddha statue, intricate cave paintings, and centuries-old rock-carved shrines that beautifully showcase Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, once a thriving royal capital, where you can explore remarkable ruins, grand palaces, and the famous Gal Vihara rock temple with its serene Buddha sculptures. Perfect for travelers eager to uncover the country’s rich history and artistry, this Dambulla and Polonnaruwa day tour from Colombo offers a fascinating blend of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty all in one unforgettable journey.

What's included

  • Entry / Admission - Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden
  • Entry / Admission - Parakrama Samudraya
  • Private transportation
  • WiFi on board
  • Bottled water
  • Entry / Admission - Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
  • Entry / Admission - Oak Ray Woodcarving
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance Ticket - Dambulla Temple
  • Entrance Ticket – Polonnaruwa

What to expect

  1. Dambulla Cave Temple
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country.
  2. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka.
  3. Gal Vihara
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    The Gal Vihara, also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I.
  4. Sandakada Pahana
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period.
  5. Lankathilaka Image House
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.
  6. Rankoth Vehera
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, built by King Nissanka Malla. Its massive brick structure, inspired by Anuradhapura’s architectural style, stands as a symbol of Buddhist devotion and ancient engineering excellence.
  7. Lotus Pond
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    The Nelum Pokuna or Lotus Pond is a beautifully designed stone pond shaped like a blooming lotus flower. This unique structure reflects the artistic ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering and is a tranquil spot within the ancient city.
  8. 30m · Admission ticket not included
    Thiwanka Image House is famed for its unique curved walls and the towering Buddha statue within. The interior walls are adorned with well-preserved frescoes depicting Jataka tales, making it a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art.
  9. Samudra Parakrama
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Parakrama Samudraya is a vast man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning over 2,500 hectares, this engineering marvel was designed to “not let a single drop of rainwater flow into the sea,” showcasing ancient Sri Lanka’s advanced irrigation systems.
  10. Oak Ray Woodcarving
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Discover the artistry of traditional Sri Lankan wood carving at Oak Ray Wood Carving Center. Skilled artisans craft intricate statues, masks, furniture, and sculptures using teak, mahogany, and ebony, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship
  11. Premadasas Gems and Jewellery
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Explore the dazzling world of Sri Lankan gemstones at Premadasa Gems & Jewellers. Renowned for its exquisite collection of sapphires, diamonds, and pearls, this gem house offers high-quality jewelry, a gemological museum, and insights into the mining process.
  12. Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$182.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Classical Lanka Tours · Booked through Viator
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