Dambulla Temple And Polonnaruwa Day Tour From Kandy

Experience two of Sri Lanka’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this Dambulla and Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from Kandy. 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 Kandy offers a fascinating blend of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty all in one unforgettable journey.

1. 1

   Polonnaruwa Vatadage

   1 hour

   An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge (Sinhala: වටදාගෙ) is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka.

2. 2

   Gal Vihara

   30 min

   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.

3. 3

   Lankathilaka Image House

   30 min

   Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.

4. 4

   Sandakada Pahana

   30 min

   The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period.

5. 5

   Rankoth Vehera

   30 min

   Rankoth Vehera is a stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. The stupa was built by Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa, who ruled the country from 1187 to 1196.

6. 6

   Dambulla Cave Temple

   2 hours

   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.

7. 7

   Lotus Pond

   30 min

   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. 8

   Stop 8

   30 min

   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. 9

   Samudra Parakrama

   30 min

   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. 10

    Oak Ray Woodcarving

    30 min

    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. 11

    Premadasas Gems and Jewellery

    30 min

    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. 12

    Rawana Spice & Herbal Garden

    30 min

    Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness.

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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.