Most visitors base themselves in Sigiriya, Habarana, or Dambulla and day-trip to Polonnaruwa, often combining it with other Cultural Triangle sites. Best for: history buffs, travellers on a Cultural Triangle itinerary.
What to Expect
Difficulty ranges from moderate to easy. Group sizes are typically 2-12. Tours available in English, German, Sinhala.
Our Top Picks
4 hand-picked activities for this trip
Dambulla, Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Combo Day
Best for travellers wanting history and wildlife in one day
- Explore five Buddhist cave temples with 157 statues and frescoes
- See the four monumental Gal Vihara carved Buddhas
Habarana to Polonnaruwa Half-Day Trip
Best for travellers with a single free morning
- See four monumental carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara
- Explore the Royal Quadrangle (Vatadage circular temple and palace ruins)
Polonnaruwa & Parakrama Samudra Reservoir Day Trip
Best for history buffs interested in engineering, not just temples
- See Gal Vihara's four carved Buddha statues in context of ancient engineering
- Walk the Parakrama Samudra embankment and understand medieval water management
Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa Full-Day Tour
Best for travellers staying near Sigiriya who want a no-hassle day out
- Climb Sigiriya Rock and see the ancient frescoes halfway up
- View four massive carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara
Booking Advice
More on Polonnaruwa
For sights rather than tours, see the things to do in Polonnaruwa. The Polonnaruwa guide covers where to stay and how to get around.
We arrange all of these for our guests. Tell us which one and when you are in Polonnaruwa.