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.
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.
An entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. A vaṭadāge is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka.
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.
Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.
The design of the sandakada pahana of the Polonnaruwa period differs largely from that of the Anuradhapura period.
Medirigiriya Vatadageya is a Buddhist structure in Medirigiriya, Sri Lanka. It was built during the Anuradhapura era
The Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) in Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal rock-cut Buddha statues. Carved from a single granite rock during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, the seated, standing, and reclining Buddha figures showcase exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual serenity2
Lankathilaka Vihara is a majestic brick-built image house featuring a towering Buddha statue and intricate carvings. This 12th-century temple exemplifies Sinhalese architecture and is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in Polonnaruwa.
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.
he Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a circular relic house built to protect the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Located in the Dalada Maluwa complex, it features ornate stone carvings and four seated Buddha statues facing cardinal directions.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Discover Ayurvedic herbs and spices used in traditional healing and wellness.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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