Excursion Overview
This half-day tour takes you from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa. It’s the second great capital of Sri Lanka, after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Polonnaruwa is arguably better preserved than Anuradhapura and is certainly more accessible. It’s made up of both Bramanic monuments built by the Cholas, as well as the ruins of a fantastic garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s described as a ‘shrine to Buddhism and Singhalese history’, apparent in its enormous rock carvings. The tour includes the King’s Council Chambers, the royal baths and ruins of Buddhist shrines such as the Vatadage, which is a circular relic house. It also takes in the ‘Hatadage’, where it’s believed the Sacred Tooth was placed for some time. The tour also includes a myriad of other monuments, including the gigantic rock sculpture of the Lord Buddha. Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka undisputed highlights and an integral park of Sri Lanka’s ancient history.
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Active
- Culture
- History
Excursion Gallery
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Lisa Jankus-Scott organised a very diverse itinerary for our visit to Sri Lanka. We visited temples, tea plantations, a couple of safaris, a street food experience, Sri Lanka food cookery class and many beautiful rural boutique hotels. Our driver guide Alaine looked after us so well and was very informative, he loved the fact that my husband shared his interest in birds. Will definitely use Holiday Architects again.
Valerie Mortiboys,
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Rebecca at Holiday Architects put together a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka for us. She listened carefully to everything we did and didn’t want and asked all the right questions. This resulted in a perfect itinerary right from the beginning. The holiday itself was as good as promised; an excellent driver-guide, wonderful hotels and an itinerary that delivered everything we wanted.
Patricia Smith,
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Meet our Sri Lanka experts
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn, Lisa and Rebecca are dedicated to all things Sri Lanka and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Dawn Smith
Destination Manager
From its tea-covered hills to its colourful towns, endless beaches and magic people, our Dawn’s head over heels with Sri Lanka and she knows exactly how to help you fall in love with it, too.
Lisa Jankus-Scott
Destination Manager
Sri Lanka sparked Lisa’s lifelong love for Asia, and it remains one of her favourite places to visit. She’s all about combining cultural highlights, beautiful landscapes and proper local flavour into every itinerary, and Sri Lanka is the place to do just that.
Rebecca Dodds
Destination Manager
Few places have a hold on Rebecca’s heart like Sri Lanka. It’s the mix of culture, landscapes, unmatched food and magic people that gets her, alongside the closeness of the Maldives! And she’d love nothing more than helping you experience it all.
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