Colombo Trip Overview
This is an all inclusive day tour to Polonnaruwa, chauffeured by an English speaking driver. Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka and forms part of the “Cultural Triangle” along with Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Dambulla. It served as the capital city for nearly 2 centuries between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and is an incredible day trip destination in Sri Lanka. During its time as a capital, Polonnaruwa was ruled by the Kings Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu the Great and Nissanka Malla – all 3 of these rulers devoted themselves to fostering agriculture, religion and social development and the kingdom prospered under their reign during this era. Once the tour ends you will be dropped back to your hotel.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This is an all inclusive day tour to Polonnaruwa, chauffeured by an English speaking driver. Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka and forms part of the “Cultural Triangle” along with Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Dambulla. It served as the capital city for nearly 2 centuries between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and is an incredible day trip destination in Sri Lanka. During its time as a capital, Polonnaruwa was ruled by the Kings Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu the Great and Nissanka Malla – all 3 of these rulers devoted themselves to fostering agriculture, religion and social development and the kingdom prospered under their reign during this era. Once the tour ends you will be dropped back to your hotel.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Vejayanta Pasada,King parakramabahu, W2V2+282, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
The first group of ruins you meet after entering the ground of the Ancient City is the Royal Palace Group. This group of buildings dates from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). The King`s Royal Palace is a massive structure, measuring 31 m by 13 m, once including 50 rooms supported by 30 columns. Even today it is quite an impressive building, but picture it being seven floors tall with 3 m thick walls, as the archaeologists claim it once was.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
You will be picked up from your hotel in Negombo or Colombo and transferred directly to Polonnaruwa and your first place to start the day will be the Vatadage. Vatadage is an ancient structure located in a quadrangular area (Dalada Maluva) in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The Vatadage occupies most of the southwestern area of Dalada Maluva and is the prominent structure among other oldest and most sacred monuments of the city.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Your next itinerary for the day will be the Gal Vihara. “Gal Vihara”, also spelt “Gal Viharaya”, means “Rock Monastery”. It’s the name of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated rock-cut Buddha statues. Gal Vihara was commissioned by King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186 A.D), who also built Polonnaruwa’s Great Palace Complex and the Vatadage (where the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic was kept). The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granitic (granite gneiss) rock.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Siva Devalaya (No 1), Polonnaruwa Old City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Next will be the Siva Devalaya No 1. Just south of the Quadrangle, the 13th-century Hindu temple Shiva Devale No 1 displays the Indian influence that returned after Polonnaruwa’s Sinhalese florescence. It is notable for the superb quality of its stonework, which fits together with unusual precision. The domed brick roof has collapsed, but when this building was being excavated a number of excellent bronzes, now in the Archaeological Museum, were found.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Siva Devale No 2, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Next will be the Siva Devalaya No 2. Shiva Devale No 2 is the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa and dates from the brief Chola period, when the Indian invaders established the city. Unlike so many buildings in the Ancient Cities, it was built entirely of stone, so the structure today is much as it was when built.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Lankathilaka Image House, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Your final visit will be the Lankatilaka Image House. Standing tall in the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, the Lankathilaka Image House is an exemplary monument that displays the elaborate and intricate craftsmanship of the sculptors of old. The complex is built in the typical ‘Gedige’ style, which is inspired by Indian architecture reminiscent of that of the Ellora Caves in India. Its walls are lined with carvings and sculptures of religious figures, along with mythical figures. In addition to the statue of Lord Buddha, there are also other unique features of interest, such as the guard stone images that have been immaculately carved from the large pillars at the entrance.
Duration: 20 minutes
