Kandy Trip Overview
Polonnaruwa, or Pulasthi Nakaram as it was also called, was the second capital of the ancient Sri Lankan Kings; the first being Anuradhapura. It remained the most important city in the country for over two centuries; until the capital was moved to Dambadeniya in AD 1284. The many kings who ruled this old city contributed to its culture and religion with many constructions and temples; many of which remain today.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 hours
Starts: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Kandy Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa, or Pulasthi Nakaram as it was also called, was the second capital of the ancient Sri Lankan Kings; the first being Anuradhapura. It remained the most important city in the country for over two centuries; until the capital was moved to Dambadeniya in AD 1284. The many kings who ruled this old city contributed to its culture and religion with many constructions and temples; many of which remain today.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
You will be starting your tour from your hotel in Kandy at 6:30 am. Your vehicle driven by a private chauffeur-guide will pick you up and drive you to your first destination – Polonnaruwa. You can have a packed breakfast along the way if you haven’t had it yet. You will get there by 9:30 am.
Polonnaruwa, or Pulasthi Nakaram as it was also called, was the second capital of the ancient Sri Lankan Kings; the first being Anuradhapura. It remained the most important city in the country for over two centuries; until the capital was moved to Dambadeniya in AD 1284. The many kings who ruled this old city contributed to its culture and religion with many constructions and temples; many of which remain today.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
During your visit to the Ruined City, you will be able to see famous archaeological sites such as Gal Vihara, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sathmahal Prasada, Medirigiriya Vatadage, Lankathilaka Image House, the Shiva Temple, Rankoth Vehera, Nissankalatha Mandapaya and much more. Your entire tour of the ruins will last till approximately 12:30 pm. You may also get to see the Archaeological Museum in Polonnaruwa if you have time. After this, you will go to a good restaurant where you can enjoy lunch.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka
You will leave Polonnaruwa by approximately 1:45 pm and get to Minneriya National Park by approximately 2:30 pm for a lovely safari in the National Park. Minneriya is famous for its seasonal Elephant Gatherings; where hundreds of elephants gather together, socialize, feed and play. This is the only place in the world that such a phenomenon occurs. You may get to see this if you come during the right season. There are also many other types of fauna to watch out for during your three-hour-long evening safari at the National Park.
Your safari will be completed by 5:30 pm; after which you will begin the drive back. The tour will conclude when you get back to your hotel in Kandy.
Duration: 3 hours
