Polonnaruwa Tours & Trip Packages

Polonnaruwa Tours & Trips

7 Polonnaruwa trips. Tours from 4 tour companies. 220 reviews.

7 Trips match your criteria (1 - 7 shown)

Best of Sri Lanka
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces, and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
  • Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-metre-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
  • Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
  • Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
  • Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yala, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Learn about Sri Lanka’s past first-hand during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – first established in 1891, this historic hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the breadth of Sri Lanka’s food scene during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class in Galle, a tea plantation tour, a high tea in Nuwara Eliya and a barbecue dinner in Dambulla.
  • Search for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and the ever-elusive leopards under the cover of darkness on an evening safari through the wild grasslands of Yala National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
  • Enjoy Exclusive Experiences in Kandy – dine at the Hela Bojun restaurant, which is focused on empowering and employing local women, and enjoy a private cultural dance performance.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium Sri Lanka
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Learn about the country’s past during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – established in 1891, this traditional-style hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the beauty and mastery of Sri Lanka’s craft traditions and try them for yourself – from brass making and pottery to woodwork and ancient palm leaf writing.
  • Get an exclusive and immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna, where you’ll walk through tea plantations and paddy fields and learn about sustainable farming with a local guide.
  • Spot elephants, monkeys and tropical birds on a safari through the wild grasslands of Minneriya National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium India and Sri Lanka
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Agra, Colombo, Delhi, Jaipur, Kandy, Minneriya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Taj Mahal, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in famed structures, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace, to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and the ruins and stupas of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
  • Taste the best of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour in Agra, a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur, a cooking demo with a local grandmother in Polonnaruwa, and a Spice Garden visit in Matale.
  • See wildlife in its natural habitat with safaris through Ranthambore National Park in India and Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, in search of sloth bears, leopards, elusive tigers, tropical birds, and elephants.
  • Historical Feature Stays allow you to experience history first hand, staying at family owned heritage hotel in Jaipur and a colonial-era mansion with a new sustainable lease on life in Nuwara Eliya.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit to a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians, and get an immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Rural Sri Lanka: off the beaten track
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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On the Leopard's Trail in Sri Lanka
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

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Secrets of Sri Lanka
5/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Discover past and present Colombo with a guided tour
  • Climb the 1,144ft (349m) ancient fortress at Sigiriya
  • Tuck into lunch overlooking paddy fields and a private spice garden
  • Whip up a feast at a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class
  • Plunge down white-water rapids on a river rafting trip
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"A Culture Trip curated trip is a must for anyone burnt out planning their own trips or going to a remote or unfamiliar area. Having a local insider was the highlight of the trip. From the moment we landed to the moment we had to go through security to leave, we were completely taken care of. Our insider gave us great recommendations for restaurants and was very adaptable to any situation that arose."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Best of Sri Lanka
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Ride around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura on a bike tour, cycling through the jungle to see the dagobas, palaces, and pools of a city abandoned over 1000 years ago.
  • Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200-metre-high summit and get panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
  • Explore the divine city of Kandy, mingling with pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, touring a tea factory, and taking in the views of this lush lakefront town.
  • Fall in love with Sri Lankan food and get to know locals during experiences like lunching with a Tamil tea worker and a home-cooking demonstration.
  • Unwind on the sandy beaches of Mirissa, where the waters are clear and warm, and monkeys play in the swaying palms that line the shores.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yala, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Learn about Sri Lanka’s past first-hand during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – first established in 1891, this historic hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the breadth of Sri Lanka’s food scene during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class in Galle, a tea plantation tour, a high tea in Nuwara Eliya and a barbecue dinner in Dambulla.
  • Search for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and the ever-elusive leopards under the cover of darkness on an evening safari through the wild grasslands of Yala National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
  • Enjoy Exclusive Experiences in Kandy – dine at the Hela Bojun restaurant, which is focused on empowering and employing local women, and enjoy a private cultural dance performance.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium Sri Lanka
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Learn about the country’s past during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – established in 1891, this traditional-style hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the beauty and mastery of Sri Lanka’s craft traditions and try them for yourself – from brass making and pottery to woodwork and ancient palm leaf writing.
  • Get an exclusive and immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna, where you’ll walk through tea plantations and paddy fields and learn about sustainable farming with a local guide.
  • Spot elephants, monkeys and tropical birds on a safari through the wild grasslands of Minneriya National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium India and Sri Lanka
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Agra, Colombo, Delhi, Jaipur, Kandy, Minneriya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Taj Mahal, Varanasi

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty in famed structures, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace, to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and the ruins and stupas of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
  • Taste the best of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour in Agra, a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur, a cooking demo with a local grandmother in Polonnaruwa, and a Spice Garden visit in Matale.
  • See wildlife in its natural habitat with safaris through Ranthambore National Park in India and Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, in search of sloth bears, leopards, elusive tigers, tropical birds, and elephants.
  • Historical Feature Stays allow you to experience history first hand, staying at family owned heritage hotel in Jaipur and a colonial-era mansion with a new sustainable lease on life in Nuwara Eliya.
  • Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – visit to a royal haveli in Jaipur and hear the stories of its owner’s ancestors, cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians, and get an immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Completed 3 trips with Intrepid this year. A prior last year. The Leaders are well organized, informative and fun. Travelling inland in Greece and the Greek Islands (second time), Intrepid through their amazing leaders, introduce you and share history, way of life, amazing scenery and places to eat. Yes, they are busy days and you walk a lot, but the days are full and stimulating. You make life long friends in the group and leaders. Thank you Mia, Dina and Nasos. Your energy and knowledge is a future of memories."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Polonnaruwa Reviews

S

Sharon

Aug 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka

We had a most fabulous time and our guide Ashan truly made it. I can’t sing his praises enough. He was so knowledgable with all things Sri Lanka the history, religio...

j

joe

May 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

For an Active tour we spent a lot of time driving. After 1 week the guide bought a map and the journeys got a little shorter! Despite being a very bright man our tou...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

The trip was marketed as 'Active' but the active parts weren't very active! A 'hike' in the Knuckles Ranges was little more than a 2km stroll along a paved road and ...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Active Sri Lanka!

Holiday was very well organised from start to finish.,with a great variety of...

Write a Review

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