Day Trips from Kandy to Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

You will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in Kandy and head directly to Polonnaruwa, which served as Sri Lanka's capital for approximately 200 years. During your visit, you can explore the archaeological museum, the royal palace, the audience hall, a swimming pool, the sacred quadrangle, Shiva Devale, Pabalu Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Kiri Vihara, the Buddha statue at Lankatilaka, and the Buddha figures at Gal Vihara, among other attractions.

After lunch, you have the option to visit either Lion Rock, Sigiriya, an incredible man-made marvel perched on an isolated rock that is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. It boasts remarkable carvings, paintings, and a meticulously planned architectural complex dating back to the 5th century. Alternatively, you can explore Pidurangala Rock, which offers a more than one-hour climb through a dense forest path leading to a 360-degree scenic viewpoint at the summit.

Another option is to visit one of the national parks in the wildlife reserves of Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco to observe the majestic elephants and other wildlife inhabiting the jungle.