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Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Unforgettable adventure showcasing local culture and breathtaking landscapes

Polonnaruwa

Discover Sri Lanka's mediaeval capital with your chauffeur-guide as you walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site representing the pinnacle of Sinhalese architectural achievement during the 10th-12th centuries CE.

The Vatadage's sophisticated stone work and Gal Vihara's four Buddha statues carved from single granite outcrops demonstrate technical mastery that influenced Southeast Asian Buddhist art.

Your chauffeur-guide will trace the city's evolution under Chola occupation and subsequent Sinhalese revival whilst explaining how advanced irrigation systems supported a cosmopolitan population that included South Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese communities.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Polonnaruwa - Memorable travel experience photo

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.

Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.

Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace

Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!

Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference

Sandra Nicholson (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.

Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.

Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle - The Galle Cinnamon Table With Lunch

Spend a delightful, memorable day with a local family in Galle and discover the story behind Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon cinnamon.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle - A Night Walk in Galle Fort

Galle Fort at night is something else entirely. This easy evening walk takes you through one of Sri Lanka's most historic places with the Indian Ocean on one side and centuries of stories on the other.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala Jeep Safari

Discover Yala's dramatic landscapes and wildlife behaviour during the enchanting afternoon hours on a safari jeep with your chauffeur-guide.

North West Coast & Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Wilpattu Jeep Safari

Venture into Wilpattu's wilderness during the golden hours aboard a safari jeep with your chauffeur-guide.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Whale Watching Speedboat

Experience Sri Lanka's exceptional whale watching opportunities during this 4-hour ocean expedition that departs at 7am, taking advantage of the continental shelf's proximity to shore where deep waters create ideal feeding conditions for large marine mammals.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Whale Watching Catamaran Weligama

Join this shared whale watching expedition departing at 6:30am for a 6-hour journey into the Indian Ocean, where Sri Lanka's continental shelf creates ideal conditions for marine mammals just beyond the shoreline.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Vedha and Honey

Trek through eastern Sri Lanka's forest with indigenous Vedda community members during this 3-hour experience starting at 8am, witnessing traditional honey harvesting techniques that remain central to their livelihood.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Traditional Mask Making

Learn the ancient art of Sri Lankan mask making during this 3-hour workshop at a hidden art gallery within Galle Fort, where your host guides you through creating your own traditional mask.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Snack and Sip Like A Sailor

Once a bustling international trading port, Colombo welcomed sailors and settlers from all corners of the world, each leaving their mark on Sri Lanka’s diverse cuisine.

Sinharaja & Kitulgala, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja

Explore Sri Lanka's last primary rainforest, Sinharaja, with your chauffeur-guide.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Scent of Toddy

Today you'll enjoy a unique village experience, learning about very typical southern cultivation of both toddy and cinnamon.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa by Bicycle

Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa on a 3.5-hour bicycle ride through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll cycle past remnants of Sri Lanka's medieval capital whilst learning about its history from a local resident who calls this archaeological site home.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala

Climb this significant archaeological site with your chauffeur-guide to access the monastery relocated by King Kasyapa when constructing nearby Sigiriya fortress.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is a long-distance route stretching through Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Similar to the Camino de Santiago and divided into 22 sections, the trail runs from Hantana to Nuwara Eliya and is designed to be walked in stages.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Kanneliya Rainforest

Trek through one of Sri Lanka's most significant remaining fragments of rainforest with your chauffeur-guide, just a short drive from Galle.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Nunnery

This experience offers a guided visit to a female-only monastery in Kandy, providing insight into the daily life of a bhikkuni - a woman who has chosen to follow the Buddhist path through ordination.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Food Trail

This walking food tour through Kandy explores the city’s diverse culinary heritage, shaped by a long history of cultural exchange.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy by Tuk Tuk

Today you’ll discover Kandy's unique character and history shaped by its protective landscape of hills, mountains and rivers during our unique 3-hour private tuk tuk experience.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Kandy Botanical Gardens

Explore with your guide one of Asia's most revered botanical gardens, with an extensive collection of plants, trees and orchids.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Jewellery Making

Learn traditional Sri Lankan silver jewellery-making techniques during this hands-on 1.5-2 hour workshop where you'll discover the cultural significance and history behind this ancient craft.

Jaffna & the North, Sri Lanka

Jaffna by Tuk Tuk

Explore Jaffna's unique heritage and historic landmarks during this 2-hour tuk tuk tour. We normally start this at 9am or 4pm, but this is flexible.

Jaffna & the North, Sri Lanka

Jaffna - Nallur Kandaswami Kovil with Guide

Visit Jaffna's sacred Nallur Kovil during our 2-hour local experience, which we normally start at 8am or 3pm.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Hermit Monk Mihintale

Embark on a transformative journey to Mihintale, the revered mountain-top birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Choose to start your adventure at sunrise for breathtaking views or in the afternoon for a more tranquil ascent, with the experience lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Treasure Hunt

Explore Galle Fort through an interactive 2-hour treasure hunt that takes you around this UNESCO World Heritage site whilst learning about its colonial history in an engaging, family-friendly format.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Sunset Cycling

Explore historic Galle city by bicycle during this 2-hour evening ride that starts at 4:30pm, led by a resident host who grew up on the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Fort

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Street Food

Discover the authentic street food of Galle Fort on this 2.5-hour culinary journey with a third-generation local resident who shares stories of this living UNESCO heritage site.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Lace Making

Learn traditional beeralu lace making during this hour-long workshop at a Galle family home, where your host from a lineage of skilled artisans guides you through the complete process from sketching patterns to weaving threads around pins on a lace pillow.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Fort Walk Walking Tour

Step back in time as you explore Galle Fort in the company of a well-informed host, beginning at its imposing bastions and grass-covered ramparts.

Gal Oya National Park, Kumana & Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Vedha

Gal Oya Lodge sits on the edge of one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining Veddha communities — the island’s forest-dwelling indigenous people.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Ella Stage 17 Pekoe Trail

Experience this captivating 3.5 hour trek with your private guide, starting at the famous Demodara spiral railway where trains loop through a tunnel beneath the station.

Kandy & Hill Country, Sri Lanka

Ella Stage 16 Pekoe Trail

Experience Stage 16 of the Pekoe Trail from Ella to Demodera during this 3-hour trek our your private guide. The Pekoe Trail is a newly established trekking route through Sri Lanka's hill country, and this is just one small section of the entire route.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Elephant Mask Painting

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and creativity with this family-friendly art activity.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Dambulla

Explore this exceptional Buddhist cave complex with your chauffeur-guide at Sri Lanka's largest preserved ancient monastery, continuously occupied for over 2,200 years.

West Coast, Sri Lanka

Cycling and Kayaking Weligama

While the Galle Coast attracts many tourists, the countryside just inland offers a tranquil escape that showcases authentic rural life.

South Coast & Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Curd Making

Learn traditional buffalo curd-making during this 2-hour morning experience that normally begins around 8am with a family whose generations have perfected this rural craft.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Street Eats

Explore Colombo’s food scene on foot and by tuk-tuk as evening falls. The city’s street food reflects centuries of global influence, from Dutch and Portuguese traders to Malaysian and South Indian migrants.

Colombo & Negombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Discover by Tuk Tuk

Experience Colombo like a local with a guided tuk tuk tour through Sri Lanka’s energetic capital

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Climb Sigiriya Rock

Ascend King Kasyapa's 5th-century fortress-palace with your chauffeur-guide to examine one of Asia's most sophisticated examples of integrated landscape architecture and urban planning.

Galle, Sri Lanka

Cinnamon Artistry

Take a boat ride to Cinnamon Island, home to a family dedicated to the craft of hand-rolling cinnamon sticks.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura by tuk tuk

Discover the UNESCO-protected city of Anuradhapura, the cradle of Sri Lanka’s first civilisation, which has profoundly influenced the country’s modern culture.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura with a private guide

Explore Sri Lanka's first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects 1,500 years of continuous Buddhist civilisation from the 4th century BCE.

Cultural Triangle / Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura - Private Alms Giving

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Polonnaruwa

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