Minneriya: Wild Safari and Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour

Discover the captivating blend of cultural and wildlife experiences on the Minneriya Wild Safari and Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour. Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, marveling at the stunning rock-cut Buddha statues and architectural wonders. After a delicious local lunch, embark on an exhilarating safari at either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, where you’ll have the chance to witness the majestic elephant gathering and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of Sri Lanka’s remarkable natural and historical treasures.

Key Points

• This one-day tour combines a visit to the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa archaeological site with a safari experience in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the famous ‘elephant gathering’.

• The tour includes free hotel pickup, an air-conditioned 4×4 safari jeep, and an English-speaking driver, as well as breakfast and lunch during the day.

• Highlights of the Polonnaruwa sightseeing include the Gal Viharaya rock-cut Buddha statues, the Vatadage structure, and the Dalada Maluwa complex.

• The safari experience offers the opportunity to observe majestic elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

• The tour is limited to 6 participants for a personalized experience, and booking can be done with a pay later option and free cancellation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The ‘Minneriya Wild Safari and Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour‘ is a one-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa and witness the renowned elephant gathering in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.

Starting from Sigiriya, the tour includes free hotel pickup, an air-conditioned 4×4 safari jeep, and an English-speaking driver. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch while taking in the cultural and natural wonders of the region.

The tour is limited to 6 participants, offering a personalized experience. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a morning departure, commencing with a hearty breakfast.

Guests then embark on an exploration of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, taking in the remarkable Gal Viharaya rock-cut Buddha statues, the historical Vatadage structure, and the revered Dalada Maluwa complex.

After the sightseeing tour, travelers enjoy a delicious lunch break.

The highlight of the day is the safari, where they can choose between the Minneriya or Kaudulla national parks to witness the exceptional elephant gathering, a unique natural phenomenon in Asia’s largest elephant habitat.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including baby elephants, accompanied by expert guides and drivers.

Polonnaruwa Sightseeing

Visitors commence their exploration of the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa, marveling at the remarkable Gal Viharaya rock-cut Buddha statues that stand as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

They’ll venture to the Vatadage, a historical structure that represents the architectural prowess of the ancient kingdom.

The Dalada Maluwa complex, once home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, provides insight into the profound religious significance of this historic site.

Guests will uncover the stories and significance of these captivating ruins, gaining a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s remarkable past.

The Polonnaruwa sightseeing experience offers a fascinating window into the country’s cultural tapestry, complementing the day’s wildlife encounters.

Lunch Break

After exploring the historical wonders of Polonnaruwa, visitors can enjoy a delightful lunch break, savoring local cuisine that nourishes both body and soul.

The tour includes a tasty lunch, providing a much-needed respite from the morning’s activities.

Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, including fragrant rice and curry, flavorful vegetable sambols, and refreshing tropical fruits.

This midday meal not only refuels the travelers but also allows them to enjoy the culinary traditions of the region.

The lunch break is a chance to recharge and prepare for the upcoming elephant safari, ensuring an energized and fulfilling experience throughout the day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Elephant Safari Options

Guests can choose between two renowned elephant parks for their safari experience – Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, both renowned for their large elephant populations and diverse wildlife. The Minneriya National Park is known as the "elephant gathering" site, where herds of elephants congregate during the dry season. Kaudulla National Park, on the other hand, is equally impressive, offering opportunities to spot not just elephants but also leopards, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Feature	Minneriya	Kaudulla
Elephant Viewing	Excellent	Excellent
Other Wildlife	Good	Very Good
Landscape	Varied	Diverse
Crowds	Moderate	Lower

Whichever park guests choose, the safari will undoubtedly be a highlight of their Sri Lankan adventure.

Tour Highlights

This tour offers a compelling combination of historical exploration and captivating wildlife encounters, allowing guests to enjoy Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural and natural wonders.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, home to the awe-inspiring rock-cut Buddha statues and the ancient Vatadage structure.

Witness the remarkable elephant gathering, a unique phenomenon in Asia’s largest elephant park, Minneriya or Kaudulla.

Observe baby elephants and diverse wildlife as you embark on an unforgettable safari.

With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and delicious meals, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage.

Wildlife and Cultural Experience

The tour offers a compelling combination of historical exploration and captivating wildlife encounters, allowing guests to enjoy Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural and natural wonders. The day begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where visitors can marvel at the ancient rock-cut Buddha statues and historical structures like the Vatadage. After a delicious lunch, the tour takes guests to either the Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, Asia’s largest elephant gathering site, for an unforgettable safari. Here, they can observe majestic elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a variety of other wildlife, creating a true wildlife and cultural experience.

Highlights	Polonnaruwa	Minneriya/Kaudulla
Historical Exploration	Rock-cut Buddha Statues	–
	Vatadage	–
Wildlife Encounters	–	Elephants
	–	Diverse Wildlife
Cultural Immersion	–	Asia’s Largest Elephant Gathering

Booking Information

Travelers can check availability for start times and group sizes before booking this captivating Minneriya Safari and Polonnaruwa Tour.

Booking now ensures an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, though the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour’s small group size is limited to 6 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

Free hotel pickup and drop-off from Dambulla, Sigiriya, or Habarana, along with an English-speaking driver, unlimited water, and free Wi-Fi, make this an exceptionally convenient and well-rounded offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour generally includes breakfast and lunch, so bringing your own food is not necessary. However, you can check with the tour operator if you have any dietary restrictions or prefer to bring your own snacks or beverages.

Is Photography Allowed During the Safari?

Photography is generally allowed during safaris, but visitors should follow the guidelines set by the tour operators and park authorities. Respect the wildlife and their natural habitats, and avoid disturbing the animals or interfering with the safari experience.

What Happens if It Rains During the Tour?

If it rains during the tour, the safari experience may be impacted. However, the tour operators typically have contingency plans, such as providing ponchos or rearranging the schedule to minimize disruption. Guests should be prepared for potential weather changes and follow the guides’ instructions.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour Participants?

There is no mentioned age limit for tour participants. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for pregnant women due to the nature of the activities involved.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites. Travelers can customize the itinerary with the tour operator to include extra stops, activities, or sites based on their interests and available time. Additional costs may apply for extended tours.

Recap

This captivating day tour combines the UNESCO-listed wonders of Polonnaruwa with the thrill of a wildlife safari.

Explore the ancient city’s remarkable rock-cut Buddha statues and monuments.

Then embark on an exhilarating journey through Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the famous elephant gathering and other diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

It’s a perfect blend of cultural exploration and wildlife immersion, offering an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: