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Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Wild Elephant Safari Tour
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 10h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
Overview
- Discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Choose to explore by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or car for a personalized experience
- Witness the Minneriya Elephant Gathering, a spectacular wildlife event
- Enjoy a private jeep safari with an expert tracker to see elephants up close
- See other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and painted storks
Activity location
- Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
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What's included, what's not
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya and back)
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Sigiriya/Dambulla/Kandalama)
- Private 4x4 jeep for Minneriya safari (jeep hire included)
- Expert wildlife tracker for Minneriya safari
- Guidance on exploring Polonnaruwa highlights
- Bottled water throughout the entire day
- All fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees
- Flexible itinerary based on your preferences
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City entrance fee: $30 USD per adult / $15 USD per child
- Minneriya National Park entrance fee: Approximately $30 USD per adult
- Lunch (local restaurants available near Polonnaruwa, approximately $8-12 per person)
- Tuk-tuk upgrade inside Polonnaruwa (optional, approximately LKR 2,500-3,500)
- Gratuities for tracker and driver (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Feeding animals, Littering, Touching plants
- Not suitable for: People with back problems, People with heart problems, People with mobility impairments
What you can expect
Experience the very best of Sri Lanka's ancient heritage and incredible wildlife in one perfectly crafted day. This exclusive private tour combines two of the island's greatest wonders.
POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
Your morning begins at magnificent Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital. From the 11th to 13th century, this was the thriving heart of a powerful kingdom dominating the entire island.
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS:
GAL VIHARA - Four magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The 14-meter reclining Buddha is considered among the finest rock sculptures in Asia.
ROYAL PALACE - Seven-story palace of King Parakramabahu I with incredible scale and grandeur.
THE QUADRANGLE - Sacred complex with eleven stunning structures including the famous 25-ton stone book.
RANKOTH VEHERA - Largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, 55 meters tall.
LOTUS POND - Ancient bathing pool shaped like an eight-petaled lotus flower.
EXPLORE YOUR WAY:
• Bicycle (recommended) - Cycle freely at your own pace
• Tuk-tuk - Comfortable with historical commentary
• Car - Air-conditioned comfort between sites
THE MINNERIYA ELEPHANT GATHERING - NATURE'S GREATEST SPECTACLE
In the afternoon, witness something truly extraordinary. Between June and September, hundreds of wild Asian elephants converge at Minneriya Lake. At its peak in August, up to 300 wild elephants gather in one place - creating scenes that rival Africa's Great Migration!
YOUR JEEP SAFARI:
Board your private 4x4 open-top jeep with expert wildlife tracker. The afternoon golden hour is the absolute best time for elephant activity and photography.
WITNESS:
• Massive elephant herds moving across open grasslands
• Mothers with tiny baby elephants splashing in the shallows
• Bull elephants displaying dominance
• Leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and wild buffalo
• Spectacular bird life including painted storks and eagles
IMPORTANT: August is the PEAK of the Elephant Gathering - considered the single best month to visit Minneriya. You have chosen the perfect time!
ETHICAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
All encounters are completely wild. Animals are never disturbed, fed, or interfered with. Your expert tracker ensures responsible wildlife viewing that protects these magnificent creatures.
THE PERFECT DAY:
Morning - Walk with ancient kings among UNESCO ruins
Afternoon - Witness nature's greatest elephant spectacle
Evening - Return to Sigiriya with memories for a lifetime
This is Sri Lanka's finest combination - book now!
Location
Activity location
- Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka