Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa with Safari – Wildlife & Heritage Experience

1 Days

Overview

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Sigiriya at 8:30 AM and head towards the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including royal palaces, ancient temples, and stunning statues.

After lunch, continue to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon safari. Experience the thrill of spotting wild elephants, deer, monkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. Return to Sigiriya in the evening, around 6:00 PM, after a full day of culture, history, and wildlife adventure.

Special Note – Minneriya & Kaudulla Safari
Elephants frequently move between Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park depending on seasonal conditions. Therefore, on the day of your safari, we will carefully monitor elephant movements and arrange your park entry to the location where the highest number of elephants can be seen.
Please note that this is a wildlife safari conducted in a natural environment. While we always do our best to maximize sightings, we cannot guarantee the visibility of specific animals.
This flexible approach helps ensure the best possible wildlife experience during your safari.

Highlights

  • Morning visit to Polonnaruwa Ancient City – UNESCO World Heritage Site 

  • Explore royal palaces, ancient temples, and Buddha statues

  • Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch
  • Afternoon safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park 🐘

  • Chance to see wild elephants, monkeys, deer, and exotic birds

  • Expert English-speaking guide explaining history and wildlife

  • Full-day adventure combining heritage, culture, and wildlife

  • Perfect for photography, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts 

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Day Trip Itinerary: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya / Kaudulla Safari

Morning

  •  Pick up from hotel in Sigiriya (around 7:00 – 7:30 am)
  • Drive to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – approx. 1 hr
  • Explore highlights:
    • Royal Palace & Audience Hall
    • Gal Vihara (four giant Buddha statues carved into granite)
    • Vatadage (circular relic house)
    • Rankoth Vehera & Kiri Vihara Stupa
    • Parakrama Samudra (huge man-made reservoir)

Lunch

  • Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in Polonnaruwa (rice & curry / village-style buffet).

Afternoon

  • Return towards Sigiriya area.
  • Around 2:30 – 3:00 pm, proceed to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (depending on where elephants are gathering at the time).

Evening Safari

  • 3:00 – 6:30 pm: Jeep safari in Minneriya / Kaudulla
    • Famous for the “Elephant Gathering” (especially June–September).
    • Spot wild elephants, deer, birds, monkeys, and maybe crocodiles.
  • Sunset views in the park.

Evening Return

  • Return to hotel in Sigiriya by 7:00 – 7:30 pm.

Price Breakdown

No of passengers  Price PP($)
1 219
2 143
3 117
4 110
 

 Tips

  • Wear light cotton clothes, hat, sunscreen & comfortable shoes.
  • Carry some cash for lunch & small tips.
  • Best to carry binoculars/camera for the safari.
  • Morning is best for ruins (less hot), evening is best for wildlife.

 

What's Included & Excluded

Included

Private transport (air-conditioned) 

English-speaking guide for site

English-speaking Driver

4X4 Safari Jeep Fee

Mineriya or Kaudulla Entrance Tickets

Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch

Entrance tickets for Polonnaruwa site 

 

 

Excluded

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities

Camera ,Binoculars,

Cycle Ride Polonnaruwa

Tour Map

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=135zC6aFN_6PCIdbkCSpLwVDo0T07WFw&usp=sharing

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