Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Trip with Wildlife Safari

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

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa.

  • Discover the ancient Royal Palace and historic temples.

  • Visit the famous Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues.

  • Learn about Sri Lanka's ancient history with a professional local guide.

  • Enjoy an exciting 4x4 jeep safari in a national park.

  • Spot wild elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Enjoy private hotel pickup and drop-off from Sigiriya.

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Full Day

Sigiriya |Polonnaruwa | Minneriya / Kaudulla

A Day Of History And Wildlife

Experience the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa and the excitement of a Sri Lankan elephant safari in one memorable private day trip from Sigiriya.
 
 
8:00 AM

Hotel Pickup in Sigiriya

Meet your driver at your hotel and begin your journey to Polonnaruwa in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

 
9:30 AM

Explore Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Meet your local guide and explore the ancient kingdom, including the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle, the Vatadage and the impressive Gal Vihara Buddha statues.

 
12:30 PM

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. (Meal cost is included in the package.)

 
2:00 PM

Afternoon Wildlife Safari

Enjoy an exciting safari in Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park, depending on wildlife movements and park conditions. Look out for wild elephants, birds and other animals.

 
5:30–6:00 PM

Return to Sigiriya

After your safari, relax on the drive back to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Important Information

  • Duration: Approximately 10 hours

  • Departure: 8:00 AM from your hotel in Sigiriya

  • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle

  • Safari: 4x4 jeep safari

  • Guide: English-speaking local guide

  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a camera.

  • Please wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites and remove footwear where required.

  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

  • The safari park is selected according to wildlife movements and availability.

     

    Pricing 

    No of passengers  Price PP($)
    1 219
    2 143
    3 117
    4 110
    5 100
    6 95 

     

What's Included & Excluded

Included
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sigiriya

  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City entrance ticket

  • Professional English-speaking local guide in Polonnaruwa

  • National park entrance ticket

  • Private 4x4 safari jeep with driver

  • Lunch at a local restaurant

  • Bottled drinking water

  • Fuel, parking fees and applicable taxes

Excluded
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Any services not specifically listed under inclusions

Tour Map

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