Full-Day Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari Tour from Sigiriya

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Polonnaruwa Ancient City and its fascinating archaeological sites
• 02 Discover Gal Vihara and its four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock
• 03 Experience an exciting 4x4 jeep safari through Minneriya National Park
• 04 Witness the world-famous Elephant Gathering and encounter diverse wildlife species

Experience a full day of exploration on this private tour from Sigiriya. Discover the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City, where temples, palaces, and colossal Buddha statues reveal Sri Lanka's royal heritage. After exploring the remarkable ruins, head to Minneriya National Park for an exciting jeep safari. Witness the awe-inspiring Elephant Gathering and spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, making this tour a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure in a single day.

Witness the awe-inspiring Elephant Gathering and spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, making this tour a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure in a single day.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Habarana

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Minneriya Jeep Safari

• Pickup from your hotel in the Sigiriya or Habarana area.
• Drive to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic).
• Explore the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum, Statue of Parakramabahu I, Pothgul Viharaya, Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Siva Devalaya (No. 1), Rankoth Vehera, Manik Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Lankathilaka Image House, and Gal Vihara (2-3 hours).
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or opt for a picnic-style meal.
• Drive to Minneriya National Park (approximately 30-40 minutes).
• Embark on a thrilling 4x4 jeep safari through Minneriya National Park (approximately 3-4 hours).
• Observe elephants, sambar deer, monkeys, birds, and more amid stunning dry-zone landscapes.
• Return drive to Sigiriya for hotel drop-off.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private vehicle and driver (choose between a car or van as per your group size)
• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in the Sigiriya or Habarana region
• Safari jeep and driver inside the park
• Fuel, tolls, and driver accommodation
• Complimentary water bottles

What's Not Included

• Entrance tickets to Polonnaruwa Ancient City
• Entrance tickets to Minneriya National Park
• Lunch

What to bring

• Water bottle
• Camera
• Binoculars for safari viewing

Know before you go

• Wear light and breathable clothing.
• Use good walking shoes suitable for exploring ruins.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Tour start

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.