Sri Lanka · Primate Tours

6-Hour Polonnaruwa Monkey Kingdom and Ancient City Tour

6 Hours Round trip from Polonnaruwa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Observe Toque Macaques, Gray Langurs, and Purple-Faced Leaf Monkeys in their natural habitats
  • 02 Learn about primate behaviour, family structures, and conservation work
  • 03 Capture stunning wildlife photographs inspired by "Monkey Kingdom"
  • 04 Explore the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Polonnaruwa with a knowledgeable guide
  • 05 Discover the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu and ancient architectural marvels
  • 06 Visit the Quadrangle, Vatadage, and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Experience a memorable 6-hour adventure in Polonnaruwa that combines wildlife and ancient history. Observe three primate species at the famous Monkey Kingdom site, featured in the Disney documentary, and learn about their behaviour and conservation. Continue with a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, exploring royal palaces, sacred temples, carved Buddha statues, and impressive reservoirs.

Observe three primate species at the famous Monkey Kingdom site, featured in the Disney documentary, and learn about their behaviour and conservation.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Polonnaruwa
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Monkey Kingdom and Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Start: 08:00 AM - Hotel Pick-Up and Transfer

  • Meet your guide at your hotel in Polonnaruwa or a nearby area.

  • Begin a comfortable drive while your guide introduces the natural and historical significance of the region.

08:30 AM - Monkey Watching Experience

  • Arrive at the Polonnaruwa Monkey Complex, home to three important primate species.

  • Observe Toque Macaques, Gray Langurs, and Purple-Faced Leaf Monkeys in their natural habitats.

  • Learn about their behaviour, feeding patterns, social structures, and conservation efforts.

  • Walk through forested research zones used by wildlife experts.

  • Capture stunning wildlife photographs inspired by the Disney documentary "Monkey Kingdom."

10:30 AM - Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Guided Tour

  • Enter the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable archaeological capitals.

  • Explore the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, showcasing ancient engineering and royal architecture.

  • Visit the Quadrangle, including the famous Vatadage, a central place of ancient worship.

  • See Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, a unique stone structure with beautifully carved lotus pillars.

  • Discover temples, statues, and sacred historical sites throughout the ancient city.

  • View Parakrama Samudraya, the giant reservoir that demonstrates exceptional ancient water management.

  • Conclude with Gal Viharaya, featuring iconic granite-carved Buddha statues that reflect master craftsmanship.

End of Tour - Return to Hotel

  • After exploring the archaeological sites, enjoy a relaxing return drive to your hotel.

  • End the tour with lasting memories of both wildlife and ancient Sri Lankan heritage.

Polonnaruwa Monkey Kingdom, Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Where this trip takes you

Polonnaruwa Monkey Kingdom, Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Polonnaruwa 1 city · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transport from the hotel in Polonnaruwa
  • Professional guide
  • Monkey-watching session
  • Guided tour of the Ancient City
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Entrance tickets to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City
  • Meals
  • Tips (optional)

What to bring

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Camera or phone
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Clothes to cover legs and shoulders

Know before you go

  • Recommended start: 8:00 AM to avoid the midday heat.
  • Wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Archaeological Museum, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Polonnaruwa.

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