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Trip Info
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On Request
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Sigiriya
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Sigiriya
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All Year
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Guided
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English, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish
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On Request
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Available
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Car or Van & 4X4 Safari Jeep
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8 - 10 hrs
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3
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99
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1 - 20
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Sightseeing, Ancient City, Temple Visit, Jeep Safari
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Culture, History, Religon, Nature, Wildlife
Overview
The Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Day Tour offers an exciting blend of history and wildlife in a single day. You will first visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll explore the impressive ruins of this medieval capital, including iconic structures like the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, and the Parakrama Samudraya, a massive man-made reservoir. Your guide will offer insights into the rich cultural and historical significance of Polonnaruwa, making your visit even more engaging. After immersing yourself in history, the tour continues with an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for its large elephant gatherings, especially near the Minneriya Tank. You’ll embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the park’s grasslands and forests, where you can witness elephants in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife like deer, wild buffalo, and an array of bird species. The safari lasts a few hours and is ideal for wildlife photography and nature enthusiasts.
Trip Highlights
- The Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari Tour is a perfect blend of cultural history and wildlife adventure, starting with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your location in Sigiriya. Your journey begins by visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned archaeological treasures. Explore the ruins of this medieval capital, including the majestic Royal Palace, intricately carved temples, the iconic Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues, and the extensive **Parakrama Samudraya** reservoir. With a knowledgeable guide to enrich your experience, you’ll step back in time and learn about the rich history, culture, and architectural marvels of the Sri Lankan kings who once ruled here.
- 12:30 PM, you will stop for a refreshing lunch at a local restaurant, allowing you to recharge before continuing the adventure. After lunch, around 1:00 PM, you will head to Minneriya National Parkfor an exhilarating afternoon safari.
- Famous for its elephant gatherings , Minneriya offers the chance to witness herds of elephants as they roam freely in their natural habitat, particularly near the Minneriya Tank. The park is also home to other wildlife such as deer, wild buffalo, monkeys, and an array of bird species, providing a captivating experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
- The tour concludes with a drop-off at Sigiriya, after an unforgettable day immersed in Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and natural beauty.
