Tour Overview
This is one of Sri Lanka's finest combined day tours — pairing the ancient grandeur of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage City with the raw thrill of a 4x4 jeep safari through Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. In the morning you'll walk among 12th-century royal palaces and towering stupas; in the afternoon you'll be tracking wild elephants, deer and exotic birds as the sun sets over the ancient reservoir.
Tour Highlights
Polonnaruwa Ancient City — Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Vatadage, Rankoth Vehera & Parakrama Samudra
Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park — 4x4 jeep safari with wild elephants, deer & crocodiles
Sri Lanka's famous Elephant Gathering (June–September) — largest gathering of Asian elephants on earth
Park selected on the day to maximise elephant sighting chances
Traditional Sri Lankan lunch included
All entrance tickets — Polonnaruwa & National Park — included
Private A/C vehicle and English-speaking guide throughout
Day Itinerary
MORNING — POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY
Explore Sri Lanka's best-preserved ancient capital — the Royal Palace, the magnificent Gal Vihara Buddha statues carved from solid granite, the Vatadage circular relic house, the towering Rankoth Vehera Stupa, and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir built by King Parakramabahu in the 12th century.
MIDDAY — TRADITIONAL LUNCH
Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan rice & curry lunch or village-style buffet in Polonnaruwa — a perfect midday break before the afternoon safari.
3:00–6:30 PM — MINNERIYA OR KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI
Board a 4x4 safari jeep for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Spot wild elephants, spotted deer, langur monkeys, mugger crocodiles and exotic birds. June–September is peak season for Sri Lanka's famous Elephant Gathering — one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth. The park is selected on the day based on where elephants are gathering, maximising your sighting chances.
SUNSET IN THE PARK
As the day draws to a close, watch the sunset paint the reservoir golden — a spectacular end to an extraordinary day of wildlife and history.
7:00–7:30 PM — RETURN TO SIGIRIYA HOTEL
Comfortable drop-off at your Sigiriya hotel after a full ~12 hour day.
Pricing
✅ Included
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓ English-speaking guide & driver
- ✓ 4x4 safari jeep at the national park
- ✓ Polonnaruwa Ancient City entrance ticket
- ✓ Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park entrance ticket
- ✓ Traditional Sri Lankan lunch
- ✓ Bottled water throughout the tour
❌ Not Included
- ✗ Personal expenses
- ✗ Tips for guide/driver
- ✗ Camera or binoculars rental
- ✗ Cycle ride at Polonnaruwa (optional extra)
🔖 Cancellation Policy
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
- ⚠️ 50% charge within 12 hours of departure
- ❌ No refund for no-shows
🎒 What to Bring
- • Light clothing
- • Hat & sunscreen
- • Camera
- • Binoculars
- • Cash for tips & extras
Pro Tip: The safari park — Minneriya or Kaudulla — is selected on the day based on where elephants are actively gathering, giving you the best possible wildlife experience. June–September is peak season for the famous Elephant Gathering.