Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour with Minneriya Elephant Safari

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour Overview

Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle—a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka’s second historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycling through Polonnaruwa lets you experience this well-preserved medieval city up close, with its grand ruins, intricate carvings, and relics of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City (Approx. 3 hrs)

Begin your ride by visiting the Royal Palace complex, once the heart of the city, featuring the grand Council Chamber and the royal residence. Pedal through the Quadrangle, a spiritual hub with iconic structures like the Vatadage, Thuparama shrine, and the ancient Gal Potha (Stone Book), which narrates the history of Sri Lankan kings.

Explore the Lankatilaka Temple, with its towering Buddha statue, and admire the Gal Vihara rock sculptures, known for their detailed and graceful craftsmanship. Cycling allows you to move between these highlights at your own pace, surrounded by lush landscapes and peaceful reservoirs.

Highlights:

Royal Palace: Explore ancient palaces and courtyards

Quadrangle: See beautifully preserved ancient religious structures

Gal Vihara: Marvel at the famous rock-cut Buddha statues

Cycling Pathways: Ride past reservoirs, local wildlife, and ancient ruins in a peaceful setting

Safari at Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park (3 hrs)

• After having lunch you will proceed to Habarana for a private jeep safari in one of the most famous national parks for Sri Lankan elephants (20km- approx. 35mins)

Minneriya National Park

Between Habarana and Polonnaruwa are the scrub forests of the Minneriya National Park. A haven for sambar deer, toque macaques and leopards, the park is now a world-renowned destination site. This is due to the fact that on the shores of Minneriya’s nearly 2000-year-old man-made lake, the world’s largest gathering of elephants takes place. This spectacular sight occurs within the boundaries of the Minneriya National Park during the dry season from July to October. With nearly three hundred elephants gathering every evening it is no surprise that Lonely Planet has ranked it at number 6 for being one of the world’s best wildlife spectacles. The ‘Gathering’ (as it has come to be known) is a result of the lack of waterholes during the drought. Unable to receive their daily

Kaudulla National Park

The latest attraction in eco-tourism, Kaudulla National Park was opened in 2002 and is the newest national park and wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka. Situated within easy access to the Cultural Triangle, Kaudulla is about 6km from the Gal Oya Junction on the Habarana – Trincomalee road. The name of the park is derived from being situated near the historic Kaudalla Tank of the ancient King Mahasena.

 Jeep safaris are the preferred option by which to visit the park and August to December have been earmarked as the best months during which to do so as around 250 elephants inhabit the park during that period. A 6656-hectare elephant corridor between the Minneriya National Park and the Somawathie Chaitya has also been established in the park.

The dry evergreen forests of the park are home to 24 mammal species, 25 reptile species and 160 species of birds. Leopards, fishing cats, sloth bears and the endangered rusty spotted cat are favourites among visitors to Kaudulla

intake of water the elephants make their way to the Minneriya tank making it an event not to be missed.

Highlights

• One of the world’s largest gathering of elephants in the world
• The mix of wild life
• Enjoy Sunset In the side of the national park