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Picture 8 for Activity Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Wild Elephant Safari Tour 1
An ancient stone statue of a seated figure in a meditative pose, surrounded by ruins of a brick structure. 2
Ancient brick ruins with a clear sky. 3
Ancient brick ruins with a large dome-shaped structure in the background. 4
A person walking through ancient stone ruins with columns and steps. 5

Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Wild Elephant Safari Tour

By YanTravels Sri Lanka
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$295 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 10h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • Discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Choose to explore by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or car for a personalised experience
  • Witness the Minneriya Elephant Gathering, a spectacular wildlife event
  • Enjoy a private jeep safari with an expert tracker to see elephants up close
  • See other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and painted storks

Activity location

    • Anuradhapura
    • Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Anuradhapura
    • Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Check availability

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Private air-conditioned vehicle (Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya and back)
  • Inclusions
    Professional English-speaking driver
  • Inclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off (Sigiriya/Dambulla/Kandalama)
  • Inclusions
    Private 4x4 jeep for Minneriya safari (jeep hire included)
  • Inclusions
    Expert wildlife tracker for Minneriya safari
  • Inclusions
    Guidance on exploring Polonnaruwa highlights
  • Inclusions
    Bottled water throughout the entire day
  • Inclusions
    All fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees
  • Inclusions
    Flexible itinerary based on your preferences
  • Exclusions
    Polonnaruwa Ancient City entrance fee: $30 USD per adult / $15 USD per child
  • Exclusions
    Minneriya National Park entrance fee: Approximately $30 USD per adult
  • Exclusions
    Lunch (local restaurants available near Polonnaruwa, approximately $8-12 per person)
  • Exclusions
    Tuk-tuk upgrade inside Polonnaruwa (optional, approximately LKR 2,500-3,500)
  • Exclusions
    Service charge for tracker and driver (optional but appreciated)
  • Exclusions
    Personal expenses and souvenirs

Know before you book

    • Not allowed: Feeding animals, Littering, Touching plants
    • Not suitable for: People with back problems, People with heart problems, People with mobility impairments

What you can expect

  • Experience the very best of Sri Lanka's ancient heritage and incredible wildlife in one perfectly crafted day. This exclusive private tour combines two of the island's greatest wonders.

    POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY - UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

    Your morning begins at magnificent Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital. From the 11th to 13th century, this was the thriving heart of a powerful kingdom dominating the entire island.

    MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS:

    GAL VIHARA - Four magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The 14-meter reclining Buddha is considered among the finest rock sculptures in Asia.

    ROYAL PALACE - Seven-story palace of King Parakramabahu I with incredible scale and grandeur.

    THE QUADRANGLE - Sacred complex with eleven stunning structures including the famous 25-ton stone book.

    RANKOTH VEHERA - Largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, 55 metres tall.

    LOTUS POND - Ancient swimming pool shaped like an eight-petaled lotus flower.

    EXPLORE YOUR WAY:
    • Bicycle (recommended) - Cycle freely at your own pace
    • Tuk-tuk - Comfortable with historical commentary
    • Car - Air-conditioned comfort between sites

    THE MINNERIYA ELEPHANT GATHERING - NATURE'S GREATEST SPECTACLE

    In the afternoon, witness something truly extraordinary. Between June and September, hundreds of wild Asian elephants converge at Minneriya Lake. At its peak in August, up to 300 wild elephants gather in one place - creating scenes that rival Africa's Great Migration!

    YOUR JEEP SAFARI:
    Board your private 4x4 open-top jeep with expert wildlife tracker. The afternoon golden hour is the absolute best time for elephant activity and photography.

    WITNESS:
    • Massive elephant herds moving across open grasslands
    • Mothers with tiny baby elephants splashing in the shallows
    • Bull elephants displaying dominance
    • Leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and wild buffalo
    • Spectacular bird life including painted storks and eagles

    IMPORTANT: August is the PEAK of the Elephant Gathering - considered the single best month to visit Minneriya. You have chosen the perfect time!

    ETHICAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

    All encounters are completely wild. Animals are never disturbed, fed, or interfered with. Your expert tracker ensures responsible wildlife viewing that protects these magnificent creatures.

    THE PERFECT DAY:
    Morning - Walk with ancient kings among UNESCO ruins
    Afternoon - Witness nature's greatest elephant spectacle
    Evening - Return to Sigiriya with memories for a lifetime

    This is Sri Lanka's finest combination - book now!

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Anuradhapura
    • Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Anuradhapura
    • Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka