Sigiriya Rock and Wild Elephant Safari from Polonnaruwa

During this full-day tour to Sigiriya, you will visit a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter a kingdom hailed as one of the greatest in Sri Lanka's history. Start your journey at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the world's 8th wonder, and spend time exploring its archaeological history. Later, visit a local village and experience the traditional way of living in Sri Lanka. After enjoying the true essence of the country, go on a safari in Minneriya National Park or another suitable park based on animal activity.

Highlights

• Visit the 8th wonder of the world.
• Enjoy a village tour and experience the traditional way of life.
• See elephant herds in the wild at Minneriya National Park.

Includes

• Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Park entrance tickets are included when "Jeep With Tickets" is selected.
• Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Polonnaruwa.
• Safari jeep for the safari at Minneriya National Park.
• One liter of bottled mineral water per person.
• All taxes and service charges.

Excludes

• Park entrance tickets are excluded when "Jeep Without Tickets" is selected.
• Food or drinks.
• Gratuities (optional).
• Expenses of a personal nature.

Experience

Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's most dramatic sights. Near-vertical walls lead to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, believed to be the center of the kingdom of Kassapa. The site offers breathtaking views across mist-covered forests in the early morning. Sigiriya reveals its secrets gradually, and you will climb a series of staircases to reach the top. Along the way, you will see remarkable frescoes and pass a pair of colossal lion's paws carved into the bedrock. The surrounding landscape—moats, water gardens, and shrines—along with the excellent site museum, adds to Sigiriya's legendary appeal.

Afterwards, proceed to a local village in Sigiriya for a village tour. This includes a bullock cart ride, a catamaran experience, and a visit to a Chena cultivation. You will enjoy a traditional village lunch in a local home. The bullock cart ride takes you through paddy fields to the bund of a man-made reservoir. The area, with its birdlife, butterflies, and occasional crocodiles, is full of activity in the early morning or evening. Villagers can be seen fishing or washing clothes by the lake. Afterward, you will enjoy a peaceful catamaran ride across the reservoir.

At approximately 1430 hrs, proceed to Minneriya National Park for a safari. Minneriya is famous for its seasonal elephant gathering, where hundreds of elephants come together to feed, socialize, and play. This phenomenon occurs only here, and you may witness it during the right season. During other times, you can still expect sightings of several elephants and various other wildlife during your three-hour evening safari.

Your safari will finish around 5:30 pm, after which you will begin the return journey. The tour will conclude when you arrive at your hotel in Polonnaruwa.

Additional Note

Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended. Drive time may vary due to road conditions. Photography stops can be arranged in safe and suitable locations.