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Day Trip Itinerary: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya / Kaudulla Safari

Morning

•  Pick up from hotel in Sigiriya (around 7:00 – 7:30 am)
• Drive to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – approx. 1 hr
• Explore highlights:
• Royal Palace & Audience Hall
• Gal Vihara (four giant Buddha statues carved into granite)
• Vatadage (circular relic house)
• Rankoth Vehera & Kiri Vihara Stupa
• Parakrama Samudra (huge man-made reservoir)

Lunch

• Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in Polonnaruwa (rice & curry / village-style buffet).

Afternoon

• Return towards Sigiriya area.
• Around 2:30 – 3:00 pm, proceed to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (depending on where elephants are gathering at the time).

Evening Safari

• 3:30 – 6:30 pm: Jeep safari in Minneriya / Kaudulla
• Famous for the “Elephant Gathering” (especially June–September).
• Spot wild elephants, deer, birds, monkeys, and maybe crocodiles.
• Sunset views in the park.

Evening Return

• Return to hotel in Sigiriya by 7:00 – 7:30 pm.

Inclusions

• Transport (private car/van with driver)
• Entrance tickets (Polonnaruwa + Safari Park)
• Safari Jeep with tracker/driver
• Bottled water

Exclusions

• Meals (unless arranged in advance)
• Personal expenses

 Tour Highlights

• Explore Sri Lanka’s 2nd ancient capital with impressive ruins.
• Discover Buddhist art & architecture at Gal Vihara.
• Witness one of Asia’s greatest wild elephant gatherings.
• Perfect mix of culture + wildlife in one day.

 Tips

• Wear light cotton clothes, hat, sunscreen & comfortable shoes.
• Carry some cash for lunch & small tips.
• Best to carry binoculars/camera for the safari.
• Morning is best for ruins (less hot), evening is best for wildlife.

Price Breakdown

1. Entrance Fees

• Polonnaruwa Ancient City – USD 25 per person
• Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park Safari – USD 40 per person (includes park entry + taxes)

2. Safari Jeep

• Shared Jeep (max 6 pax) – USD 45 per jeep
• Private Jeep – USD 55 per jeep

3. Transport (Sigiriya ↔ Polonnaruwa ↔ Safari park)

• Private car/van with English-speaking driver – USD 70 per day (Car) (includes driver meals, accommodation, fuel, highway tolls, parking, etc.)

 Example Cost for 2 Persons

• Transport: USD 70 (fixed)
• Polonnaruwa Entrance: USD 25 × 2 = USD 50
• Safari Entrance: USD 40 × 2 = USD 80
• Safari Jeep (Private): USD 55
  Total ≈ USD 185 + USD 70

Included

• Private transport (air-conditioned)
• English-speaking licensed driver/guide
• Safari jeep + tracker
• All vehicle expenses (fuel, parking, tolls)
• Bottled water

Not Included

• Lunch / meals
• Tips & personal expenses

 Tour Highlights Recap

• Explore Polonnaruwa ancient city – temples, stupas, and stone carvings.
• Visit Gal Vihara with 4 giant Buddha statues.
• Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan village lunch.
• Evening wild elephant safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla.
• Return to Sigiriya by nightfall.