Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari Private Full Day Tour
Royal ruins by bicycle or vehicle, then wildlife by jeep
A private full-day tour combining Polonnaruwa's ancient city (temples, stupas, statues and the carved Gal Vihara) with an optional evening safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to spot wild elephants and native wildlife. You choose how to explore the ruins: by bicycle at your own pace or by private vehicle with a guide. Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking driver are included. Traditional Sri Lankan lunch can be arranged for an additional fee.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Safari
- Visit Polonnaruwa ancient city
- Tour temples, statues, stupas
- Learn history from guide
- Travel to Minneriya or Kaudulla Park
- Enjoy private 4x4 safari
The experience
The day starts at Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital built around royal palaces and religious monuments. You can cycle through the ancient city at a relaxed pace (bicycles are arranged for the group at no extra cost), or travel by private vehicle with a knowledgeable guide explaining the history and significance of each temple, stupa and statue as you move through the site. The Gal Vihara, a rock-carved Buddha statue, is among the landmarks you'll encounter.
After Polonnaruwa, the tour continues to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for a private 4x4 safari in the late afternoon and evening. This is when you're most likely to see wild elephants moving through the Sri Lankan countryside, along with other native wildlife. The safari jeep is private to your group, and the driver is experienced in spotting animals and navigating the park terrain.
Comfortable air-conditioned transport moves you between sites throughout the day. The full experience runs 9 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. Bottled water is provided, and if you want a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, the operator can arrange it for USD 30 per person. Park entrance fees and tips for the guide and safari driver are separate.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- private air-conditioned transport in a car or van.
- English-speaking driver.
- bicycles for exploring Polonnaruwa at no extra cost.
- private 4x4 safari jeep (on the safari option).
- bottled water.
- assistance arranging an official guide or traditional lunch if requested.
Options for this experience
2 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Operated by Minneriya Wild Tours
Is this one for you?Choose the bicycle option if you want to move through the ruins at your own rhythm and get a closer, slower look at the carved statues and temple grounds. Pick the safari add-on if you're willing to extend the day to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. The evening timing is when they're most active in the park.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.
Can I explore Polonnaruwa by bicycle instead of riding in a vehicle?
Yes. Bicycles are arranged for your group at no additional cost, and you can cycle through the ancient city at your own pace. Alternatively, you can travel by private vehicle with a guide providing commentary on the temples, statues and stupas.
What wildlife might I see on the Minneriya safari?
Wild elephants are the main draw, especially in the late afternoon and evening when they're most active. You'll also have opportunities to spot other native Sri Lankan wildlife as you travel through the park in a private 4x4 jeep.
Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. An English-speaking driver provides the transport in a private car or van sized for your group.
What's the difference between the two tour options?
The Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour covers only the ruins and historical sites. The Ancient City & Minneriya Tour adds the evening safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to see wild elephants and other wildlife.
Are meals included?
Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Traditional Sri Lankan lunch can be arranged for USD 30 per person if you request it when booking.
Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Safari Private Full Day Tour
9h–10h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 29 per person
4.8432 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider