Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya Day Trip from Kalutara

Kalutara , Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya Day Trip from Kalutara

Active

13h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's cultural and natural wonders with a combined tour of Sigiriya and Minneriya National Park from Kalutara. Start your day by exploring the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock fortress, intricate frescoes, and breathtaking panoramic views. In the evening, embark on an exhilarating safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large elephant gatherings.

Tour Highlights:

Climb the historic rock fortress, marvel at the ancient frescoes, and take in the stunning views from the summit.

Witness the famous "Gathering" of elephants as they congregate near the Minneriya Reservoir, one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Asia.

Experience the thrill of exploring the park’s diverse landscapes in a rugged 4x4 jeep, perfect for navigating the terrain.

This tour offers a perfect blend of Sri Lanka’s rich history and incredible wildlife, all in one day.

Later we will drop off you at Kalutara.

Available options

Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya Day Trip from Kalutara

Pickup included

What's included

4X4 Safari Jeep with Safari Guide

Mineral Water Bottles

Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle

Hotel Pick up & Drop off

Experience English Speaking Guide

All Government Tax & Charges

Detailed itinerary

Minneriya National Park serves as a refuge for elephants that live in the forests of the Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts during the dry season. You will enjoy an unforgettable experience with the animals if you visit during this period. This makes for a memorable wildlife holiday to Sri Lanka.
Minneriya is approximately 4 -5 hours from Colombo's capital city. It is also close to many local attractions. For example, Polonnaruwa is just 20 km away. Habarana or Sigiriya are also within reach, allowing you to combine your cultural holiday with your wildlife vacation. The park's topography includes scrub plains and mixed evergreen forests as well as rocky outcrops, marshes, and rocky outcrops. This provides a wide variety of habitats for many animals.

Stop 2

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 metres (590 ft) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Sinhapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City)

What's not included

Minneriya National Park

Any other tours & services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Kalutara

Kalutara is a picturesque coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush greenery. It offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Richmond Castle

A historic mansion built in the early 20th century, showcasing colonial architecture and lush gardens.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Kalutara Bodhiya

A sacred Bo tree believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Kalutara Beach

A beautiful beach with golden sand, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot griddle.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs, sambal, or curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian

String Hoppers

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour, served with curries and sambal.

Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Beach lounging Spa treatments Visiting temples Exploring historic sites Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers the best weather with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kalutara is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
• Keep valuables secure.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 60 km

By train

Kalutara Railway Station

By bus

Kalutara Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Kalutara. They connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalutara Town Beach Road

Day trips

Aluthgama

15 km • Half day

A nearby town known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

Beruwala

20 km • Full day

A coastal town with beautiful beaches and water sports activities.

Festivals

Kalutara Bodhiya Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit Richmond Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Use local buses for an affordable and scenic way to get around.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interaction with locals.