Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Wildlife Safari from Colombo

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Wildlife Safari from Colombo

Active

10h - 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

In this all-inclusive tour package, we provide a reliable experienced driver and a good-quality luxury car or van. You can explore the amazing city in which Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious center. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday.
After lunch, enjoy an Incredible Jeep Safari at the Minneriya National Park. It is home to the most exotic range of flora and fauna, birds and animals amongst the wildlife parks in Sri Lanka.

Available options

Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Wildlife Safari from Colombo

Pickup included

What's included

King Coconut Juice - Complementary

All Fees and Taxes

Driver Meals

WiFi on board

Bottled water

4x4 Jeep Charges

Entry tickets to all attractions in Polonnaruwa

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structure dating back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa of Sri Lanka. This is an architectural structure, dating back to the era of king Parakaramabahu I. The watadage was built with interacts details to carvings. Each of the pillars of the have intricate carvings that are specific to the era of the kingdom.

The Gal Vihara, also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Gal Vihara, which is a collection of world-renowned statues. There are four figures of the Buddha carved out of a cliff of granite, which are considered to be the best rock sculptures in the island.

It is a complex comprising all ruins of ancient building, starting from the Shiva Devale, and then on to the Thuparamaya a well preserved image house, the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya (Floral Altar), the Hatadage (House of seven relics), and the famous Polonnaruwa Vatadage which is a creation of that has been revered with prominence in Sri Lankan history.

The Parakrama Samudraya, also known as the Parakrama Sea, is considered one of the most valued creations in Sri Lankan history which was built by the great King Parakramabahu. It is a massive tank that once encompassed 5 large reservoirs. Engineers today say that this ingenious design feature was used to relieve the pressure on the main dam and many are baffled by the sheer volume of this feat.

Including the remains of sluice gates on the dam, there are plenty of other mysterious design elements and ruins found across the banks; their purposes have still not been speculated. Apart from its engineering brilliance, the reservoir today has become a quintessential part of the region’s ecosystem and thus it supports a wider variety of birds and animals.

Enjoy a thrilling experience looking at the world's largest wild elephant gatherings at the Minneriya National Park. Travel to a wilderness refuge known for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth, observing these giant creatures as they drink, feed, and congregate. You will also encounter any of the park’s diverse wildlife, including deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langers, purple-faced leaf monkeys, porcupines, leopards, sloth bears and assorted birds. and many more species.

What's not included

Entry Ticket to Minneriya National Park

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat