Visiting the Historical Polonnaruwa Ruins and Minneriya Safari
Overview
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Polonnaruwa Cultural Site Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, including temples, palaces, and statues that reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka's historical past. Gain insights into the history and significance of Polonnaruwa with a knowledgeable guide, enhancing your appreciation of the cultural sites. Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park Safari: Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari, with the chance to witness the gathering of elephants and the diverse flora and fauna of the national park.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Minneriya National Park
Journey to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park for your evening safari, appreciating the natural beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside.
Polonnaruwa
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Visit the archaeological and cultural landmarks, including ancient temples, statues, and stupas. Engage in a comprehensive tour with a knowledgeable guide providing insightful explanations of the history and significance of each site. Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and architectural marvels of Polonnaruwa.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
English speaking Driver
Free pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Minneriya park 45$ per person: for kids 25$
All Fees and Taxes
Polonnaruwa Entrance Fee 35$
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Visiting the Historical Polonnaruwa Ruins and Minneriya Safari
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mineriya Safari with Mineriya Travel
rajnim2021,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fabulous experience with Mineriya Safari. Pubudu was very helpful in giving us a great experience. I’m happy to recommend this company
Amazing safari and ancient city tour
callumn956,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Kumara for the most memorable and informative experience. He was very respectful of the animals yet still always managed to position us in a perfect viewing spot. Nothing was rushed and everything felt perfectly timed. Lunch was a real highlight - once again we seemed to be there at the most ideal time. He answered all our questions and was very patient and knowledgeable. Thank you for the best day!
Excellent Day
Boracay123,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kumar was an excellent guide who made the day an unforgettable experince Loads of ruins in the morning & elephants in the afternoon. I would highly recommend Kumar for these trips
History & wild life in Sri Lanka
squishyc2022,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Picked up for 7, our driver Kumara was fantastic throuout, great driver especially in the safari. The ancient city was huge! but worth it and with just being the 2 of us we managed too see most of it without a crowd at our own pace. Kumara drove us through the city stopping at multiple places to see, we didnt feel rushed atall. The safari was great the drivers appear to communicate were wildlife is and they do a great job at making sure you enjoy the experience, we seen over 30 elephants! the only suggested improvement would be to add the extra fees (tickets, lunch) to the excursion so people know what to expect.
A great day out full of elephants!!
VickyRow,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible trip with Kumara as our driver and Suminda Silva as our Polonnaruwa guide. Both were incredibly kind and knowledgeable, ensuring we had a great day. Kumara was also a mega safari driver!!! We definitely had the best driver on the day, he was a fun but safe driver, ensuring we whizzed around to the best spots ahead of everyone else. The team kept me fully updated on timings. I couldn't recommend it more!
Great time at Polonnaru ruins and elephant safari!
LivandZac87,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful private jeep tour of Polonawura archeological site, Sri Lankan lunch with rice paddy views and then elephant safari from Minneriya. We got picked up from our hotel at 7am by our wonderful driver Mathisa (very safe driving), then arrived at Polonawaru at about 9am. A knowledgeable guide Suminda Silva gave us a tour of the archeological museum and main sites. The archeological sites are very large so it was very convenient to have a guide point out the important features and a jeep to drive us between the different ruins. Suminda had great English and could answer all our questions about the site. It is hot and the site is too big to walk. Lunch was very generous buffet, you could choose from a range of different local curries, salads and desserts, cost 2500 per person. Drinks available. We really enjoyed tasting a selection of foods, and the view was lovely. The safari gave lots of opportunities to see elephants - we also saw some crossing the road before the safari! It is a very bumpy ride so hold on! We had a very enjoyable day!
a beautiful experience
681ulrikel,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took a day trip to Polonaruwa followed by a safari with this provider. My driver Kumara took care of my wishes the whole time. A typical curry from a variety of different dishes made the day round. The safari was an unforgettable experience!
Perfect combination of culture and nature
BackPacker549540,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day. Our driver was very helpful and had great knowledge of the national park where we got to see several elephants. It was a great adventure.
Good experience
B1219UBlaurap,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The activity was good, but what makes it worthy was our driver Kumura who pay attention to all the details, give explanations and make our trip easier and perfect. I highly recommend tis driver for the activity.
An unforgettable day
Christian C,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful to see so many elephants in their natural environment! Visiting the temples was very interesting thanks to our guide. Our driver was very caring for us and very professional!
Related Experiences
Operated by Minneriya Wild Tours