Sigiriya Lion Rock & Minneriya Elephant Safari Tour from Colombo

from $270

Duration

9 hours

Type

Guided, Private

Difficaulty

Moderate

Reviews

(3)

4.4 /5

Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari Tour from Colombo

About This Tour

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's cultural and natural wonders with a combined tour of Sigiriya and Minneriya National Park from Colombo. 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 Colombo.

Destinations

Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Activities

Wildlife Safaris

Accessibility

Language

English

Themes

Adventure Activities, ATV / Quad Tours, Bus / Minivan Tours

Max People

Operator

Ceylon Travel Dream

Inclusions

Transportation in a A/C Vehicle
English speaking guide for the entire tour
All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges
Mineral Water Bottle

Exclusions

Entrance Fees
Any tours to cities not mentioned above
Any other services not mentioned above

Tour Plan

• Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock Situated in central Sri Lanka consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold that was built in the late 5th century on a remarkable monolithic rock pillar. Sigiriya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. The rock, which is so steep that its top overhangs the sides, rises to an elevation of 1,144 feet above Sea level and is some 600 feet above the surrounding plain. The Sinhalese king Kashyapa built a palace in the shape of a monumental lion on the several acres of ground at the summit, intending it to be a safeguard against his enemies. However, the king was defeated in 495, and the palace fell into ruin. The site soon became a pilgrimage destination, however, and it is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors begin the final ascent to the top through the open paws of the lion, one of the few remaining portions of the palace that are still intact.

Minneriya national park is located 182 kms away from Colombo, in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. The major city closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa. The recently renovated, the ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir irrigates a considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa and is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephant herds. The gathering is documented as the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During the dry season of August to September each year, herds up to 300 elephants are seen within a few square kilometers of the vast Minneriya Reservoir. This Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for the rest of the life of all those who were fortunate enough to witness it.

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

Know Before You Go

Passport required

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable

Cancellation Policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event

Reviews

4.4/5

Wonderful

3 verified reviews

Location (4/5)

Amenities (4/5)

Services (4.67/5)

Price (4.67/5)

Rooms (4.67/5)

3 Comments

Felix Davis June 9, 2023
4.2
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
We were captivated by the stunning lion rock and the exhilarating elephant safari that followed, which exceeded our expectations in every way.
Kofi January 15, 2024
4.6
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
We loved our day exploring the ancient rock and seeing elephants in their natural habitat; the drive from the city was smooth and comfortable, adding to the experience.
Atticus Silver June 30, 2024
4.4
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Experiencing the majestic rock formation was a highlight of our day, with the climb offering not just stunning views but also a sense of accomplishment. The elephant safari that followed was an absolute thrill; witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was an unforgettable moment. We appreciated the knowledgeable guide who shared fascinating insights about the wildlife, making our adventure feel deeply immersive. However, a little more time at the safari would have been ideal, as we were left wanting to see even more of these gentle giants. Overall, it was a fantastic way to blend a bit of adventure with nature, and we returned to our busy schedules feeling refreshed and inspired.