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Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari Tour from Colombo

From $270 • 9 hours • Ceylon Travel Dream • Colombo, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka • Pickup available • Free until 1 day before

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Why we love it?

The Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari Tour from Colombo offers a comprehensive day trip that combines cultural exploration and wildlife adventure. Over the course of nine hours, participants will visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient frescoes and stunning views. The tour is well-suited for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, providing a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka's rich heritage and diverse wildlife. A highlight of the tour is the safari in Minneriya National Park, where visitors can observe elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat, making this tour distinctive for its blend of cultural and ecological experiences. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day.

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

Itinerary

Step 1

• 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.