Departure is scheduled for 08:00 AM today, as you embark on a journey to discover the Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa.
Journey Duration (Dambulla to Polonnaruwa): Roughly 1.5 hours.
Polonnaruwa, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emerged as the capital between the 10th and 12th centuries AD following the decline of Anuradhapura. The region is characterized by grand artificial reservoirs, with the most notable being Parakrama Samudra, which surpasses Colombo harbor in size. The well-preserved monuments reveal the splendor of Sri Lanka’s history. Key attractions include the Royal Palace complex featuring the King's Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle which boasts significant ancient heritage, and the remarkable Gal Vihare complex showcasing four enormous Buddha statues carved from a single granite slab—an exemplary piece of ancient Sri Lankan rock art.
After your visit, you will be taken to a charming local restaurant for lunch.
Following this, proceed to enjoy a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
Travel Duration (Hotel to Minneriya National Park): About 45 minutes.
Minneriya National Park spans approximately 8,889 hectares, primarily featuring species native to the dry zone. Elephants are the park's highlight, and visitors can expect to see around 160 bird species, 9 amphibian types, 25 reptile varieties, 26 fish species, and over 78 types of butterflies. This park is also home to rare bamboo trees, a unique feature of Minneriya National Park. From August to October, the park is known for the renowned Elephant Gathering, where large herds, sometimes numbering around 300 elephants, can be observed simultaneously.
After your day of exploration, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Accommodation: Jetwing Lake or similar
Meals: Breakfast, and dinner