Private day excursion to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park from Kandy

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka

Gal Viharaya of Polonnaruwa is one of the most enchanting places that you can visit in Sri Lanka. A magnificent example of skilled craftsmanship, here lie four images of the Buddha, carved into solid rock. The first image, is the impressive 23-foot standing Buddha, followed by a 46-foot reclining Buddha. The third image is of a standing figure with the pose and expression depicting supreme compassion. Finally, the fourth image is a seated Buddha, framed within an ornate arch.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

The Vatadage, which lies within the Sacred Quadrangle, is an elevated circular relic house accessible from four sides and up a flight of steps which feature a statue of the Buddha in front of each flight. The Vatadage is apart of the Dalada Maluva, a special area of the Polonnaruwa ancient city that also includes Atadage and Hetadage.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lankathilaka Image House, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera. The building is complete made out of bricks and the outer walls are covered with elaborate designs and carvings. The Buddha statue is also completely made out of clay bricks and it has been 41 feet in height. Specially made flat bricks have been used to build this statue and today the portion above the shoulder is destroyed.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka

It is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Reservoir. In August and September each year during the dry season, wild elephants from the surrounding wilderness in search of food and water, makes their way to the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir adjoining the Minneriya National Park. Huge herd of elephants, sometimes numbering up to 300, converge together within a few square kilometers of the lake. Among the nine species of Amphibians at Minneriya National Park are the endemic and endangered Slender Wood Frog and the Common Tree Frog. Of the 25 species of reptiles recorded in the park 8 are endemic including the Red-lipped Lizard. Water and Land Monitors are also seen here. The Mugger Crocodile can be seen near the tank. Many species of fresh water fish are found in the Minneriya reservoir.

Duration: 4 hours