Colombo Trip Overview
This one-of-kind experience will allow you explore the culture, heritage of Sri Lanka and also to ride on a jeep and journey across Minneriya where you are guaranteed to see a diverse selection of flaora and fauna . Understand the history and architecture of Sri Lanaka and explore the archeological wonder of The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to a safari will always be on your bucket list when you visit to Sri Lanka. The unique tour will give you the opputurnuty to witness the largest gatherimng of elephant in the world.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Witness a number of wild animals roam around freely in the national park as you enjoy a scenic jeep ride
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This one-of-kind experience will allow you explore the culture, heritage of Sri Lanka and also to ride on a jeep and journey across Minneriya where you are guaranteed to see a diverse selection of flaora and fauna . Understand the history and architecture of Sri Lanaka and explore the archeological wonder of The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to a safari will always be on your bucket list when you visit to Sri Lanka. The unique tour will give you the opputurnuty to witness the largest gatherimng of elephant in the world.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Witness a number of wild animals roam around freely in the national park as you enjoy a scenic jeep ride
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Vejayanta Pasada,King parakramabahu, W2V2+282, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Also known as Vijayotpaya/Vijayanta Prasada, the royal palace of Polonnaruwa is a must-see attraction of the UNESCO Heritage Site. Built by the King Parakramabahu the Great the Royal Palace was considered to be a 7 storeyed building with about 1000 rooms. Having such a magnificent palace at such a first era of civilization is a testament for the advanced ancient Sinhalese hydraulic culture. However, as the great castle was destroyed by fire during the Maga invasion, there are only structural remains of three floors, 55 rooms, and burnt brick walls. The ruins, surrounded by woodland, are well maintained and of a breathtaking beauty.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage (House of relic) is one of the best preserved ancient structures of the kingdom of Polonnaruwa that existed during the 11th – 14th century CE. It is widely believed to be a shrine of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha during the kingdom’s glory days, which makes the stone structure a very significant part of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture and history.The Vatadage perfect symbol of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, a circular temple, which belongs to the Quadrangle, the Vatadage of Polonnaruwa is not huge in size, but the design is impressive, both the layout of the entire structure as well as its decorative details.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Gal Vihara homes the most perfect specimen of Buddha statue hewn out of solid stone which was crafted during the reign of King Parakrabahu. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure. It is undeniable that the sculptors of Gal Vihara were of greater skill and expertise in the art of stone sculpture in Sri Lanka. All four images are hallowed out of the abrupt eastern slope of a single massive boulder, which is about 27 meters in length and 10 meters in height.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Samudra Parakrama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Parakrama Samudra, the Sea Of Parakrama, a man-made tank which looks like a giant lake was built by King Parakrambahu the Great. He was famous for saying “not even a little water that comes from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to man”. Lack of regular water, can have a devastating effect on those who make a living from agriculture therefore Parakrama Samudra was built as a solution to the problem. King Parakramabahu made irrigation possible by the engineering mastery of this artificial lake that fills up by draining out rainwater. Its beauty makes one wonder how it was built at that time without any technology and heavy machinery
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lankathilaka Image House, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu which is completely made out of bricks and the outer walls are covered with elaborate designs and carvings. Standing tall in the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, the Lankathilaka Image House is an exemplary monument that displays the elaborate and intricate craftsmanship of the sculptors of old. In addition to the statue of Lord Buddha, there are also other unique features of interest, such as the guard stone images that have been immaculately carved from the large pillars at the entrance
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Minneriya Safari, Sigiri Rd, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
The only place in the world to witness the largest Asian elephant ‘Gathering’ known to exist in the planet. Watch as these huge animals drink, play and snack on the green, lush grasses that have been exposed by the receding water. This little area, wild with life, is home for the dry season to over approximately 150 – 300 elephants that have come from all over the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Minneriya National Park, houses different kinds of species from birds to butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and more. You’ll get a chance to see a number of wild animals in their natural habitat including Sri Lankan elephants, grey slender loris, and spot-billed pelican.
Duration: 5 hours
