The Wild & Ancient Polonnaruwa
Day 1: Negombo – Polonnaruwa
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 2: Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 3: Minneriya National Park
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 4: Danigala & Pimburattewa Lake
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 5: Somawathiya Stupa & Medirigiriya
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 6: Dimbulagala
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 7: Nature by the Lake & Barbecue
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 8: Nelumwewa Hot Springs
Accommodation: Pasikuda
Day 9: Vedda Cultural Centre, Kayankerni
Accommodation: Pasikuda
Day 1: Negombo – Polonnaruwa
- Travel to Polonnaruwa and settle into your accommodation after the journey.
- Enjoy some free time to relax by the lake and take in the peaceful surroundings.
- A quiet start to your stay before discovering the ancient city and its fascinating history.
Day 2: Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Discover one of Sri Lanka's fascinating ancient sites and experience the atmosphere of its historic ruins.
- Explore the remains at your own pace and learn about the history of this remarkable place.
- Enjoy the surrounding landscape and discover more about the site through the detailed information below.
Day 3: Minneriya National Park
- Enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its wildlife and beautiful natural surroundings.
- Keep an eye out for elephants, deer, crocodiles and a variety of bird species as you explore the park.
- Discover more about the park, its wildlife and the famous elephant gathering through the detailed information below.
Day 4: Danigala & Pimburattewa Lake
- Discover the distinctive rock landscape of Danigala and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Pimburattewa Lake.
- Explore the area and experience a quieter side of Sri Lanka, away from the main tourist routes.
- For more information about Danigala and Pimburattewa Lake, see the detailed links below.
Day 5: Somawathiya Stupa & Medirigiriya
- Visit Somawathiya Stupa, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site surrounded by peaceful natural landscapes.
- Continue to Medirigiriya and explore its remarkable ancient ruins, including the famous Vatadage.
- Read more about these two fascinating sites and their history in the links below.
Day 6: Dimbulagala
- Visit Dimbulagala, an ancient Buddhist monastic site set among impressive rocky hills and forest.
- Explore the caves, ancient inscriptions and archaeological remains connected with the monks who lived and meditated here.
- Discover more about Dimbulagala, its history and its unique setting in the link below.
Day 7: Nature by the Lake & Barbecue
- Spend the afternoon by the lake and observe monkeys in the surrounding trees, with the chance to see elephants near the water.
- Take a ride on traditional fishing boats across the lake and observe the many species of birds living around the shoreline.
- For a little adventure, enjoy a tube ride along the peaceful canals connected to the lake.
- As evening falls, watch for flying foxes (fruit bats) returning to their roosts and enjoy a relaxed barbecue by the lake.
- Later in the evening, when the forest becomes quiet, set out to observe lorises, fascinating nocturnal animals in their natural surroundings.
Day 8: Nelumwewa Hot Springs
- Visit Nelumwewa Hot Springs and enjoy the natural surroundings of this lesser-known site.
- Take time to experience the warm mineral-rich waters and the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
- Find more information about Nelumwewa Hot Springs and its natural features in the link below.
Day 9: Vedda Cultural Centre, Kayankerni
- Visit the Vedda Cultural Centre in Kayankerni and learn more about the traditions and way of life of the Vedda people, one of Sri Lanka's Indigenous communities.
- Meet local representatives and hear about their traditional knowledge, connection with the forest and relationship with the natural environment.
- Discover traditional practices, tools, crafts and aspects of everyday life that have been passed down through generations.
- Learn about the importance of hunting, gathering, medicinal plants and the use of natural resources in traditional Vedda culture.
- Experience the visit as an opportunity to listen, ask questions and gain a better understanding of a culture deeply connected with Sri Lanka's forests.
- This visit offers a chance to experience living cultural traditions rather than simply viewing historical exhibits.
