Minneriya Elephant Gathering Tour - Wildlife Holidays to Sri Lanka

Itinerary Highlights

Witness the amazing annual Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park
Climb to the summit of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya rock, for truly awe-inspiring views
Embark on a river cruise and a Jeep safari through Gal Oya, and enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by a local chef

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Private Transfers
Breakfast
Domestic Flights
English Speaking Guide
International Flights

8 nights from £2,299 per person

Best time to travel July - September

01244 435 806

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist

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Take your place at one of nature's most spectacular sights at Minneriya National Park, before heading to the cultural gems of Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

The annual Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park is one of nature’s great spectacles, taking place during each dry season (July – September). Take your place to watch as many as 400 elephants gather here on this tour which combines amazing wildlife experiences at Minneriya and Gal Oya National Park with the cultural gems of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and the Dambulla Cave Temples.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your first accommodation. Relax and unwind at your hotel before your adventure begins.

Staying at

Exterior Hotel View, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Front Lobby, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Palm Lounge, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Common Wealth Bedroom, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Day 2 Visit the Elephant Foundation Programme

Habarana

Today, on your drive to Habarana, visit the Millennium Foundation Programme, a charity which was set up to care for native Asian elephants on the island and spread awareness and education on the treatment of these gentle giants.

Staying at

Exterior of Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sigiriya

Deluxe Bedroom at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sigiriya

Swimming Pool at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sigiriya

Exterior of accommodation at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sigiriya

Day 3 Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park

Today in the morning you will explore the Polonnaruwa ruins. Walk around the Monkey Kingdom of UNESCO Polonnaruwa at leisure. Explore multi-storied castles, temples and megalithic Buddha statues and while keeping an eye on its current inhabitants – the monkeys. Enjoy a big game drive in the Minneriya national park where you will witness “The Gathering” of hundreds of elephants to the Minneriya reservoir in search of water every year from June to August.

Staying at

Day 4 UNESCO Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Habarana

Sirigaya Lion Rock, Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean

After an early breakfast, climb UNESCO Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

Staying at

Day 5 Habarana to Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park

After a day of exploring, head out on a boat safari and keep an eye out for amazing wildlife. If you're lucky, you might spot elephants bathing in the lake in Gal Oya National Park. This is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the amazing landscapes and nature here, as you cruise through local villages and lush jungle.

Staying at

Day 6 Gal Oya National Park Safari and Picnic

Gal Oya National Park

Today, explore the wonders of Gal Oya National Park. Our team will arrange for you to head out on a Jeep safari to explore the landscape, before enjoying a picnic lunch prepared for you by a local chef. Perhaps cool off after lunch with a dip in the river, before continuing your intrepid safari.

Staying at

Day 7 Gal Oya National Park - Monkey Mountain Trek

Gal Oya National Park

Early morning trek to the top of Monkey Mountain with your in-house Naturalist.

Staying at

Day 8 Gal Oya National Park to Kotugoda

Kotugoda

Today you'll catch a Cinnamon Air flight to Katunayaka, and then transfer onto Kotugoda where you'll check-in to The Wallawwa, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful places to stay.

Staying at