Minneriya Elephant Gathering Tour - Wildlife Holidays to Sri Lanka

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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

8 nights from £2,928 per person

Best time to travel July - September

01244 435 806

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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

Today, 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 Dambulla Cave Temples

Dambulla Cave Temples, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean

The cave temple complex at Dambulla is a truly unique site. Spend today exploring the caves, which have been sacred pilgrimage sites for centuries. This is the largest and best-preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka, and is filled with Buddhist statues and incredible paintings.

Staying at

Day 4 Sigiriya & Minneriya National Park

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

No visit to Sri Lanka is truly complete without visiting Sigiriya. Known as 'Lion Rock', the structure was designed to take the form of a huge lion, whose gigantic paws can still be seen today at the entrance. Climb to the summit for sensational 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Today you'll also enjoy a game drive through Minneriya National Park, where you'll witness hundreds of elephants gathering at the reservoir here as they do each year.

Staying at

Day 5 Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park

Visit Polonnaruwa, filled with archaeological gems that stand as a testament to its important status hundreds of years ago. You might have seen the ancient city in Disney's Monkey Kingdom, a documentary all about the primates who have made this place their home! On today's excursion, you'll be able to explore ancient temples and amazing Buddha statues, all under the watchful eye of Polonnaruwa's monkey inhabitants.

Day 6 Gal Oya Boat Safari

Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean

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.

Day 7 Gal Oya Safari & Picnic

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.

Day 8 Gal Oya - 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.

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