Colombo Trip Overview
This tour takes you to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National park, on a remarkable archaeological and nature-filled journey. Wonder at the ancient structures of the kings. Be mesmerized by the old religious temples of an era long past.During your visit to Polonnaruwa, you will be able to see famous archaeological sites such as Gal Vihara, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Rankoth Vehera and after Lunch go on an exciting safari in Minneriya National Park which is famous for its seasonal Elephant Gatherings; where hundreds of elephants gather together, socialize, feed and play.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This tour takes you to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National park, on a remarkable archaeological and nature-filled journey. Wonder at the ancient structures of the kings. Be mesmerized by the old religious temples of an era long past.During your visit to Polonnaruwa, you will be able to see famous archaeological sites such as Gal Vihara, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Rankoth Vehera and after Lunch go on an exciting safari in Minneriya National Park which is famous for its seasonal Elephant Gatherings; where hundreds of elephants gather together, socialize, feed and play.
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 Vihara (Sinhala: stone temple), Buddhist Temple at (UNESCO World Heritage Site) at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka is the most perfect specimen of Buddha statue hewn out of solid stone. Crafted during the reign of King Parakrabahu (1153-1186 A.C), Gal Vihara statues are still in complete preservation with their irresistible charm and sublimity. It is undeniable that the sculptors of Gal Vihara were of greater skill and expertise in the art of stone sculpture in Sri Lanka. The images at Gal Vihara have brought about higher level of awakening in the observers with respect of Buddhist art in Sri Lanka. Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka known as “The Northern Temple” in the beginning of its history, is a cave complex, about 27 meters in length and 10 meters in height at the centre and sloping towards the ends, with sculptures carved on the solid rock in four shrines. Gal Vihara, like numerous other Buddhist shrines of Sri Lanka, is a shrine of Theravada Buddhism. Then again Gal Vihara testifies to the influence of Mahayana Buddhism during the 12th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The centerpiece of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Dalada Maluwa (the hall of the Tooth Relic), was a sacred precinct containing 12 magnificent buildings. Although there are numerous vatadage across Sri Lanka, the Vatadage at Polonnaruwa is the most famous. As with many other vatadage, it had a stupa in the center with four Buddha images facing the cardinal directions.
The Vatadage, one of the oldest & most beautiful monuments in Polonnaruwa, is to our left as we enter the Dalada Maluwa. In spite of its modest proportions, the circular building with concentric terraces is a superbly planned & executed 12th century masterpiece. It was certainly intended to house the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is now deposited at The Sacred Temple of Tooth in Kandy. Built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later embellished by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206).
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Rankoth Vehera, Ancient Bhikku Hospital, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Rankoth Vehera (Golden Pinnacle Dagoba)was constructed by the king Nishanka Malla(1187 AD to 1196 AD). According to some of the historical facts this was constructed long before and the king Nissanka Malla did a renovation only. This stupa was constructed with in same shape as the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Even according to the some historical facts, this was known as same name in those days. Rankoth ( Rankot) Vehera (Goldern Pinnacle) Stupa, is the 4th largest stupa in the country after Ruwanveli Seya, Jetawanarama and Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura. Built by King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196), it is 55 meters in height 185 meters in circumference. This is the largest Stupa in Polonnaruwa.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya National Park gives the opportunity to see herds of Elephants throughout the year. The renovated vast ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir that irrigates the considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park. Among the 24 species of mammals resident in the park are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, three species of Mongoose, Porcupine and Indian Pangolin. Minneriya National Park has recorded over 170 species of birds. From Migrating waders like Woodsand Piper, Common Sandpiper & Kentish Plovers to forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant and the endemics Sri Lanka Grey Horn-bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl are some of the highlights. 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: 3 hours
