Polonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.
Area
Ancient Cities
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
1-2 Hours
Today you will head to the heart of Sri Lanka's dry zone and the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Here, under the protection of a monkey research centre, the population of these primates has grown significantly. Children in particular, will love this experience.
There are three different monkey species that inhabit these ancient ruins, the purple-faced leaf monkey, the toque monkey and the grey langur. Your day will begin early, meeting your guide for the day at 6.30am, when you will enter the site. Spend 2-hours walking around the site, learning about its history but focusing on the different monkeys and their cheeky behaviour.
Please note, temperatures start to rise pretty quickly, so we recommend you enjoy this experience before the heat of the day.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationUga Ulagalla
Set in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Uga Ulagalla blends restored heritage with contemporary and sweeping reservoir views, a serene sanctuary where culture, nature, and authentic experiences unfold at your pace.
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View AccommodationCinnamon Lodge
Cinnamon Lodge is a series of small chalet-style buildings dotted around a 27-acre wooded area and next to a lake. The two-storey chalets have recently been refurbished and the property is well-located for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
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View AccommodationAliya Resort & Spa
Aliya Resort and Spa is a modern property with stunning views of the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the Cultural Triangle. Aliya is surrounded by greenery and the design is inspired by the Asian elephant.
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View AccommodationVil Uyana
Vil Uyana offers spacious luxury dwellings, built over a wetlands area just a few kilometres from Sigiriya. The perfect destination as part of a wider Sri Lankan itinerary, this is a place to relax, unwind, pamper yourself and get back to nature.
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View AccommodationWater Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the mountainous Sigiriya Rock Fortress as your backdrop.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceUlagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration
Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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View ExperienceMinneriya National Park
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View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
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View ExperienceSigiriya Rock
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View ExperienceSafari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Cycling Tour
This bicycle tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings you to the stupas of Ruwanweliseya, Abayagirl, Jethavana and Samadhi Buddha statue.
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View ExperienceDambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning