Polonnaruwa, located in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, is a mesmerizing historical city that served as the country's capital during the 11th to 13th centuries. Renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including majestic palaces, intricately carved statues, and ancient temples such as the iconic Gal Vihara with its impressive stone Buddha figures, Polonnaruwa stands as a testament to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. Its UNESCO World Heritage status attracts visitors worldwide seeking to immerse themselves in its fascinating history.

The park has many land types and growth. Wetlands mix in with agricultural land and rocky outcrops, and forests walk hand in hand with scrublands. This also means that the types of wildlife and birds that live in the park or visit it are quite varied. You may get to see a crocodile or even an extremely rare grey slender loris if you’re lucky. A little herd of deer may visit the Minneriya reservoir as you watch early in the morning. If you plan your safari to the months of August, September or October you might get a chance to see the elephant congregation named the ‘Elephant Gathering’ with its collective number of over 150 elephants in one place. It’s said that the elephants arrive from all surrounding areas for this gathering annually. If you opt for the evening safari, which is the best time to see this park, you can also see the elephants taking their daily bath and watch the many different kinds of birds heading off to their nests at the end of the day.