After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa. When early in the 11th century AD Anuradhapura suffered one of the worst of its many Indian invasions, Polonnaruwa became the next seat of rule. The city in its day was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The city itself as well as the surrounding plain was watered by an irrigational network of man-made lakes and canals. One of the ancient reservoirs is so vast it was named Sea of Parakrama after the King Parakrambahu the great who built it.
Today, while the buildings are preserved ruins, ancient reservoirs are renovated and made to re-irrigate the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa and surrounding areas as in the glorious days of Polonnaruwa. On completion proceed to Minneriya.
Minneriya National Park affords the opportunity to sight herds of Elephants throughout the year. Wild elephants from the surrounding wilderness, makes their way to the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir adjoining the Minneriya National Park in search of food and water. Huge herd of elephants, sometimes numbering up to 300, converge together within a few square kilometres of the lake. This Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate to witness it. After a thrilling safari at Minneriya return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Habarana.