Giritale is a small town on the A11 between Minneriya and Polonnaruwa, beside the Giritale tank — a reservoir generally dated to the early 7th century and attributed to King Aggabodhi II. The lake and its forested hills are part of the Minneriya–Giritale Nature Reserve, which links Minneriya with the forests further south-east.
It is a peaceful place to stay, with hilltop and lakeside hotels looking out over the water. From here, the Minneriya gate is a short drive west and the ruins of Polonnaruwa a short drive east — the ideal base if you want both.
Top things to do at Giritale
Watch the sunset over the tank
Giritale’s hotels sit high above the water, and the sunset views across the lake and islands are among the best in the region.
Cycle to Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa’s ancient city is about 15 minutes away by car. Start early and spend the cooler morning among the ruins.
Safari from the east side
Many Giritale hotels arrange afternoon jeeps into Minneriya, or into Kaudulla when the herds move north.
How to get to Giritale
- From Habarana: about 30 minutes east along the A11, past the Minneriya gate.
- From Polonnaruwa: about 15 minutes west.
- By bus: buses between Habarana and Polonnaruwa pass through Giritale.
Insider tips
- Stay here if Polonnaruwa is on your list — it saves an hour of driving compared with Sigiriya.
- Do not swim in the tank; crocodiles live in the reservoirs of the dry zone.
- See our where to stay page for Giritale hotels.
Best tours & safaris for Giritale
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Giritale:
Combo tour from US$60 Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Minneriya Elephant Safari
Polonnaruwa’s palaces, shrines and giant rock-cut Buddhas in the morning, then a jeep safari in Minneriya on the way back — the two lie on the same road east of Habarana, so the day flows naturally.
- The medieval royal capital of Polonnaruwa
- Gal Vihara’s rock-cut Buddhas
- Afternoon safari in Minneriya
Combo tour from US$55 Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom & Minneriya Elephant Safari
A good-value alternative to the Polonnaruwa-and-Minneriya combo above: the ancient kingdom in the morning, elephants in the afternoon, with pickup from Sigiriya.
- Guided visit of the ancient city
- Afternoon jeep safari
- Pickup from Sigiriya
