Wildlife Museum
Photo: This room could give a kid nightmares Uploaded by PDTillman — CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Wildlife Museum in Giritale, Polonnaruwa, showcases replicas of indigenous and foreign animals, aiming to educate the public on wildlife conservation.
Planning your visit
The Wildlife Museum at Giritale sits in the Polonnaruwa district beside a reservoir, in country that is prime habitat — the surrounding national parks hold elephants in significant numbers, along with leopard, sloth bear, crocodile and substantial birdlife.
The museum uses replicas and models of indigenous and foreign animals rather than taxidermy, with the stated purpose of conservation education. Sri Lanka has serious and continuing human-elephant conflict, with hundreds of elephants and dozens of people killed annually, and the museum addresses the pressures behind it.
Its practical role is as preparation for the safaris that most visitors are here for — Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu parks are nearby, and the seasonal gathering of elephants at Minneriya reservoir is among the largest concentrations anywhere.
Polonnaruwa's ruins are a short distance away. Allow an hour. Bookable options combine the museum with safari tours. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Wildlife Museum?
Wildlife Museum is in Giritale, Sri Lanka. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Wildlife Museum?
Allow an hour. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book Wildlife Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.