Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, located in the North Central Province, near the town of Habarana. It covers an area of 8,889 hectares and is renowned for its large population of wild elephants, particularly during the famous Minneriya Elephant Gathering. The park also features diverse wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and other mammals, and is centered around the Minneriya Tank, an ancient reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.
More Details – Sigiriya Lion’s Rock
Minneriya National Park Safari
Key Features of Minneriya National Park:
- Minneriya Elephant Gathering:
- One of the park’s most famous attractions is the annual gathering of elephants. During the dry season (from June to September), large herds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir to drink water and graze.
- The gathering is one of the largest known in the world, with groups of 200–300 elephants often spotted at the same time. It provides a rare opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat and is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Wildlife:
- In addition to elephants, Minneriya is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, and monkeys such as the purple-faced langur and Toque macaque.
- The park also hosts a wide range of reptiles, such as monitor lizards, crocodiles, and various species of snakes.
- Birdwatching is a popular activity, as the park attracts over 160 species of birds, including painted storks, peacocks, pelicans, and grey herons. Migratory birds also visit the park during the migratory season.
- Minneriya Tank:
- The Minneriya Reservoir or Minneriya Tank is a man-made irrigation tank built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen. It plays a vital role in supporting both the wildlife and the local communities.
- During the dry season, the reservoir shrinks, creating vast open grasslands around its edge, which attract large herds of elephants and other herbivores. This is the prime time for safari-goers to witness the elephant gathering.
- Flora:
- The park features a mix of dry tropical forest, wetlands, and grasslands. The forest is dominated by trees like weera, palu, and kohomba, while the wetland areas around the Minneriya Tank support various aquatic plants and grasses that sustain the local wildlife.
- These diverse ecosystems make Minneriya a haven for a wide range of species.
Minneriya National Park Safari Experience:
- Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore Minneriya National Park. The safaris usually last between 3 to 4 hours and provide ample opportunity to see the wildlife up close, particularly the elephants.
- Morning and late afternoon are the best times for safaris, as animals tend to be more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Minneriya National Park Entrance Fees:
- For foreign visitors, the entrance fee and safari jeep price is around USD 70-80 per person.
Best Time to Visit:
- The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit, especially for witnessing the elephant gathering.
- The wet season (October to January) also offers lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife, though wildlife sightings, especially of elephants, can be less predictable due to the abundance of water sources spread across the park.
Minneriya National Park Location:
- Minneriya National Park is located about 182 kilometers (113 miles) northeast of Colombo, and about 30 minutes from the historic sites of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, making it a convenient addition to a cultural tour of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Conservation Efforts:
- Minneriya is a protected national park and plays a vital role in the conservation of Sri Lanka’s elephant population. The gathering of elephants here highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats for wildlife sustainability.
Visiting Minneriya National Park offers a unique and memorable experience, with its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and especially its role as one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants in large numbers.
Day Tour Price to Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari
- Day Tour & Transport Cost for Sigiriya:
From Colombo Start from 170 USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
From Sigiriya Start from 140USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
Private tour in an A/C car or van with an English speaking chauffeur-guide
Vehicle Options:
Car (up to 2 persons): Toyota Axio, Prius Hybrid, Premio/Honda Fit Shuttle or similar
Van (3 to 8 persons): Toyota KDH/Nissan Caravan or similar - Included – Entrance Tickets, Refreshment, Transport
- Entrance ticket fee for Sigiriya Lion’s Rock – Ticket price for each place US$ 35 / EUR 31 / GBP 26) per foreign adult and US$ 17 / EUR 16 / GBP 13 ticket price per foreign child of age 05 – 12 years are applicable.
- Entrance ticket fee for Minneriya Safari – Ticket price for each place US$ 75 / EUR 69 / GBP 58) per foreign adult and US$ 38 / EUR 35 / GBP 29 ticket price per foreign child of age 05 – 12 years are applicable.