Minneriya National park
Overview
Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the North Central Province in Sri Lanka. The sanctuary is based on the ancient Minneriya Tank commonly called the Reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The attraction "The Gathering," a remarkable natural wonder witnessed in the world in this sanctuary, sees hundreds of wild elephants gather at this drying reservoir to feed on the new grass and slake their thirst on the available water.
What can we do?
- Witness “The Gathering": Observe large numbers of elephants congregating and playing in the Minneriya Tank. It is a paradise for all photo buffs.
- Jeep Safari: Jeep safaris through the mixed evergreen forests and scrubland help to spot wild animals.
- Bird Watching: The tank is home to a number of aquatic water birds such as painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, and cormorants.
- Spot Other Wildlife: In addition to the elephants, one may also find purple faced langur monkeys, sambar deer, spotted deer, and the occasional leopard or sloth bear (though these are much scarcer compared to Yala).
- Enjoy the Scenery: The scenery of a sunset over ancient Minneriya Tank with elephants in the foreground is breathtaking.
Which season is best for travel?
Best Season: The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit.
Peak Time: The months of August and September are the peak season for "The Gathering," where you can sometimes see up to 300 elephants at once.
Best Time of Day: Unlike other parks, the afternoon safari (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM) is much better than the morning. This is because elephants come out of the forest to the tank in the evening to bathe and feed.
How long to spend for a visit?
Duration: A jeep safari typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
Since the park is relatively small compared to Yala or Wilpattu, a half-day tour is sufficient to see the main attractions.
How can we arrive?
Minneriya is located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.
From Habarana/Sigiriya: It is very close to the tourism hubs of Habarana and Sigiriya (approx. 20-30 minutes drive).
From Polonnaruwa: It is about a 45-minute drive from the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
From Colombo: It takes about 4 to 5 hours via Kurunegala and Habarana.