Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD.

The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 million in the six months ending in August 2009. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.

Best time to visit Minneriya National Park 

Minneriya provides an opportunity to see herds of elephants all year round, but the dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit.

How to Reach?

You can choose easy way to reach Minneriya National Park. Distance from Colombo to Minneriya National Park is 188km.

How much Minneriya National Park Ticket price?

If mention Minneriya National Park is a very low fee is charged. You can visit here and enjoying with reasonable price.

What You Can Do Here?

If you visit in Minneriya National Park, there are lots of things to do for your enjoying. You can visit jeep safari, watch elephants, watch birds, camping and many more.

Here is a long list of major things to do in Minneriya National Park . Which the first time travelers can visit and experience.

Minneriya National Park safari

Get a thrilling look at the elephants of Minneriya National Park during this 3-hour private Jeep safari. Travel to a wilderness refuge known for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants on earth (each June through September), observing these giant creatures as they drink, feed, and congregate. The chance to observe numerous species of birds, amphibians, and fish is an added bonus.

Morning safari Tour give you a chance to see mostly Birds like Peacock, Eagle, Pelicans, Parrots, Crane, Parakeet, Owl, Hornbill & etc. Can see about 20% of Elephants. Also other animals like Monkeys, Deers, Wild Rabbits, wild boar & a Fox if you are lucky.

Evening Jeep Safari Tour give you a chance to see mostly Larger Elephant gathering than Morning Jeep Safari Tour. Also other animals like Deers, water Buffalo, Crocodile, Iguana, Monkeys as well as birds like peacock, pelican, Eagles & many more.

If mention Minneriya National Park safari fee, you can get jeep safari in reasonable price.

Bird Watching

Great white pelican, ruddy turnstone, and grey heron are the other water birds here. Among the endemic birds are Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, black-crested bulbul and crimson-fronted barbet.

Watch Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park

If you visit Minneriya National Park, you can get this wonderful experience. During the dry season of June to September, approximately 300 elephants gather in Minneriya National Park around the old Minneriya water tank This is only place where you can see this much of Asian Elephant heard (Elephas Maximum Maximus) in one location. This gathering is listed by Lonely Planet as among the Top Ten wildlife spectacles in the world and we recommend you encounter with this amazing live experience.

Visit Minneriya Wewa

Minneriya tank is a reservoir in Sri Lanka made by an old civilisation; the Anuradhapura Kingdom. King Mahasena ordered a dam build across the Minneriya River, which made the lake. The tank covered 4,670 acres. The Minneriya Tank was built by the great tank builder, King Mahasen who ruled in Anuradhapura.

Visit Habarana

Sometimes one desires best of both worlds- to be in the lap of Mother Nature as well as ultimate intimacy. Habarana packs in both these with aplomb. It’s a great place for jungle safari (Minneriya National Park) and is amongst the best places in Sri Lanka for honeymoon.

Visit around Polonnaruwa

A gem among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, this ancient ruined city stands amidst its erstwhile sturdy columns and architecture. The best way to explore this ancient city is to hire a bike and zoom around the ruins. The site is well maintained and is a telling example of Sri Lankas history and culture. Polonnaruwa can be easily accessed via Sigiriya.

Where you can accommodation in Minneriya National Park?

Minneriya National Park Hotels

If you visit in Minneriya National Park, you can find large number of hotels, bungalows and resorts with modern amenities on reasonable price. There is calm area. So you can enjoy your vacation freely.