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. The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo.
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.
Minneriya National park ticket price
If mention Minneriya National park ticket price 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, watching elephants & birds, camping, sightseeing, take photos 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
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is a haven for wildlife with a mix of landscapes ranging from wetlands and grasslands to dry tropical forest. You'll head on safari with the chance to spot the hundreds of species that roam freely through the park.
After a morning journey through the heartland of Sri Lanka, you'll stop to top up your energy reserves with lunch before heading into Minneriya National Park. Expect to be enchanted by herds of elephants – the star attraction for many – as well as monkeys as you traverse through grasslands and wetlands. More than 70 species of butterflies and 24 species of animals are also attracted to the grass fields on the edge of the reservoir.
Minneriya National Park is the best place for watching elephant gathering.
Minneriya National Park Safari Price
If mention Minneriya National park safari price is a very low fee is charged. You can visit here and enjoying with reasonable price. Further you can get a guider for get more information about safari & Minneriya National park.
Minneriya National park animals
01. Mammals Watching
Among the 24 species of mammals resident in the park are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, three species of Mongoose, Porcupine and Indian Pangolin. Pre-booked Minneriya Safari is the best way to see them all.
02. Birds 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.
03. Amphibians & Reptiles Watching
Among the nine species of Amphibians at Minneriya National Park are the endemic and endangered Slender Wood Frog and the Common Tree Frog. Of the 25 species of reptiles recorded in the park 8 are endemic including the Red-lipped Lizard. Water and Land Monitors are also seen here. The Mugger Crocodile can be seen near the tank. Many species of fresh water fish are found in the Minneriya reservoir.
Take Photos
You can take lots of pictures & gather beautiful memories.
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 nature & you can get delicious food here. So you can enjoy your vacation freely.
