Sheltering an array of wildlife species, the likes of wild elephants, toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards, Minneriya national park is a popular tourist site to witness these exotic faunas at play. Here is a simple guide on what you can anticipate on a tour of this iconic national park.
Minneriya National Park
This popular park is a sanctuary for spotting wild elephants that emerge out of their habitats in search of water. The park is also surrounded by the ancient Minneriya Lake and lush greenery that provides an ideal setting for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards to wander about.
How to reach the place
You can easily access the park through the Habarana Polonnaruwa road. The first 40-minute drive that takes you to the epicentre of the forest is usually devoid of wildlife sightings but as you delve deep into the shrubs, you will start noticing all the wildlife species that come into the spotlight.
What to see and do
The park is frequented by visitors largely for the place’s periodic elephant gatherings. During the dry season, it is not uncommon to witness at least 300 of these gentle giants herding across the place in search of water. Added to the frequent gentle giant population, the park also hosts an array of other wildlife species like leopards, sloth bears, reptiles, birds and endemic monkey species. Interestingly, Minneriya National park is also within easy reach of other coveted attractions like Habarana, Sigiriya and Pidurangala, so while holidaying in Sri Lanka, resort options the likes of Habarana Village by Cinnamon will offer the convenience and comfort you seek.
Best time to visit
The dry season from April to October is usually considered the best time for wildlife sightings. With more than 200 elephants gathering around the place to bathe and graze during what is called the gathering, you will not be short of elephant sightings. Apart from these gentle giants, you can also witness flocks of birds flying across the wetlands under the perfect weather conditions of the season.
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