Located less than 200 km from the city of Colombo, the Minneriya National Park was established as a national park in 1997, which protects the Minneriya tank and the wildlife that lives in the park.
Asian Elephants
The Minneriya Tank is known to be the best place to see the largest herd of wild elephants gathering in one area.
When to visit
The ideal time to visit is during the months from July to October as you have the chance to see herds of over 300 elephants gathering near the reservoir, as the drought tends to dry up most parts of the jungle forcing all animals to head to the reservoir to eat, drink, bathe and socialise.
Other animals
The park is also home to a wide range of animals such as wild buffalo, leopards, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar deer, porcupine, mongoose etc. Some of the birds you’ll be able to see are the endemic jungle fowl, common sandpiper, hornbills and over 170 other species.
How to get here
If you’re staying at a well known Sri Lanka resort in the area such as Habarana Village by Cinnamon, safari jeeps can be arranged from your hotel to take you to Minneriya National Park.
