Minneriya National Park, commonly known as Minneriya Safari Park Sri Lanka, is one of Sri Lanka's most visited National Parks, located in Minneriya North Central Province between Habarana and Polonnaruwa. Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is home to the world's greatest concentration of Asian elephants. This park is one of Sri Lanka's 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs). In 1938 The Minneriya National Park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. It was then designated a National Park to conserve flora and fauna surrounding the Minneriya Tank.
The recently renovated Minneriya Tank irrigates a wide area of the Polonnaruwa district and serves as the main focus of the Minneriya National Park. From the water derived from the Amban River and the Elahera Canal, King Mahasena built this tank. Usually, animals migrate to Minneriya to seek water and food during the dry season.
Due to the mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas, the park is home to several animal species, including sambar deer, leopards, and elephants. Many Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to the grass fields on the reservoir's borders during the dry season. The Minneriya tank helps to keep a big herd of elephants alive.
How To Get To Minneriya National Park
There is a distance of 182km from Colombo to Minneriya national park. Polonnaruwa is the nearest city to the park. From Colombo, it will take around 4 hours to get there. The most recommended method to get to Minneriya National Park is by a Car. We suggest staying at Sigiriya because the national park is only 30 minutes away.
Weather in Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and receives an average rainfall of 1,500–2,000 MM. Temperature between 20 °C to 34 °C. The primary water sources for the tank are from the Amban River and Elahera mad made canal. The wet season lasts during the northeastern monsoon from October to January and from May to September, considered as the dry season.
Best Time to Visit Minneriya National Park
From May to September, during the dry season is the best time to visit Minnerya National Park, when the animals are drawn outside to the water hole. However, if you want to see the massive elephant gathering, you need to go between the end of July and September. Many elephants travel from neighboring locations, making it an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife at Minneriya National Park
The annual 'Gathering' of elephant herds is the main attraction of this national park. These gigantic creatures migrate from warmer to colder places during the dry season in search of water. During this time, travelers can schedule a safari to witness this magnificent event.
Minneriya's main ecosystems are low-canopy Montane forests, intermediate high canopy secondary forests, scrublands, abandoned Chena lands, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and wetlands. The fauna of the national park includes 24 mammal species, 160 bird species, nine amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and 75 butterfly species.
Remember to plan your visit according to the attraction you want to see. You can book your stay at Sigiriya, making it easy to get to Minneriya. Jeeps and guides are available to assist you in exploring the National Park. Remember to dress comfortably and to keep the National Park clean.
