Minneriya National Park
Sum up
Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. It is also the site of the world-renowned wildlife event ‘The Elephant Gathering’.
Duration: 1 hour
Best Time: Year-round
Additional Information
Minneriya, situated at the centre of the Cultural Triangle, is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it is easy to weave a jeep drive here between visiting the ancient sites in this area.
The dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit the 8,890 hectare park, when the ancient tank that dominates the area shrinks and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing. It is termed ‘The Elephant Gathering’ and is the largest assemblage of Asian elephants in the world.
Minneriya mainly consists of tropical dryzone evergreen forest, abandoned chena lands, grasslands and wetlands.
Minneriya’s near neighbour to the north, Kaudulla was opened in 2002 to extend the elephant corridor in this region and ensure safe passage. Kaudulla reservoir draws herds of elephants during the dry season. September and October are the best times to visit, although the season can extend into December. Red Dot guides are keenly aware of where the best viewing opportunities lie.
Outside the main wildlife viewing period, Hurulu Eco-Park, close to Minneriya, offers elephant viewing opportunities when its much smaller lake briefly comes into its own between January and March. Herds of at least 30 elephants can be seen from January to March.
More than 20 mammals have been recorded in Minneriya National Park. In addition to its large elephant population, Minneriya also has leopards, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, wild pig, grey langers, monkeys, mongoose porcupine and pangolin.
Nine species of amphibians have been seen, among them the native red-lipped lizard, water and land monitor lizards and mugger crocodiles.
Both Minneriya and Kaudulla have recorded more than 170 species of birds, ranging from migrating waders like sandpipers and plovers to forest birds like hornbills, woodpeckers and jungle fowl.
Popular Activities
Anuradhapura Sum up Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first civilisation and the centre-point of the island’s greatest kingdoms, acting as the royal capital …
Dambulla Cave Temple Sum up Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the most popular religious cultural sites in Sri Lanka, attracting tourists …
Polonnaruwa Sum up The well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital, are one of the country’s most prominent cultural sites. …
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sum up Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic and inspiring historical locations in the world, a huge rock …
Traditional Sri Lankan Village Life Sum up Discover the authentic rural charm of Sri Lankan village life. Simple and peaceful, life in …
Pidurangala Rock Sum up Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked …
Sri Lanka Hot Air Ballooning Sum up Red Dot now offers hot air ballooning in the Cultural Triangle, a dramatic and rewarding …
Minneriya National Park Sum up Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri …
The Monkey Kingdom of Polonnaruwa Sum up Quite apart from the incredible ruins of this medieval city, Polonnaruwa is home to a …
Wasgamuwa National Park Sum up Wasgamuwa is a remote national park which is home to a wide variety of Sri Lankan wildlife, …
Kaludiya Pokuna Sum up Kaludiya Pokuna Forest near Kandalama – not to be confused with the ‘Kaludiya Pokuna’ close to Mihintale – …
The Aukana Buddha Sum up The Aukana Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is not only the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri …
Aluvihara Cave Temple Sum up The ancient Aluvihara cave temple is on the outskirts of Matale, north of Kandy, and has great …