Sri Lanka has several nature parks, but Minneriya is one of the most popular because of its location and the things you can see on safari. Minneriya is very close to places like Lion Rock and the Dambulla Caves, but along the trails it is easy to see herds of elephants interacting freely.
- Minneriya’s natural setting
- How to get there
- Recommendations for your visit
- What you will see on a safari in Minneriya
- Things to see nearby
Minneriya’s natural setting
Minnerirya is one of the largest gathering places for Asian elephants in the world as it forms part of the corridor that these animals follow on their pilgrimage from Kaudulla to Hurulu Eco Park basically in search of food. In fact, in 1938 it was already protected because of its value for elephants’ lives.
The reserve includes the basins of three large reservoirs that were built in the 3rd century by King Mahasen to retain the water needed by the land and the animals which were so important for ancient Ceylon.
A total of 9,000 hectares of tropical rainforest make it one of the island’s largest and best-known nature parks, along with Yala and Bundala.
How to get there
The park is located in the centre of the country, about 180 kilometres from the capital and very well connected because it is included in the famous Cultural Triangle, which is home to the country’s main tourist attractions.
It can be reached from all major cities in Sri Lanka by car, bus and train although, in this case, you have to take a taxi to the park entrance.
It is strictly forbidden to enter Minneriya by private car since the safaris can only be carried out in authorised jeeps.
Recommendations for your visit
The best time to visit Minneriya National Park is between May and October because this is when the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants occurs. They go to this area on their pilgrimage route in search of food since the dry season leaves much of the grass growing under waterlogged areas uncovered and the elephants take advantage of this to form huge herds of up to hundreds of individuals.
Most safaris, which are carried out in authorised vehicles, are at dawn and dusk, when the animals are best seen because it is not so hot.
After the visit, it is customary to pay an extra tip to the guide depending on one’s satisfaction or the number of animals seen.
The park opens at six in the morning, and the last safari leaves at five in the afternoon so that you can enjoy the sunset. In addition to the usual 50 dollar entrance fee, you have to pay the driver and guide and tip them at the end if you have managed to see a lot of animals.
What you will see on a safari in Minneriya
The main attraction of the safaris in Minneriya are the elephants, but they are not the only animals that you can enjoy in this incredible natural reserve. Among its forests live 24 species of mammals, 25 types of reptiles and nine types of amphibians, 26 species of fish and up to 160 different birds.
Although some leopards live in the area, they are not easy to see in Minneriya and, if you want to see them, it is better to do a safari at Yala National Park, where they are more numerous and can be seen.
The highlight of this nature park is undoubtedly the encounter with Asian elephants, but you can also try to spot sloth bears, Indian pangolins, which are an endangered species, buffaloes, spotted deer, purple-faced leaf monkeys and mongooses, of which there are up to three different types.
Things to see nearby
Minneriya is within easy reach of some of the country’s main tourist attractions such as Lion Rock in Sigiriya, a 5th century palace built on volcanic rock 200 metres above the ground, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
You can also visit the famous Dambulla Caves, some of the most interesting beaches in the west of the country and Pigeon Island National Park, a sanctuary for scuba diving.
