Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is one of the most famous and rewarding safari destinations in the country. Best known for “The Gathering” — the largest meeting of wild Asian elephants in the world — Minneriya offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Minneriya National Park Highlights
📍 Location
- Province: North Central
- Nearest Town: Habarana (10 km)
- Distance from Colombo: 190 km (~4.5–5 hours by car)
- Nearby Attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kaudulla National Park, Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Minneriya lies in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, making it easy to combine with cultural and historical sightseeing.
🏞️ History of Minneriya National Park
The park is named after the Minneriya Tank (reservoir), an ancient man-made lake built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. Initially created for irrigation, it now forms the core of a thriving ecosystem.
Minneriya was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and declared a national park in 1997 to protect the elephants and their habitat from encroachment and deforestation.
🐘 Wildlife at Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is most famous for its wild Asian elephant population, with herds of up to 300 elephants gathering during the dry season (July–October). Key wildlife includes:
- Elephants (primary attraction)
- Sambar and spotted deer
- Sloth bears (rare)
- Leopards (occasionally spotted)
- Purple-faced langurs and macaques
- Water buffalo and wild boars
- Over 160 bird species including storks, herons, and pelicans
- Crocodiles, lizards, and butterflies
🚙 Minneriya Safari Experience
Minneriya is one of the best parks in Asia to see elephants in the wild, especially during “The Gathering”, a spectacular natural event where herds come to the tank to drink, bathe, and graze.
- Safari Duration: 3–4 hours
- Departure Times: Morning (6:00 AM) or Afternoon (2:30 PM)
- Safari Type: Private or group jeep safaris with licensed guides
- Best Time to Visit: July to October (elephant gathering season)
- Photography: Excellent light and visibility; long lens recommended
🎟️ Minneriya National Park Ticket Prices (Entrance Ticket, Safari Jeep, VAT)
| Visitor Type | Price Range (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | USD 70–80 |
| Foreign Child | USD 35–40 |
| Sri Lankan Adult | LKR 100 |
| Jeep Entry Fee | LKR 300–500 |
Note: Most safari operators offer packages that include park entry, guide fees, and jeep hire.
🌿 Best Time to Visit
- July to October: Best for elephant sightings during the dry season
- November to January: Greener landscapes, fewer elephants
- Avoid: Heavy rainy season (late November to early January), some tracks may be inaccessible
🛌 Where to Stay
Habarana, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa are ideal bases for a safari to Minneriya. Accommodation options range from budget lodges to luxury eco-resorts:
- Habarana Village by Cinnamon
- The Other Corner Eco Resort
- Aliya Resort & Spa – Sigiriya
- Backpacker hostels & family-run guesthouses
🧳 Tips for Visitors
- Book safaris in advance, especially from July to October
- Wear light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors
- Bring insect repellent, sun protection, and water
- Use a camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife shots
- Be respectful of wildlife and follow your guide’s instructions
✅ Why Visit Minneriya National Park?
- Home to the largest seasonal gathering of wild elephants in Asia
- Rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes
- Easy access from major tourist sites in the Cultural Triangle
- Suitable for families, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers
- Peaceful alternative to busier parks like Yala
Minneriya National Park promises an awe-inspiring connection with nature. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a jeep safari, looking for that perfect elephant photo, or just soaking in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s wilderness — this park is a must-visit destination.
Safari Packages
Private Afternoon Tour Itinerary
- 1.00 pm: Pick up from your hotel in the Minneriya National Park area hotels (within 4km) and transfer to Minneriya National Park for Safari
- 1.30pm: Afternoon/EveningMinneriya National Park Safari Tour you can birds like Elephants, Peacock, Eagle, Pelicans, Parrot, Crane, Parakeet, Owl and many more. As well animals like Deer, Rabbits, Wild Boar, Grey Langers, Monkey, Water Buffaloes, Crocodiles.
- 4.30pm – Drop back to your hotel (within 4km)
NOTE: Time may be change depend on traffic and weather conditions.
Afternoon Tour Price
Rate – Adults Fee – Per Person
- Entrance ticket fee for Minneriya National Park Safari Tour & Jeep: Per Person Cost Price (min 2 Person) – US$ 75 / EUR 72 / GBP 60) per foreign adult and US$ 40 / EUR 36 / GBP 30 per foreign child of age 03 – 12 years are applicable.
What is Included
- Free pick up and drop will be provided free of charge only to main entrance (within 4km) Minneriya National Park area hotels only.
- Private Jeep for your group and Professional Safari Driver
- Minneriya National Park Safari Tour Entrance Tickets
- All applicable taxes.
- Hotel Pick up and Drop Off near Minneriya National Park (within 4km)
Excluded
- Food & Drink
- Tips for Driver