Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of
Sri Lanka.
The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997,
having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.The
reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment
of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is
of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third
century AD.
The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population
dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts.
The national park's faunal species include 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of
amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.
Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during
the dry season.
The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd of elephants. Individuals of elephants gathered
here is numbering around 150-200.
They are most numerous from July to October, peaking in August and September when water elsewhere
dries up and as many as three hundred or more come to the tank’s ever-receding shores from as far
away as Trincomalee to drink, bathe and feed on the fresh grass that grows up from the lake bed as the
waters retreat – as well as to socialize and search for mates. This annual event has been popularly
dubbed “The Gathering”, the largest meeting of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.
You can take water and some snacks to replenish yourself on the safari. There are some lovely spots
and vantage points where you can stop and enjoy being in the park.
Entrance Fees
$15 p.p.
Jeep
$ 50 ( max 6 people )
Opening Hours
6:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM).
Visit
2-3 hours
Tracker
Voluntary Service for a tip