National Parks

Yala

Wilpattu

Udawalawe

Horton Plains

Kumana

Minneriya

Kawudulla

Gal Oya

Wasgamuwa

Bundala

Chundikulam

Minneriya National Park

Situated in the North Central Province in the Polonnaruwa District, the Minneriya National Park comprise the forests surrounding the Minneriya Tank, built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen. Minneriya is 180km from Colombo with Dambulla and Polonnaruwa being the closest towns. The Park was first designated a Sanctuary in 1938 and later a National Park on 12th August 1997, it covers an area of 8,889 hectares.

Minneriya comprises of dry mixed evergreen forests as well as shrub lands and receives an annual rainfall between 1500-2000mm between October to January with a temperature varying between 20-34 C. Through this Park run several streams and rivers such as the Batu Oya, Thalkotte Oya, Kiri Oya including the Oda Ela which supplies the Minneriya tank with the water from the Mahaweli River.

Minneriya is known for its splendid Elephant sightings, when the water of the tank recede during the dry months between July to October, the exposed banks are flushed with fresh grass and it is here where the ‘Gathering’ as the phenomena has come to be known where the Elephants in many small herds come to the banks of the tank from the surrounding jungles. It is recorded that between 150-300 Elephants reside within the Park. Other wildlife includes many of the larger dry zone mammals such as the Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambhur, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Purple Face Leaf Monkey etc.  Several amphibian species have been recorded from the park as well as a number reptile species such as the Saltwater Crocodile, the Indian Python, the two species of large Monitors etc. Minneriya is also famous for its birds.

Main attractions:

  • The Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) – the ‘Elephant Gathering’
  • Sambhur (Cervus unicolour)
  • Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
  • The Minneriya Reservoir

 

Best Season: Between August and October for the Elephant Gathering.

Routes: The Park entrance is located at Ambagaswawe on the Habarana-Polonnaruwa road.

  • Route – Colombo -> Kurunagala -> Dambulla -> Habarana turning right -> Habarana-Polonnaruwa road -> Ambagaswawe junction – 182 km.

Explore Minneriya with Our Exciting Tour Packages

Join us on a thrilling adventure to Minneriya National Park, renowned for the annual "Gathering" of hundreds of elephants. Experience diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable safaris, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.