loader
Your Gateway to the Nature's Finest Moments...

[email protected]

A Complete Guide to Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife destinations, located in the North Central Province, close to Habarana and Polonnaruwa. It’s world-famous for hosting “The Gathering,” a spectacular annual event where hundreds of wild elephants come together around the ancient Minneriya Tank during the dry season — one of the largest such gatherings in Asia.

📍 Specifications of Minneriya National Park

General Information
  • Name: Minneriya National Park
  • Established: Declared a national park in 1997 (originally a wildlife sanctuary since 1938).
  • Managed by: Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Sri Lanka
  • Location: North Central Province, Sri Lanka — about 182 km from Colombo, near Habarana and Polonnaruwa.
  • GPS Coordinates: Approx. 8.35°N, 80.13°E
  • Area: Approximately 8,889 hectares (about 88.9 km²).
  • Main Feature: The historic Minneriya Tank (Reservoir) built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD — the park’s heart and main water source.
Geography & Landscape
  • Elevation: Altitude ranges from ~100 m to 300 m above sea level.
  • Climate: Experiences a tropical dry-zone climate, with distinct dry (May–October) and wet (November–February) seasons.
  • The dry season reduces the water level in the tank, creating vast grasslands that attract herds of elephants — the famous “Gathering.”
  • Temperature: Averages 27–30 °C
  • The park is composed of:
    • Dry evergreen forests 🌳
    • Shrublands and scrub jungles 🌿
    • Open plains and grasslands 🌾
    • Marshes and shallow water bodies 🐦
Biodiversity
  • Mammals Recorded: 24+ species
  • Bird Species: ~160 recorded
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: 20+ species
  • Common trees and plants:
    • Weera (Drypetes sepiaria)
    • Palu (Manilkara hexandra)
    • Burutha (Chloroxylon swietenia)
    • Velang (Pterospermum suberifolium)
    • Milla (Vitex pinnata)
    • Grasslands with species like mana grass and iluk support large herbivores.
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Protected Area Category: II – National Park
  • Threats:
    • Human-wildlife conflict in surrounding villages.
    • Encroachment and illegal land use near park boundaries
  • Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching patrols and ranger monitoring & Seasonal management of “The Gathering” to reduce disturbance to elephants.

Wildlife You Can Expect in Minneriya National Park

🐘 Elephants

  • Home to hundreds of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).
  • Famous for “The Gathering” (July–October) — one of Asia’s largest seasonal elephant congregations.
  • Elephants are often seen bathing, drinking, and grazing around Minneriya Tank.

🦌 Deer Species

  • Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) – large-bodied deer, commonly seen in grasslands.
  • Spotted deer (Axis axis) – often in mixed herds with elephants.

🐒 Primates

  • Toque macaque (Macaca sinica) – endemic, frequently spotted near water bodies.
  • Purple-faced langur (Trachypithecus vetulus) – shy, endemic, usually in forested areas.

🐆 Predators

  • Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – rare, elusive, mostly nocturnal.
  • Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) – occasionally seen foraging in scrublands.
  • Jackals and mongooses – small predators common in open areas.

🦜 Birds

  • Over 160 bird species, including waterbirds, raptors, and forest species.
  • Waterbirds: painted stork, spot-billed pelican, grey heron, cormorant.
  • Forest birds: Sri Lanka junglefowl, barbets, hornbills.
  • Birdwatching hotspot during the dry season when waterbirds gather around the tank.

🐊 Reptiles

  • Mugger crocodile – inhabits tank and marshes.
  • Water monitor lizard – common near wetlands.
  • Pythons and several snake species, including cobra and Russell’s viper.

Safari Times & Durations in Minneriya National Park

A safari in Minneriya National Park offers a chance to see Sri Lanka’s iconic Asian elephants, especially during the famous “Elephant Gathering” from July to October, when hundreds congregate near the Minneriya Tank. Safaris are done in 4×4 jeeps, usually in the early morning or late afternoon, passing through grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Besides elephants, visitors can spot deer, monkeys, sloth bears (extremely rare), leopards (extremely rare), numerous birds, and reptiles like crocodiles and monitor lizards. The park’s dry-zone landscapes and water-filled tank provide scenic backdrops, making it a prime location for wildlife photography and birdwatching.

  • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Nearly it’s 4 hours safari session.
  • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 4 hours safari.
  • Full day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 10 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals.

Minneriya National Park Entrances

Moragaswewa Entrance (Main)

Minneriya National Park has a single main entrance known as the Moragaswewa Gate, located on the Habarana–Polonnaruwa (A11) road, roughly 9 kilometers from Habarana town. This entrance serves as the primary access point for all safari vehicles entering the park. At the gate, visitors or jeep operators can handle ticketing, vehicle registration, and obtain guidance from the Department of Wildlife Conservation staff. All jeep safaris begin and end here, and entry is strictly regulated to ensure the protection of wildlife and habitats. During the peak season between July and October, early arrival or advance booking is recommended, as the park experiences a high influx of visitors coming to witness the famous Elephant Gathering.

How to Get to Minneriya National Park Entrances

From Kandy 📍

  • Route – Kandy → Matale → Dambulla → Habarana → Minneriya
  • Distance – ~105 km | Travel time – 2.5–3 hours
  • The fastest and most flexible way is by private taxi or tuk-tuk may take more time.

From Sigiriya 📍

  • Route – Sigiriya → Habarana → Minneriya
  • Distance – ~20 km | Travel time – 30 minutes

From Polonnaruwa 📍

  • Route – Polonnaruwa → Minneriya
  • Distance – ~40 km | Travel time – 45 minutes

Minneriya National Park Safari Costs

Travel Tips for Minneriya National Park​

  • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high season (July to October) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
  • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
  • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
  • Best season to visit: June to September – during the “Gathering of Elephants”, one of the largest wild Asian elephant gatherings in the world.
  • Best safari time: Late afternoon safaris (2.30 PM – 6.00 PM) offer the highest elephant sightings.
  • About Food during Safari: Minneriya offers facility within the park to enjoy a meal during the safari in a Rest Area. You may need Breakfast during a Morning Safari, and Lunch will also be needed for if you are doing a Full Day Safari. Evening Safaris may only need Water and a Snack.  Your hotel, lodge, or campsite may pack a breakfast for you before the safari (usually around 5:00–5:30 AM) or this can be arranged by the safari operator himself. Typically includes sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit cuts, juice boxes, String Hoppers, or Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch.Inside the park, you will find a few designated rest points managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). These are simple, open areas where safari jeeps can pause for a short break.
  • Carry Snacks and Water: While there are no restaurants inside the park, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari. These may be provided by the safari jeep operator himself.
  • Wash Room Facilities: You can only get down from the jeep in the Rest Area inside the park. Washrooms are placed only at the entrance & some of the rest areas. Around 8:00–9:00 AM, your guide will stop at a Rest Area where you can have breakfast & use wash room facilities. Please communicate in advance with the jeep driver to arrange timing of your resting times if you need any.
  • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
  • Keep distance from elephants – they are wild and unpredictable, especially tusker males and mothers with calves.
  • Do not block elephant paths with the jeep.
  • Stay inside the vehicle – stepping out is strictly prohibited.
  • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience.

Bungalows inside Minneriya National Park

There are government-run bungalows inside National Parks where you can stay and enjoy wildlife much closer Each bungalow usually accommodates up to ~10 people. These bungalows has limited facilities but highly popular among local wildlife communities and researchers due to close access to water ways where illusive leopards roam in the morning. 

  • Facilities: The bungalows provide basic amenities such as beds, kitchen and private bathrooms. These bungalows have no AC or Fans, but usually designed to accommodate natural air circulation.
  • Food: Each bungalow has a bungalow keeper and a cook. Visitors need to bring all the raw materials to prepare food.
  • Wildlife: These bungalow offers a good opportunity for sightings of leopardselephants, and sloth bears, also fantastic spots for birdwatching.
  • Location: Bungalows are located near the water ways or open areas where animals can be seen most of the days. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy privacy and a remote wilderness experience.
Name of BungalowLocation
Rambawila BungalowLocated close to Minneriya Tank and a good spot close to famous elephant sighting areas.

Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

Minneriya National Park is best known for its world-famous elephant gatherings and is one of the most convenient parks for visitors staying around Sigiriya, Habarana, or Polonnaruwa. Compared to other parks in Sri Lanka, it offers a more relaxed and scenic safari focused mainly on elephants and birdlife rather than predators. Unlike Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu, Minneriya has only one bungalow as an official in-park accommodation. However, it still provides a rewarding wildlife experience, especially between June and September when hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank.

In contrast, Yala National Park is the best for leopard sightings and also offers overnight stays in DWC wildlife bungalows and luxury safari camps, giving a more adventurous feel. Wilpattu National Park is quieter and wilder, famous for its villu lakes and sloth bears, and it also has bungalows inside the park for deeper wilderness stays. Udawalawe is another elephant hotspot where sightings are guaranteed year-round, and it too has wildlife bungalows inside the park with closer access to nature. Meanwhile, Kaudulla and Hurulu Eco Park, located near Minneriya, serve as alternative parks when elephants migrate seasonally, but like Minneriya, they also lack inside accommodation.

Overall, Minneriya is ideal for travelers who want a short, scenic safari close to the Cultural Triangle, especially to see elephants in large herds. But for those looking for a wilder adventure with overnight stays inside a national park, parks like Yala, Wilpattu, or Udawalawe are better suited.

Other Experiences around Minneriya National Park

ExperienceImportant Facts
Kaudulla National Park SafariAlternative elephant viewing area; sometimes hosts larger herds when elephants move from Minneriya
Hurulu Eco Park SafariUNESCO biosphere reserve; good for elephants and forest-based wildlife
Sigiriya Rock FortressUNESCO World Heritage Site; ancient rock citadel with frescoes and panoramic views
Pidurangala Rock HikePopular sunrise viewpoint with a direct view of Sigiriya Rock
Polonnaruwa Ancient CityUNESCO World Heritage Site; ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital
Village Safari / Village TourBullock cart rides, canoe rides, and traditional Sri Lankan village meals
Birdwatching around Minneriya TankExcellent for waterbirds and migratory birds, especially in the dry season
Cycling around Habarana & MinneriyaFlat terrain through villages, tanks, and forest edges
Ayurveda & Spa TreatmentsAvailable in nearby hotels around Habarana and Sigiriya
Photography ToursIdeal landscapes and wildlife, especially elephants during the Gathering

Our Blog

Be a Part of Our Exclusive Memories

What Our Customers Say

Ceylon Transit