Minneriya National Park

An elephant lover's paradise, Minneriya is the park to visit if your dream is to see large herds of elephants gathering, playing and feeding in groups of up to 300 in the wild. Claimed to be the biggest gathering of Asian elephants, Minneriya plays host to this amazing spectacle at the height of the dry season in July to mid-October though small herds are also seen at other times. Make it happen by beginning your unforgettable journey into this 8,889 ha elephants' playground in the beautiful hazy light of the early morning or evening to benefit your chances of sighting success. You'll soon see that this national park, dominated by the expansive Minneriya Tank, is a highly scenic and beautiful place. The bamboo stands found in Minneriya are particularly characteristic.

Carefully you'll be guided through the varied habitats of Minneriya, scouting for any wildlife to be found in lowland dry zone forest, intermediate forest, dry patana and thalawa grasslands that are highly popular with the elephants. Continue on your journey through the wetlands and up between wooded hills to the sounds of birdsong.

The highlight of Minneriya is of course the abundance of elephants that can be observed singly, or in large herds. Minneriya forms part of the elephant corridor linking Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks while recorded resident elephants number 400. The famed giant gatherings in the open grasslands beside the tank, if you see them, will be an undoubted highlight to your Sri Lanka trip though even a glimpse of even smaller groups just metres from your jeep parading and playing will surely be rewarding enough.

Elephants are not the only mammals in Minneriya of course since a total of 24 species have been recorded. Whilst slowly scanning the serene surroundings, expect your guide to suddenly identify spotted deer, sambhur, purple-faced leaf monkeys, toque macaques or even a solitary leopard if you're really lucky. An amazing 160 species of birds can be sighted too including beautiful endemics such as the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Brown-capped Babbler and the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill as well as the Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant and the Woolly Neck Stork.