Minneriya

Minneriya National Park, between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, is famous for the gathering, when large numbers of wild elephants come to graze and drink around the Minneriya tank in the dry season. It is often described as one of the largest seasonal gatherings of Asian elephants anywhere, and it is the easiest park to combine with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

The tank

The Minneriya tank is an ancient reservoir traditionally credited to King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, who is still honoured locally as the god Minneri. It still irrigates the surrounding rice fields. As the water level drops in the dry season, fresh grass grows on the exposed bed, which is what draws the elephants.

The park

The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and a national park in 1997. It covers about 8,900 hectares of scrub, grassland, old chena land and forest around the tank, and forms part of the elephant corridor with Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa.

The gathering

From about July to September or October, elephants gather on the grassy plains around the tank in the late afternoon, sometimes in very large numbers. As grazing runs low, many move on to Kaudulla. Elephants can be seen at other times of year too, but in smaller groups. See Minneriya National Park safari.

Other wildlife

Purple-faced langurs and toque macaques, sambar and spotted deer are common, and leopards and sloth bears live here but are rarely seen. The tank attracts water birds such as spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, lesser adjutants and cormorants, along with endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka junglefowl and grey hornbill.

Safari tips

Jeeps leave from Habarana and Sigiriya; afternoon safaris are usual for the gathering. Park fees are paid at the gate on top of jeep hire. Ask your driver to keep a respectful distance; large numbers of jeeps can surround the herds in peak season.

Getting there and where to stay

The entrance is on the Habarana to Polonnaruwa road, about 20 minutes from Habarana and around five hours from Colombo. Most visitors stay in Habarana or Sigiriya. See things to do in Minneriya.

Combining with nearby sights

Minneriya fits easily between Polonnaruwa's ruins in the morning and a safari in the afternoon, or after a climb of Sigiriya. Kaudulla and Hurulu are alternatives if the herds have moved. Bring binoculars and a long lens; afternoons can be hot and dusty in the dry season.

Hotels in Minneriya

For accommodation, see hotels in Minneriya, with options for different budgets.