Minneriya National Park | Private Safari

Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park | Private Safari

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(59 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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. Elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200. Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700. They migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park and benefit from food and shelter of the park's forest. Tourists visit Minneriya largely because of elephants, especially in dry season.

Available options

Jeep + Entrance Tickets(3hrs)

Jeep + Entrance Tickets(3hrs)<br/>Pickup included

Jeep Only (3hrs)

Jeep Only (3hrs)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Water Bottle Per Person.

Transport by Private Safari Jeep.

Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate.

Experience Driver (Also your tracker).

Detailed itinerary

Your safari will start at 2:30 pm at the Evening Safari option. If your hotel is within a 5 km radius to the entrance gate, you will also receive a complimentary pickup from your hotel. If not, you will meet your guide at the entrance guide during your selected departure time.

The park has many land types and growth. Wetlands mix in with agricultural land and rocky outcrops, and forests walk hand in hand with scrublands. This also means that the types of wildlife and birds that live in the park or visit it are quite varied.

You may get to see a crocodile or even an extremely rare grey slender loris if you’re lucky. A little herd of deer may visit the Minneriya reservoir as you watch early in the morning. If you plan your safari to the months of August, September or October you might get a chance to see the elephant congregation named the ‘Elephant Gathering’ with its collective number of over 150 elephants in one place. It’s said that the elephants arrive from all surrounding areas for this gathering annually.

If you opt for the evening safari, which is the best time to see this park, you can also see the elephants taking their daily bath and watch the many different kinds of birds heading off to their nests at the end of the day.

After you complete your 3-hour watching nature in action, you will return back to the hotel. the evening tour you will finish the tour at 5:30 pm. If your hotel is within a 5 km radius of the entrance gate you will receive a complimentary drop-off right to your hotel as well.

Minneriya national park

What's not included

Entrance fees for Jeep-only bookings (entrance fees to be paid in cash).

Pickup/Dropoff from/to any location not within a 5 KM radius of the park gate.

Food and Bevarages.

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

59 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In-front of Cargeels Food City

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.

Historical Full day Free

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.

Historical 1 hour Free

Isurumuniya Temple

A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian.

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mihintale Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery Tea tasting Visiting temples Exploring ancient ruins Attending religious ceremonies Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival

Best Time to Visit

January to March

This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

28-32°C 82-90°F