Minneriya National Park Half Day Elephant Safari
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Dambulla, Sigiriya, or Habarana to Minneriya National Park, home to one of Sri Lanka's largest elephant gatherings. Enjoy a seamless experience with convenient pickups from your accommodation in these areas, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.
Once inside the park, be guided by an experienced safari leader who will provide fascinating insights into the park's diverse wildlife and the behaviors of its majestic elephants. As you traverse the rugged terrain in a comfortable safari vehicle, keep your camera ready to capture close-up views of elephants and other wildlife species that call Minneriya home.
Enjoy complimentary water bottles throughout the safari to keep you refreshed. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, this tour offers a perfect opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Available options
Minneriya Half Day Safari
Half Day Safari Tour: Minneriya Half Day Safari<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional ( Driver / Guide )
Private transportation
Guide in the Park
Pick up & Drop Off
Fresh Coconut ( Drink ) / Water Bottles.
Detailed itinerary
1
Join us for an unforgettable safari in Minneriya National Park, home to one of the largest gatherings of wild elephants in Asia. Watch these majestic animals roam freely, often in herds of 50 to 200 during the peak season. Your expert guide will help you spot elephants up close, along with other wildlife like spotted deer, monkeys, buffalo, peacocks, and a wide variety of birds. The park's beautiful landscape—lush forest, open grasslands, and the scenic Minneriya tank—creates the perfect backdrop for nature photography and peaceful exploration. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a unique Sri Lankan adventure, this safari offers a truly wild and memorable experience.
What's not included
National Park Entrance ( PP USD 45 )
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
UTC+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Anuradhapura is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure.
- • Use reputable tour operators.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
Getting there
By air
- Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km
By train
Anuradhapura Railway Station
By bus
Anuradhapura Bus Stand
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sacred City
New Town
Tuktukaraya
Day trips
Mihintale
12 km • Half day
A sacred mountain site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, featuring ancient ruins and temples.
Ritigala Forest Monastery
30 km • Full day
A UNESCO-listed forest monastery with ancient ruins and a rich biodiversity.
Avukana Buddha Statue
50 km • Full day
A colossal Buddha statue carved out of a single rock, standing 40 feet tall.
Festivals
Esala Perahera • July/August (full moon day)
Poson Festival • June (full moon day)
Vesak Festival • April/May (full moon day)
Pro tips
- Visit the Sacred City early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical sites.
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
- Respect the religious customs and traditions when visiting temples.
- Carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
![Minneriya National Park Safari [Morning / Evening]](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/15/1f/89/35.jpg)
