Elephant Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla & Eco National Park

Sri Lanka , Sri Lanka

Elephant Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla & Eco National Park

Active

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 jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier destination for spotting wild elephants. Travel with an experienced guide, witness herds of elephants at the famous reservoir, and discover monkeys, deer, and exotic birds along the way. With convenient hotel pickup and a comfortable private jeep, this safari offers an authentic wildlife experience. Book now to experience the magic of Sri Lanka’s wildlife up close!

Available options

Elephant Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla & Eco National Park

What's included

Bottled water

Government Fees

Excess baggage

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s most famous wildlife destinations. Spanning over 8,889 hectares, the park is renowned for its world-famous “Elephant Gathering”, where hundreds of wild Asian elephants converge around the Minneriya reservoir, usually during the dry season (July–September).

Beyond elephants, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and over 150 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Its open grasslands, lush forests, and sparkling water bodies create the perfect environment for spotting animals in their natural habitat.

Visitors can explore Minneriya via jeep safaris, which provide safe, close-up views of the wildlife while traveling through scenic trails along the reservoir. The park is an ideal half-day or full-day excursion for travelers staying in Sigiriya, Habarana, or Dambulla.

What's not included

Entrance fee to Minneriya National Park (approx. USD $45 per adult) is not included and must be paid at the park. Children’s fees vary by age. Please bring cash in USD or LKR

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your driver guide at the Habarana Town or at the hotel . Look for a sign with your name or ‘Breeze Ceylon Trails’ for easy identification.”

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Nature Full day Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Street Food Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife safaris Surfing White-water rafting Beach lounging Ayurvedic spa treatments Tea plantation tours Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.

25°C to 30°C 77°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Galle Fort Colombo Fort

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

180 km from Colombo • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Adam's Peak

40 km from Ratnapura • Full day

A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.

Festivals

Vesak • April/May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)

Pro tips

Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving