Afternoon Game Drive at Minneriya National Park
Active
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
You will be picked up from your hotel in Sigiriya or Dambulla at 14:00 hrs and then proceed to do a game drive in Minneriya national park. Watch as these huge animals drink, play and snack on the green, lush grasses that have been exposed by the receding water. This three hours private jeep safari will be a thrilling experience during your visit to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Minneriya National park is one of the only place in the world to witness the largest Asian elephant Gathering known to exist in the planet (June - September)
Available options
From Dambulla
Pick up from hotels: You will be picked up from your hotel in Dambulla at 14:00 hrs and then proceed to do a game drive in Minneriya national park.<br/>Pickup included
From Sigiriya
Pick up from Sigiriya Hotels: You will be picked up from your hotel in Sigiriya at 14:00 hrs and then proceed to do a game drive in Minneriya national park.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All government taxes
Refreshments and water bottles during the Game drive
Safari jeep rental
Detailed itinerary
1
14:00: You will be taken from your hotel and driven to Minneriya National Park. (Pick up from Habarana hotels is at 14:30)
15:00: Arrive and start your game drive at the National Park. The extent of the Minneriya National Park is about 21,000 acres (8,889 hectares). Dry zone plant and animal species are common, and elephants are numerous. Unlike in other national parks, elephants can be spotted at a very close range. About 160 species of birds, 9 different types of amphibians, 25 reptiles, 26 fish, and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are also rare bamboo trees not found in other national parks.
18:00: On completion of the game drive, you will be driven to your hotel.
What's not included
Expenses of personal nature
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time.
Roundtrip transportation is available from most centrally located Habarana, Dambulla and Sigiriya hotels. Please arrange pickup from your hotel or a nearby location when you call to confirm your reservation. Pick up time and the time duration will be changed according to the Pick up location.
Gratuity is not included and is left to individual discretion.
If you are pregnant, you should not take part.
This activity is wheelchair accessible provided you have a collapsible wheelchair.
You should wear comfortable clothing.
Meeting point
Please call to get the exact pick up location.
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)
