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Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

Sri Lanka National ParkApril 27, 2025
Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

Minneriya National Park is located in the cultural triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy in Sri Lanka.It covers an area of ​​8,890 hectares and is best known as a place where wild elephants can be easily spotted in Sri Lanka. In addition, it is home to a variety of other organisms.

Here is a detailed look at this National Park:

Location of Minneriya National Park

This national park is located in the North Central Province and is home to the historic cities of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. It is located 182 kilometres from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is bordered by the cities of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Dambulla. Additionally, the park is centred around the Minneriya Tank, an important reservoir constructed by King Mahasen, who ruled the country during the Polonnaruwa period.

Weather

Minneriya is a region characterised by a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°c throughout the year.

  • Dry season from May to September: Rainfall is very low, so wildlife gathers around the water sources in the park.
  • Wet season from October to April: This period is characterised by increased rainfall, and the park features a diverse array of lush landscapes.

Best time to go on safari

Here is a closer look at this:

  1. Peak season (from August to September): Typically, elephant gatherings occur during this time.
  2. Shoulder season (from April-May and October-November): Less crowded, making it easier to see wildlife.
  3. Off-peak season (from December to March): Less likely to see elephants during these times, but great for bird watching.

If you're a photographer, the best times to visit are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, when the sunlight is at its peak and wildlife activity is at its most active.

Journey Time to Minneriya

  • From Bandaranaike Airport: 4-5 hours by car (175 km)
  • From Colombo: 4-5 hours by car (182 km)
  • From Kandy: 2.5-3 hours by car (100 km)
  • From Sigiriya: 30 minutes by car (16 km)
  • From Polonnaruwa: 30-40 minutes by car (26 km)
  • From Anuradhapura: 1.5-2 hours by car (80 km)

Time Taken to Explore

Here is a more detailed explanation:

Safaris in Minneriya National Park usually last between 3 and 3.5 hours. This is sufficient time to explore the park's main areas and observe the wildlife. However, these durations can vary depending on several factors.

  1. Half-day safari:The most popular are the half-day safaris. They usually start between 6:00 am and 9:30 a.m. or between 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is also better to have wildlife activities associated with these times.
  2. Full-day safari: For enthusiasts and photographers who want to spend more time with wildlife, this full-day safari is best. It is a safari that lasts about 6-7 hours with breaks in between.
  3. Long photo sessions: Professional photographers are also allowed to explore these parks under special permits, especially during the elephant congregating season.

How to Go on a Safari

Here is an in-depth study on how to organise your safari:

1. Booking Options: 

  • As a travel agency, Tourstro offers you a tailor-made safari package that includes everything you need for a seamless safari experience at a great price.

2. Safari Types: 

  • Standard Group Safari: If you want to go on safari with another tourist, you can share a jeep with them. (A jeep usually seats 6 to 7 people)
  • Private Safari: Whether you are a solo traveller or a group of 6 people, you can book an entire jeep.
  • Specialised Photography Safari: This safari option is introduced for photographers who want to spend more time in wildlife areas.

3. Safari Process:

  • If you have booked a safari through a tour company:
  • The jeep or your driver will take you from your accommodation to the park.
  • The company has paid the required entrance fees, so you don’t have to pay for them again.
  • Your guide or driver will provide a great experience, pointing out the wildlife.
  • After your safari, you will be taken back to your lodge in the safari jeep.

 It is essential to verify all these points beforehand when booking a safari with operators other than the travel companies.

Safari Jeeps 

The upgraded 4x4 jeeps can accommodate 6-8 passengers and feature:

  • Higher seats for better views of the animals and surroundings
  • A canvas roof for protection from the sun
  • Open sides for 360-degree views
  • Various comfort levels available (from standard to premium)

Things to Do

Here is a more detailed look at park activities:

  • Wildlife Watching: Home to huge wild elephants, birds, bears, rare animals, and other common wildlife.
  • Photography: The beautiful sunset over Minneriya Lake, along with its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife in the Park, is perfect for photography.
  • Historical Interest: Also, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient irrigation system, which provided a valuable service to both wildlife and farmland.

Visitor Information

1) Entrance Fees:

  • Foreign Adults: USD 40-50
  • Foreign Children (6-12): USD 20-25

2) Opening Hours:

  • Daily from 6 AM to 6:30 PM

3) What to Bring:

  • Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars
  • A camera with a telephoto lens
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks (If you are taking a full-day safari, options for food within the park are available, and our driver will assist you with this.)

4) Park Rules:

  • No littering
  • No feeding wildlife
  • Stay seated in the jeep
  • Keep noise levels low

Places to Stay

  • Luxury: Jetwing Villas (Sigiriya), Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
  • Mid-range: Elephant Corridor Hotel, Habarana Village by Cinnamon
  • Budget-friendly: Elephant Bay Hotel, Fresco Water Villas
  • Unique: Mahura Tented Safari Camp offers luxury camping near the park’s perimeter.

These are just a few. If you'd like to consider another accommodation, we can also suggest more.

Nearby Attractions

  • Habarana Elephant Village (10 km)
  • Hiriwadunna Village Trek (12 km)
  • Kaudulla National Park (15 km)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (16 km)
  • Pidurangala Rock (17 km)
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City (26 km)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (30 km)
  • Hurulu Eco Park (35 km)

Other Nearby Attractions

  • Ritigala Ancient Monastery (40 km)
  • Wasgamuwa National Park (50 km)
  • Kalawewa Reservoir and National Park (60 km)
  • Anuradhapura Ancient City (63 km)

If you are an elephant lover, Minneriya National Park is the place to visit. Minneriya National Park is a beautiful paradise, boasting a diverse array of features, including an abundance of wildlife, a lush ecosystem, and numerous water sources. 

Since the dry season starts in June and lasts until September, if you book your safari during that time, you can make your safari experience even more beautiful, as there is no problem with rain. This paradise is sure to provide many memories that will last a lifetime, long after the safari.