Minneriya National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Every year large numbers of tourists visit this enchanting destination to witness the spectacular beauty of the wildlife that abounds here. Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, this iconic national park is quite easy to access from key cities like Colombo and Kandy. If you need help getting a tour arranged to the national park, you can get in touch with Green Holiday Centre.
The beautiful area was designated as a national park on the 12th of August 1997. Minneriya National Park is known to be one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.
When you embark on a safari tour in this majestic national park you may get the chance to spot monkeys. Sri Lankan sambar and axis deer, Sri Lankan sloth bear as well as grey slender loris can be seen there. There are also large numbers of birds to witness here. Species like lesser adjutant, spot-billed pelican and Sri Lanka jungle fowl can be admired in Minneriya with ease. Little cormorants, crimson fronted barbet, Sri Lanka grey hornbill also can be spoted in here. Needless to say, it is a haven for bird lovers!
The incredible elephant population of the Minneriya national park must surely be highlighted too! During the dry season which occurs between the months of July and September, large numbers of elephants gather upon the banks of the Minneriya Reservoir, creating one of the most enchanting natural spectacles in the world. Some say the number of elephants that gather in Minneriya during ‘The Gathering’ reaches 700! It is a phenomenal natural occurrence that surely must not be missed!
