A perfect way to embark upon the gentle yet majestic Sri Lankan elephants is to enjoy a safari at the Minneriya National Park. Herds of elephants can be seen gracing these tropical dry forests located in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. Two more nature reserves are located nearby, allowing elephants to migrate between the parks with their herds. It's safe to say that whenever you visit Minneriya, you are bound to come across these gigantic mammals roaming between watering holes and vegetation.
Lakpura gives you the opportunity to book a safari jeep to avoid delays, with the choice of a morning or evening safari. If you want to avoid the long queues often seen at the entrance, you can select the jeep and ticket option, which will be ready for you when you meet our representative. Get ready for a safari in the wild where you can photograph and admire these beautiful beasts in their natural habitat.
Includes:
- Park entrance tickets are included when "Jeep With Tickets" is selected.
- Private Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep).
- Experienced Driver (Also your tracker).
- Free Pickup/Drop-off from/to any location within a 5 KM radius of the Park Gate.
- Water per person.
- All taxes and service charges.
Excludes:
- Park entrance tickets are excluded when "Jeep without Tickets" is selected.
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuities.
Meeting Point:
Our designated meeting point is the Park Gate of the Minneriya National Park.(GPS: 8°01'58.8"N 80°49'28.0"E)
Important:
There are three national parks in close proximity within this region: Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, and Hurulu Eco Park. All three parks are immensely popular among locals and foreigners for their large herds of elephants. Generally, from July to September, large groups of elephants are found in Minneriya National Park. Due to increased rainfall and filled lakes, they migrate to Kaudulla during October and November. Then, they move on to Hurulu Eco Park for the final leg of their migration during December and January.
Experience:
Capture the golden opportunity to witness Asia’s largest gathering of mighty elephants, wandering through the green grasslands surrounding the beautiful Minneriya reservoir — the heart of life at the national park.
Offering a variety of animals to discover, a Minneriya safari ride is a golden opportunity that wildlife enthusiasts should not miss when visiting Sri Lanka.
Renowned as a prominent stopover for elephants searching for food during the dry season in August and September, Minneriya National Park attracts up to 300 giants from neighboring national parks.
Enjoy the sight of monkeys swinging through the branches and explore the forest for glimpses of the majestic elephant, sloth bear, mongoose, spotted deer, sambar deer, water buffalo, porcupine, and the Indian pangolin.
Do not miss this quintessential safari destination that offers some of the best wildlife sightings in a stunning natural setting.
Plan your Minneriya safari with us — we’ll ensure you have a thrilling and seamless experience.
Notes:
Please refer to our safari safety guidelines to understand how animal safari tours operate.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Minneriya National Park?
Minneriya National Park lies in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, near Habarana and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, about 180 km (a 4-5 hour drive) from Colombo. The park is built around the historic Minneriya Tank, a reservoir first built in the 3rd century AD.
What animals will I see on the safari?
Wild Asian elephants are the highlight. Minneriya is world-famous for "The Gathering", when hundreds of elephants congregate on the grasslands around the receding Minneriya Tank - one of the largest seasonal gatherings of wild elephants on earth. You may also see spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, crocodiles, macaques and a wealth of birdlife.
When is the best time to visit Minneriya?
Safaris run all year, but the dry season from roughly June to September is best. As the reservoir recedes, large herds gather to feed on the fresh grass, and the famous Gathering usually peaks in August and September.
How long does the private safari last?
The private jeep safari lasts about 3 hours, usually in the late afternoon when the wildlife is most active and the light is best for photography.
Is the safari private?
Yes. You explore the park in your own private 4x4 jeep with an experienced driver-tracker, so you set the pace and get the best positions for viewing and photographing wildlife.
Are park entrance tickets included?
It depends on the option you choose. Select "Tickets: Yes" to include the park entrance fees in your booking, or "Tickets: No" if you prefer to settle them separately at the park entrance.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, a camera or binoculars, and light, neutral-coloured clothing. Late afternoons can be breezy in an open jeep, so a light layer is handy.
