Minneriya National Park: Private Safari with Large Herds of Sri Lankan Elephants

Experience the majestic beauty of Minneriya National Park on a private safari and witness large herds of Sri Lankan elephants gathering in a grassy oasis, a must-see attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Minneriya National Park - Your safari will start at 2:30 pm at the Evening Safari option. If your hotel is within a 5 km radius to the entrance gate, you will also receive a complimentary pickup from your hotel. If not, you will meet your guide at the entrance guide during your selected departure time.
    The park has many land types and growth….
What's Included
  • Complimentary water bottle per person
  • All taxes and service charges included
  • Private safari jeep transportation
  • Free pickup and drop-off within 5 KM of park gate
  • Experienced driver-guide service
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees for Jeep-only bookings (entrance fees to be paid in cash).
  • Pickup/Dropoff from/to any location not within a 5 KM radius of the park gate.
  • Food and Bevarages.
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd. Elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200. Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700. They migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park and benefit from…

Location
Habarana Roundabout
In-front of Cargeels Food City
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(23 Ratings)
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Zack
Sep 24, 2024
An amazing way to see elephants in the wild. - An amazing experience! We saw so many beautiful elephants roaming free in the nature park. They even walked past our car a couple times so we got to see them right up close. Our guide Asela was incredible too who knew all the best places to see the elephants and taught us a lot about them and the other animals that live there. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cagricagataygocer
Aug 25, 2024
Kaudulla National park safari: watching elephants, eagles, birds, crocodiles. Great day. Good guide, good jeep - It was a amazing day. Im recommending it. We saw about 150-200 elephants, crocodile, eagles, pelikan. And we can find enough time to take picture and videos
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32henryoliver
Aug 11, 2024
Minneriya National Park... - Experience the incredible wildlife and impressive flora and fauna,and go on a safari adventure at Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka..Set in the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle,Minneriya National Park offers one of the most magnificent wildlife expeditions in Asia. Minneriya covers around 8,890 hectares and is close to other popular attractions in the country..Polonnaruva,a UNESCO world heritage site,is situated close by,and so are Sigiriya(rock fortress)and Habarana(village ).Travelers who wish to combine an expedition of cultural elements and remarkble wildlife can experience the natural beauty that this spectacular triange has to offer.the landscape of the park comprises evergeen woodland and shrubland alongside marshland and rugged outcrop... Minneriya National Park is located in the country's North Central province.In 1938,it was initally designated as a wildlife sanctuary,however,since the 12th of August 1997,the area was declared as a national park.The closest city to Minneriya is Polonnaruwa,while Colonbo,the capital of Sri Lanka,is situated 113 miles away and is approximately a 4-hour drive... This is a highly protected region and the primary reason is the Minneriya tank and the wildlife encompassing this area.The tank serves as a catchment which is a drainage basin where rainfall collects and drains off into a common channel such as a bay or river.The Minneriya tank was built in the 3rd century AD and was a significant source of water for the king and his people of that time... Minneriya National Park is a joyous dream to any photographer or wildlife enthusiast and provides the opportunity to capture splendid images of congregating Elephants,Sambar deer,Spotted deer,Porcupine,Wild buffalo,wild boar,Mongoose,Monkeys and leopards.The park is breathtakingly beautiful surrounded by magnificent creatures and impressive birdlife with over 160 species of birds including Hornbills,Junglefowl and kingfishers that like to flap their wings in the shallow waters of the tank... If you visit between June and september you can see up to 300 elephants gather around the ancient water tank.your visit can last from three to four hours if you wish to see the park in its entirety.The months of August and september are also suitable for travelers who plan to visit Kaudulla National Park,another wonderful park that sees elephants in high density... The park opens at 6 in the morning and closes at 6 in the evening.Adults must pay a nominal entrance fee while children will receive a discount.There is comfortable accommodation available for visitors who wish to stay overnight,particularly in Habarana or if you're adventurous you can spend the night under the trees gazing at the bright stars... You will find the most amazing flora and fauna,mammals,reptiles and birds at Minneriya National Park.There are 24 species of mammals,26 species of fish,25 species of reptiles,75 species of butterfly and 9 species of amphibians... It's the place of wildlife wonders and the most memorable moments of the grasslands coming alive.A thrilled-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat,Minneriya National Park is where diversity is at its finest with vast expanses of wildlife,picturesque landscape,breathtaking scenery and the amazing sanctuary that houses such exquisite and wondrous natural beauty of Sri Lanka.Leave Minneriya National Park with inspiring images in your mind and heartwarming memories of beautiful and gentle elephants playing with each other in the water,drinking,jostling and bathing gleefully and stirringly.
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Anney568
Aug 6, 2024
Minneriya National Park beautiful - My family and I took a safari to Minneriya National Park. We like the environment of Minneriya as well as the environment. Minneriya National Park is very beautiful.
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Alicebv4231or
Jul 2, 2024
Great tour - Tour was amazing, saw a lot of elephants (including babies). Great tour guide as well. Would recommend to anyone wanting a good tour 😊
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Céline
Aug 25, 2024
Nice experience!! - Nice experience! Good communication beforehand about the best park to visit this period of the year. We had a great time! Thank you!
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Macwilliamfamily
Aug 15, 2024
Great place - Coffee House was a lovely first base for our family. The room was very clean & spacious. The staff were friendly and helpful & it was good value for money. My children enjoyed the pool.
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91alanq
Aug 13, 2024
Unforgettable adventure. - Car broke down 10 mins into the trip. We had to wait in the heat at the side of the road for nearly an hour. However we had a great adventure and we saw hundreds of Elephants. So in all, bad unfortunate start but a great trip. 👍
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S7015wccarolineh
Aug 8, 2024
Making our wishes for the day a priority! - The driver/guide was very good, respected the animals but still made it possible for us to se as many animals as possible in the best spots!! He also gave us interesting facts about the elephants at the park!
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Denismottel
Jun 26, 2024
Super season to see elephants at Minneriya ! - Definitely the best season to see elephants at Minneriya (June), we saw more than 100 elephants ! The guide was very nice and asked us many times what we preferred to see. Unfortunately we saw after booking this tour that our hotel proposed a much more attractive price for the same safari…
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From $8
up to 6 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).