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Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures on the island, and is best known for the 'Sixth Greatest Wildlife Spectacle of the World' — the Minneriya Elephant Gathering, when large herds converge on the park's reservoir each August and September.
What to know before you go
- Peak elephant gathering: August–September
- How to visit: Open-top jeep safari
- Typical safari length: Around two to three hours, usually in the afternoon
- Located near: Sigiriya and Habarana
On the day
A jeep safari through the park's grasslands and around its reservoir, with elephant sightings likely year-round and largest in number during the August–September gathering, when herds numbering in the hundreds can converge in one place.
How this fits into your route
We build the Minneriya safari into the same day as the Sigiriya Lion Rock climb — the rock in the morning, the safari in the afternoon — so both of the area's big draws fit into one full day rather than spreading across two.
Other places to visit
Questions about visiting Minneriya National Park
It peaks during August and September, when large herds converge around the park's reservoir, though safaris run year-round with good chances of sightings.
Typically two to three hours, most often scheduled for the afternoon.
Yes, on our standard itineraries the rock climb is scheduled in the morning and the Minneriya safari the same afternoon.
The park is also home to a range of birdlife and other mammals, though elephants are the main draw.
It's included on our 10-night and 7-night packages, both of which route through Sigiriya.
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