Minneriya National Park Safari

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and upgraded to a national park in 1997, Minneriya National Park is a top safari destination in Sri Lanka. Its rich history, centered around the ancient Minneriya tank, makes it a protected area of significance. Located approximately 182 kilometers from Colombo, this prime birding spot attracts visitors year-round.

With an average annual rainfall of 1,500–2,000 millimeters, it’s best to plan your Minneriya National Park Safari between May and September to avoid the rainy season from October to January. Despite its dry zone classification, the park features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

During your safari, expect to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including elephant herds of up to 200 individuals, sloth bears, sambar deer, leopards, axis deer, and various monkey species. Birdwatchers will also appreciate spotting spot-billed pelicans, grey herons, and many other avian species.