Minneriya National Park - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Minneriya National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Minneriya National Park, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Minneriya National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Minneriya National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Minneriya National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a wildlife reserve located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of 8,889 hectares and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and more. However, the park is most famous for its large herds of wild elephants that can be spotted during a safari tour. The park is also home to the ancient Minneriya Tank, which dates back to the third century. This tank is a source of water for many animals in the park and also attracts a large number of migratory birds. The best time to visit Minneriya National Park is from June to September, as during this time, the elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank to drink and bathe, creating a spectacular sight for visitors.

What to visit in Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a popular tourist destination located in Sri Lanka. Here are some of the top attractions in the park: 1. Minneriya Tank - A large reservoir that attracts a variety of bird species. It is also a stunning backdrop for a safari.
2. Safari - The park is popular for its jeep safaris and offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, leopards, and more.
3. Kaudulla National Park - Located nearby Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park is another popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park features similar landscapes and wildlife as Minneriya.
4. Sigiriya Rock - This ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Minneriya. It is a popular attraction for tourists and offers stunning views of the area.
5. Dambulla Cave Temple - A series of five caves featuring ancient Buddhist artwork and statues. This is another UNESCO World Heritage site located near Minneriya National Park.
6. Ritigala Forest Monastery - Located in the nearby Ritigala Forest Reserve, this ancient monastery features ruins of Buddhist structures and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the park.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Minneriya National Park

The best time to visit Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is during the dry season, which is between June and September. During this time, the water levels in the reservoirs and the number of animals that can be seen is higher, making it the best time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit. It is important to note that the park is closed during the months of October and November due to heavy rainfall.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Minneriya National Park

To get to Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, you can follow these steps: 1. By Air: If you are coming internationally, there are many direct flights to Sri Lanka's international airport.
2. By Road: From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car and drive eastwards towards the city of Habarana.
3. By Train: If you prefer a scenic journey, you can take a train from Colombo to Habarana.
4. From Habarana town, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi to take you to the National Park. The National Park is located approximately 182 km from Colombo, and it should take around 4 hours of travel time.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Minneriya National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka and is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Minneriya National Park with a short description for each of them: 1. Rice and Curry - Rice is a staple dish in Sri Lanka and is usually served with a variety of curries. The curries can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian and are made with coconut milk, spices, and vegetables or meat.
2. Hoppers - Hoppers are thin, crispy pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. They are shaped like a bowl and are typically served with a spicy curry or chutney.
3. Roti - Roti is a type of flatbread made from wheat flour, water, and oil. It is usually served with curries or as a snack with coconut sambal.
4. Kottu Roti - Kottu Roti is a popular street food in Sri Lanka where chopped up roti is cooked with vegetables, meat, eggs, and spices. It is usually served with a spicy gravy or chutney.
5. String Hoppers - String Hoppers are steamed rice noodles that are shaped like a nest. They are usually served with coconut milk and a spicy curry.
6. Pol Sambol - Pol Sambol is a spicy coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice. It is usually served with rice or bread.
7. Fish Ambul Thiyal - Fish Ambul Thiyal is a traditional Sri Lankan fish dish that is made with tamarind, spices, and dried fish. It is a sour and spicy curry that is usually served with rice.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Minneriya National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka, has varying prices for tourists depending on the tour operator and the type of tour. However, compared to other international destinations, Minneriya National Park is not an expensive destination for tourists. Generally, prices for a safari tour in Minneriya National Park start from $15-$20 per person for a group tour, or $60-$80 for a private jeep tour, which is relatively affordable. Prices may vary based on the season, the time of day, and the number of people in the group. It's advisable to compare prices online and book in advance to get the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes.

Where to find accomodation in Minneriya National Park

There are a few different options for finding accommodations to visit Minneriya National Park. Here are a few areas to consider: 1. Habarana - This is a popular town that's only about 10km from Minneriya National Park. It's a great base for exploring the park and there are plenty of guesthouses, hotels, and resorts to choose from.
2. Sigiriya - This is another popular town that's only about 20km from Minneriya National Park. It's known for its famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but it's also a great spot to stay if you're planning to visit Minneriya.
3. Polonnaruwa - This ancient city is about 30km from Minneriya National Park, but it's still a viable option if you don't mind a bit of a drive. There are a few guesthouses and hotels in the area, and it's a quieter alternative to Habarana and Sigiriya.
You can check hotel prices at Minneriya National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Minneriya National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Minneriya National Park is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit in Sri Lanka. However, it is still important for visitors to take common safety precautions and follow park rules and regulations. It is recommended to travel with a licensed tour guide and avoid wandering off alone in the park. Additionally, visitors should take care not to disturb the wildlife and follow the park's guidelines regarding waste disposal and behavior around animals.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Minneriya National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Minneriya National Park the most?

Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers who are looking for an outdoor adventure. The park is famous for its large herds of wild elephants that frequent the park, especially during the dry season. Couples and young people who love wildlife sightings and off-road adventures will also find the Minneriya National Park quite exciting. The park offers many trekking and camping options, and the wildlife sightings can be a thrilling experience. That being said, families with kids will love Minneriya National Park as it is a great way for the kids to learn about the wildlife in Sri Lanka while having a fun and exciting adventure. The park also offers different types of accommodation options, including camping, lodges, and hotels, which means there is something for everyone. In summary, Minneriya National Park is a great destination for anyone looking for an adventure, wildlife sightings, and a chance to experience nature in Sri Lanka, regardless of their age or type of travel preferences.

How to get around Minneriya National Park

To move around Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, you can use a jeep or a safari vehicle. This is the recommended way to explore the park, as it provides a comfortable and safe way to navigate through the terrain. It is not advisable to use other means of transportation, such as bicycles or motorbikes, due to the rough and uneven terrain within the park. Additionally, using a jeep or safari vehicle, you can have an experienced driver and guide to enhance your overall safari experience.

What to see around Minneriya National Park

If you're planning to take a day trip from Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, here are some nice places that you can visit: 1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commonly known as the 'Lion Rock'. It is about a 30-minute drive from Minneriya National Park and offers some breathtaking views.
2. Dambulla Cave Temple - another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple is around 45 minutes from Minneriya National Park. The temple complex houses over 150 statues of Buddha and various mural paintings.
3. Polonnaruwa Ancient City - located around an hour's drive from Minneriya National Park, this ancient city was the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. Here you can explore the ruins of numerous temples and palaces.
4. Kaudulla National Park - just 30 minutes away from Minneriya National Park, the Kaudulla National Park is another wildlife reserve where you can get the chance to see elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species.
5. Ritigala Forest Monastery - a little further away, around 1.5 hours from Minneriya National Park, Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery, located within a lush green forest. It also offers some stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.
For every travel information about Sri Lanka you can click here.

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