Minneriya National Park Safari
Minneriya National Park Safari – Witness the Wild Heart of Sri Lanka
Experience the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka with a Minneriya National Park Safari. Famous for its annual “Gathering” of wild elephants, Minneriya offers a spectacular display of wildlife, lush landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Whether you’re an avid photographer, nature lover, or family on vacation, a safari in Minneriya National Park promises an unforgettable adventure.
Why Choose a Minneriya National Park Safari?
Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Covering over 8,800 hectares, it’s home to elephants, leopards, deer, sloth bears, and more than 160 bird species. The park’s open grasslands, dense forests, and the historic Minneriya Tank create the perfect environment for wildlife viewing year-round
Top Highlights of a Minneriya Safari
1. The Elephant Gathering – From July to September, witness the world-famous congregation of over 300 wild elephants near the reservoir.
2. Birdwatching Paradise – Spot painted storks, pelicans, and endemic species in their natural habitat.
3. Cultural Heritage – Located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a safari can be paired with visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa.
4. Scenic Photography – Capture breathtaking sunsets over the grasslands and water bodies.
What to Expect on Your Safari
A Minneriya National Park Safari can be enjoyed as a half-day or full-day tour:
• Open-Top 4×4 Jeeps – For unobstructed views of elephants and other wildlife.
• Expert Guides – Learn fascinating facts about the park’s history and ecosystems.
• Wildlife Photography – Perfect opportunities to capture rare and majestic animals up close.
Safaris are available in the morning and afternoon, with afternoon safaris often offering the best elephant sighting
Best time to Visit Minneriya National Park
while the park is open year -round, the park season is JULY to September, during the dry season, when water sources attract large herds of elephants, Morning safaris are ideal for cooler weather, while evening offer golden-hour photography.
Book Your Minneriya National Park Safari Today
Whether you’reseeking thrillingwildlife encounters, peaceful landscapes, or cultural exploration, Minneriya has it all. BOOK YOUR MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI NOW and witness the wild heart of sri lanka in its puerst form
MINNERIYA MORNING SAFARI
starts from 6.00 am
INCLUDES
- 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Professional Safari Driver
- National park Entrance Ticket
- Government Taxes
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- (Pickup from Minneriya / Habarana/ Sigiriya / Dambulla / Kandlama)
The morning session gives you a chance to see most likely birds , Peacocks, Pelicans and Elaphnats Too. Other animals such as Monkeys, Deers, Wilboar, wildrabbits.
MINNERIYA AFTERNOON SAFARI
starts from 1.30 pm
INCLUDES
- 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Professional Safari Driver
- National park Entrance Ticket
- Government Taxes
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- (Pickup from Minneriya / Habarana/ Sigiriya / Dambulla / Kandlama)
The morning session gives you a chance to see most likely birds , Peacocks, Pelicans and Elaphnats Too. Other animals such as Monkeys, Deers, Wilboar, wildrabbits.
Code of Conduct for Tourists at Minneriya National Park
- Do not feed animals or take any materials from the park (including plant parts, bones, rocks, etc.).
- Observe strict silence during wildlife sightings while on your safari.
- Do not leave your vehicle, lean out of the window, or climb on the roof.
- Only leave your vehicle in designated locations, such as Kumbuk Villa and Kudiramalai.
- Leave only your footprints; do not throw rubbish out of your vehicle—please take all garbage back with you.
- Smoking inside the park is strictly prohibited.
- Only 4×4 vehicles are allowed inside the park, and they must maintain a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h.
- Slow driving enables you to observe small animals such as birds, reptiles, and mammals.
- Ensure that your driver does not obstruct other vehicles or interfere with animal movement.
Visitors Guide / Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Yes. Minneriya National Park is probably the most easily accessed national park in the cultural triangle. If you stay 1 – 2 nights in Dambulla, Sigiriya, or Habarana area, it is strongly recommended to experience this best wildlife safari in Sri Lanka which you will have a long-lasting memory. But if you are on your wildlife photography tour or Bird Watching tour in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is a MUST.
Minneriya National Park is 365 days safari park but May to September is a prime time to see the largest Elephant gathering in Asia.
Foreign adults approximately Sri Lankan Rupees 11000 (LKR) including taxes / entrance/service charges etc.
Foreign Children age 6 – 10 Years approximately Sri Lankan Rupees 5,800 including taxes/entrance/service charges etc.
Foreign Kids 0 – 6 Year Free of Charge subject to accompanied by parents.
Note – These prices are as per the 2022 January update and prices can be changed at any time without prior notice.
No. As of Jan 2022, this facility is not available but this will be available soon. Contact your travel agency in Sri Lanka for more details
No, you need to pay in Sri Lanka Rupees and any international currencies are not accepted for National Parks of Sri Lanka for entrance fees.
Approximate cost of half day safari Jeep at Minneriya National Park would be 40 – 45 $
Fully day safari jeep cost at Minneriya National Park 85 – 90 $
Better contact your travel agent in Sri Lanka to have a qualified driver and smooth jeep safari.
Note – This price is based on 2022 January rates and the new prices may vary with fuel hikes / taxes etc
6 people can accommodate 1 jeep but it’s comfortable for 3 – 4 people in 1 jeep
Yes. Most of the Safari jeeps are Indian made but there are Japanese-made Toyota / Mitsubishi as well. Price will be slightly higher than the Indian-made jeeps.
Yes, the Department of Wildlife provides a wildlife tracker for each jeep free of charge subject to availability.
If you are satisfied with the service you received from them, recommend paying a reasonable tip for the tracker & jeep driver
Light costumes / recommended colours are Green, Beige, khaki, tan, etc.
Sunblock / Sunglasses / Lip balm / hat
Insect repellent
Binoculars are recommended to improve sightings
Camera and accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards
we shall load required cool bottled water / soft drinks/snacks etc
What are the other National Parks to see Elephants in Sri Lanka?
Yala / Wilpattu / Uda Walawe (Mainly) / Bundala / Wasgamuwa are also the best safari parks in Sri Lanka with Elephants and other wildlife species.
JK Travel's exclusive jeeps are fully loaded with cool water/snacks / soft drinks etc. but if you are an individual traveller, better you check with your travel company or jeep provider
Not at all. You are not allowed to get down the Jeep and must be inside the vehicle unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker.
We generally check meal plans well in advance and arrange accordingly. If you are an individual traveller, it is better for you to check with your Travel agent in Sri Lanka.
Only you will need a valid passport or National Identity Card to enter the national parks of Sri Lanka.
If you are an individual traveller, you do not need an advance booking and you may obtain the ticket at the entrance gate. But if you travel through a Travel Company. Better you inform them well in advance to reserve the safari jeep and track other logistics arrangements.
Dialling from Sri Lanka local number 027 32 79 243
Dialling from an overseas telephone +94 27 32 79 243
From Colombo – Kuruneagala – Habarana – Minneriya
5 Hrs journey
No, Sri Lanka National Parks are not pet friendly.
No, it’s banned to do night safaris / Infrared drives in Minneriya National Park Sri Lanka.
There are 22 National parks in Sri Lanka
Yala National Park / Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco Park / Bundala National park / Horton Plains National park / Wasgamuwa National park / Uda Walawe National Park.
Generally, travellers bring packed breakfast & lunch both but we deliver fresh hot meals (Lunch) to inside the park during full-day safaris on request
Cannot give a Yes or No answer since you are entering the zone of untamed wild animals. The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has fully committed to the safety of the visitors. Code of conduct/rules for the safari jeep drivers are well in place. But make sure your own safety and always be inside the safari jeep and avoid unnecessary behaviours like feeding/shouting/selfies / high-speed driving etc.
If you are travelling on your own, make sure to reserve a safari jeep well in advance to avoid last-minute hassle at the entrance gate searching for jeeps that destroy your holiday. You can buy your entrance ticket at the gate. Keep water / camera / light dress / binocular ready.
They will organise all these well in advance.
eMail to info@jktravelssrilanka.com or SMS / WhatsApp / Viber to our hotline +94 766915112
As of January 2022, this facility is not available.
Yes, possible but subject to availability. Make sure to inform your travel agent in advance.
Since you are in a tropical country, yes, bugs/mosquitoes are there but this won’t affect your jeep safari
Not at all. You are not allowed to feed animals at any National Park in Sri Lanka. This is an offence.
Yes, can but subject to medical advice. We operate babymoon holidays in Sri Lanka including safaris with very comfortable spacious safari jeeps with very careful slow driving and with very special care. In this case, you need to inform your travel agency in Sri Lanka.
Casual, comfortable cotton clothing is suitable due to temperature and ideal colours are Khaki, brown, white, green, and beige. Please note: that brighter colours like blue or red are proven to attract insects.
All jeeps are open, but the tent is there to cover you if it rains.
Regular safari will take 3 – 4 hours but if you are on your wildlife holiday or bird watching tour in Sri Lanka, we recommend full day + half-day safari since Minneriya is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka with high animal sightings
Early morning and the hours preceding sunset are ideal times to view wildlife.
Yes these are escorted safari
Yes, toilets are available at the entrance premises.
The park was reopened on 27th February 2010 which had been closed to the public for nearly 20 years during the civil conflict in Sri Lanka. Due to the war the area suffered a lot. Substantial amount of time, parts of the frontline ran through or near the park. As a consequence, the management was severely disrupted, and the park staff and many animal populations suffered. Now the park infrastructure and management are being rehabilitated and the wildlife is almost recovered.
No mobile signals are available in Minneriya National Park. Signals are jammed purposely by the government to enhance the experience of wildlife enthusiasts
Wildlife Tour Consultant of JK Travels
Wildlife Helpline of JK Travels (Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94766915112 or info@jktravelssrilanka.com
Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys, three types of Mongoose, Porcupine, and Indian Pangolin are among the park’s 24 animal species. Over 170 bird species have been reported in Minneriya National Park. From migratory waders like Woods and Pipers, Common Sandpipers, and Kentish Plovers to forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpeckers, the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant, and endemics like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpeckers, and endemics like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpeckers, and endemics. Some of the highlights include the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler, and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl. This impressive bird life enhances your wildlife tour experience.