Sri Lanka is such a showcase for a great diversity and the presentation of unique tourist experiences that keep attracting the tourists from all around the world. It’s wildlife exposure is indeed incredible that inspire not only the nature and animal lovers but also the adventure lovers as well.
From the series of the national parks in Sri Lanka, Minneriya national park has its own profile as the brand name and the recognition it has earned for the tittle of “The largest elephant gathering” found in Asia region.
Hence, the national park usually never found isolated from the tourists arrive here from all over the world to witness its great glory and the presentations of many enthraling wild animals including endemic and endangered flora and fauna collection.
If you are planning to add Minneriya national park to your travel diaries, the following travel tips may find more helpful in arranging your trip. Check for the following list and learn about the best way to make the trip.
Animals in Minneriya National Park
Minneriya national park is formed in a set of a dry zone, and from May to September is considered as the driest period for the year. Yet, the intimate climate and vegetation found in this tranquil national park is homing an incredible diversity in flora and fauna.
The national park is more known as the “largest elephant gathering in South Asia” and one of the best in the world, which implies what you will spot here to the best would be wild elephants wandering freely by enjoying the great serenity and freedom provided by Minneriya. If you dreamt to sport elephants in large gatherings, Minneriya should not skip from your travel diaries.
Inclusive of wild elephants, it has been recorded that there are about 24 species of mammals are nesting by this beautiful park. And so as you can discover elephants, leopards, sloth bears, three species of Mongoose, porcupines, Indian pangolins and many more.
Also you would be happy to find out about 170 amazing bird species as well at Minneriya national park that many can be spotted by bird watching sessions.
The frequently found bird species at Minneriya are some of the endemics Sri Lanka Grey Horn-bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl Migrating waders such like Common Sandpiper, Kentish PloversWoodsand Piper, and apart from that you will love to explore the forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant etc. Furthermore , many species of fresh water fish also are found in the national park.
You will also be blessed to explore about nine the endemic and endangered Amphibians such as Slender Wood Frog and the Common Tree Frog while total 25 species of reptiles are found including 8 are endemic such as the Red-lipped Lizard. Water and Land Monitors etc. The Mugger Crocodile are easily discovered at the banks of the tanks in Minneriya.
Best Time To Visit Minneriya National Park
Usually, the Minneriya national park gives its best glimpse in the dry seasons of May to September which allows the visitors to discover its best exotic wildlife. During these seasons animals are more drawn to water holes from outside to skip from hot weather. So you may spot them mostly in larger gatherings.
Also, from July to September you will more spot the elephants as the migrant elephants are also attracted to the park which will surely offer you a distinctive experience that will certainly adorn your travel diaries.
If you would like to avoid rainy seasons you may plan your visit accordingly by skipping the month of October which expected heavy showers almost throughout the month. November and December also there would be disappointment with here are there rainy seasons.
If you like like to get more detailed picture about the best timing to explore Minneriya national park, the morning timing can be suggested as the best timings to make a birds’ watching safari while from 1 to 6 pm is best to discover more mammals those are coming out and gathered around waterways to get some comforts to get rid from tormenting hot weather.
Because, when the rivers are drying up due to hot weather in habitant and the migrant elephants tend to arrive to Minneriya or the closer by Kaudulla for grazing the fresh grasses, bathe, and drink water.
Also, the reservoirs in Minneriya are surrounded by a large density of jungles and shrubs which provide a promising shelter for these majestic giants.
Opening Times
Minneriya Safari is opened for its visitors throughout the years unlike some of the national parks that you find on the island. From morning 6.00 am to evening 6.30 pm the national park is accessible, and you are not allowed to enter it or spend in the national park in off hours.
With the local visitors Minneriya national park is usually found more crowded on weekends, or else you will find the park in a pensive set up at most of the time.
Entrance Tickets Prices
Entrance charges would be subjected to get fluctuated. The fee to explore Minneriya national park is also comes with the jeep safari price, saying you have to pay for entrance and for the jeep and probably depending on the guide you reserve you may required to pay for his service as well. But usually Minneriya national park visit required to pay for entrances and for the jeep.
Jeeps cost will be divided by the pax count who join the ride. If you would like to make a private tour the cost will be expensive or you can make it sharing with others, and make it a group tour.
The entrance charges plus the jeep fee per pax usually costs around 90 USD (but this price would be valid if you share it among). For kids depending on the age, the relevant charges may applied.
How Long is The Safari at Minneriya National Park
The regular jeep safari timings are from 3 to 4 hours. You can make it as a morning or evening safari on your preference and with the instruction to make sure you will explore the best.
If you would like to go for more detail safari session including the bird watching session, or to get more understanding about the flora and founa presentation, so then you can make it a full day or half day safari that may serves meals and snacks as well.
Weather
The 8,889 hectares of coverage is usually highlights a tropical set up throughout the year. Minneriya national park finds comfortable and relaxing even during the the most dry periods of the year as you will always be welcomed by soothing wind.
Temperature wise it most found in 30 C average and the annual rainfall records about 1146 mm. At the top of the Nilgala peak the The altitude ranges from 100m to 885m.
How To Get To Minneriya National Park
If you are planning to proceed to Minneriya from Colombo international airport or from the commercial capital Colombo it will take about 4 hours drive to reach this mind blowing wildlife kingdom.
It is best recommended to travel by a private transfers as the public transfer options available are not so favorable as it would be just waste of time and your precious money.
If you are planning to make the trip by train you have to proceed to Colombo Fort Central Railways station , and the departure schedules are very limited from Colombo and since you will not get direct transfers you have to proceed to Habarana from Colombo and from Habarana you can get a public bus or a tuk or may be a private taxi to proceed to Minneriya from Henceforth.
And the alternative public transfer option is getting to a public bus from Colombo to Dambulla and henceforth fetch for another bus or a private transfer option to proceed to Minneriya national park.
If you are planning to proceed to Minneriya during your stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla, it would be very much accessible in short period of time compared to rest of the destinations.
Therefore, it is best recommended to visit Minneriya while you stay in Sigiriya and Dambulla, which will help to offer you more reliable and efficient solutions to visit Minneriya and explore its best.
Travel Tips
Visiting Minneriya national park, is best recommended to visit during best time of the seasons and also you can arrange the safari session accordingly on a timing that would best promising to to offer you an incredible experience for your tour. You may check for the ideas of experts or by a reliable source to check for the best timing to to get the best out of your wildlife safari.
It’s best recommended to wear light cotton clothes as the national park often find very hot during the day time. And you may take suns cream with you and wear something comfortable and covering your body from the hot climate. You may wear a hat which will also offer you a better covering.
Also, it’s advisable to take sufficient water with you to protect you from dehydrating.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
