Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
About
Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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$90.00
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- Matt LDubai, United Arab Emirates22 contributionsBeautiful national parkThis is a stunning place with a lot of elephants on site. We saw 15 elephants during the half day morning trip (unsure on the name of our company) but this is a beautiful place and we were advised not to visit as we were already booked to visit Yala but if you can afford to do both i would recommend it as the elephant encounters we experienced (i know this is not the same for everyone) was worth every penny. We and a number of our vehicles did get stuck due to the ground conditions.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- travellerSheffield, United Kingdom709 contributionsForget Africa and enjoy the Sri Lankan safariWe had an excellent Safari with a young driver who knew the park and tried to find quieter spaces. I understand comments about the Grand Prix approach to the start of the Safari with so many vehicles but it’s a lovely park and one to enjoy. We saw dozens of elephants in several herds, including baby elephants, and the bird life was excellent too.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 2, 2024
- Nik_singHong Kong, China73 contributionsAn absolute mesmerizing!An absolute mesmerizing! Our visit to Minneriya National Park in Habarana was beyond extraordinary. Thanks to our expert safari driver, we had the privilege of encountering over 100 elephants in their natural habitat. From observing their daily routines to witnessing their playful antics, every moment was enchanting. Our kids were over the moon seeing so many elephants for the first time. This half-day adventure from Sigiriya is an absolute steal – unbeatable value for an unforgettable experienceVisited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- Pasi LLahti, Finland1,950 contributionsElephants, elephantsWell executed Jeep safari. Jeep and driver 4h tour for two adults in private 25k local money. Birds and elephants can be seen. It was a bit of a struggle at times, but it was worth it.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- Jay MiahSwansea, United Kingdom36 contributionsWorth every penny to see the Elephants in the wildThe best jeep safari I’ve ever been on. Seeing the elephants in the wild was something special. Do’s - Find an honest Sri Lankan who can help you with cost. Our Uber driver has helped us. Instead of paying 40 000 SLR offered by our hotel staff. We paid 9 000 SLR to the jeep driver who picked us up at 6am and returned us at 9:45am - Entrance fee to the park at 22 000 SLR for my wife and I Don’t - Pay 40 000 or more SLR with hotel Give it a go. I’ll never forget our experience today 28/07/2024Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2024
- SJW1 contributionDespite safari experience a wonderful experienceIt was a very special experience and really worth it! It is best to book the safari directly from the side of the park and choose the afternoon tour as the period, as at this time the elephants come to the lakes/waterholes to refresh themselves and drink. Our guide Nadeesha explained a lot, answered all our questions to complete satisfaction and used the time in the park until the last minute - really great!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 1, 2024
- Explore Sri LankaGalle, Sri Lanka106 contributionsOne of the best places to see the ElephantsThis is among the world's best locations to see wild elephants. The visitor's vehicle park is next to the Habarana - Polonnaruwa main road. A huge visitors' vehicle parking area is available. There is a ticket booth where you must purchase a ticket in addition to making arrangements for a safari vehicle. It takes close to three hours to finish this entire journey.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2024
- Scenic Lanka Personal Tour DriversColombo, Sri Lanka244 contributionsDiscovering Minneriya National Park: A Tour Guide’s Perspective on Sri Lanka’s Elephant HavenAs a tour guide at Minneriya National Park, I am constantly amazed by the park’s remarkable wildlife and stunning landscapes. Known for its incredible elephant gatherings, Minneriya offers a unique and awe-inspiring safari experience. Visitors have the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, especially during the dry season when the park’s large reservoir attracts hundreds of elephants. Beyond the elephants, the park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and endemic wildlife. Our goal is to provide an informative and immersive experience, ensuring that each guest leaves with a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to connect with nature, Minneriya National Park is a must-visit destination that promises unforgettable moments. #ExploreSriLanka#ScenicLankaPersonalTourDriversVisited July 2024Traveled on businessWritten August 16, 2024
- CriPozziVarese, Italy600 contributionsMany elephantsSo many elephants / so much nature / too many Jeeps! Interesting safari - you can see many elephants up close but there are perhaps too many jeeps crossing this park at once - with noise and pollution - perhaps the entrance should be calmed down - even if tourism is a primary source of livelihood hereVisited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Jet Lanka Tours (Dinu)Kandy, Sri Lanka46 contributionsA Majestic Elephant Gathering and MoreVisiting Minneriya National Park was a highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka. The park is famous for its impressive “Gathering” of wild elephants, and seeing hundreds of these magnificent animals converging around the waterholes during the dry season was absolutely breathtaking. The park’s diverse landscapes, from lush grasslands to dense forests, provide a great backdrop for wildlife spotting. Besides elephants, I encountered a variety of birds and other animals, each safari drive offering new surprises. The peaceful environment and natural beauty made for a truly relaxing experience. I also appreciated the historical significance of the park, with its ancient irrigation systems hinting at Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. For the best experience, I’d recommend visiting during the peak gathering season and going with a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of your visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,019 reviews
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556
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Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,923 contributions
Jan 2020
We drove through this park en route to Girithale for the night. Our guide described it as'an elephant infested jungle'. It was a great and pleasant surprise to see an Asian elephant eating roadside, traffic giving it a wide berth. I was struck by its colours with a pale orange/pink colour above its trunk, behind its eyes, the trim of the ears, etc. This type of elephant is decidedly smaller than its African counterpart.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex S
London, UK35 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Took a jeep tour around this Park with a small group. You find out on the day if the elephants are more prominent here or over the road at the other National Park. We were worried because it started to rain just as we started but luckily it stopped pretty quickly. I thought we'd get very little in the way of sightings and only from a distance but it must be said I was very wrong. We got very close to multiple groups and even though it was Jeep city they didn't seem to mind, they mostly kept eating, which was amazing to see and exactly why we came. Such peaceful creatures (so long as you don't do anything stupid). The driver got us very close. We also saw a couple of peacocks and parrots but it was mostly about the elephants. I enjoyed seeing this more than the Elephant Orphanage as it seemed like less of a display.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla P
10 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
It is really worth a visit!! It's exciting and we saw a hundred elephants, even very closely, families with young, adults alone,fantastico.Il all in a wonderful landscape.In this period hundreds of elephants gather because the lakes drop in level leaving uncovered fresh grass excellent for them. We organized at the last moment our safari, from there to 2 hours later.Passing in front of the main entrance of the park (on the road between Minnerya and Sigirya), we spoke with one of the various guides near the parked jeeps and negotiated a total price of 45000 LKR, about 135 euros, including entry, jeep and Guide for 3 persone.Abbiamo a jeep just for us and the driver also made us make different routes to detach from other jeeps.Duration 3 hours,bring water, lots of sun, but unforgettable experience
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Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saachi Rajiv
Dubai, United Arab Emirates32 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We visited on 28 December at about 11 pm with out two children aged 5 and 2. The safari drivers did mention that due to rains only a few elephants were sighted the previous day. After much discussion they still urged that we take the ride which lasted about 2.5 hours. The cost was about 13,000 LKR (5000 for the driver and 8000 for entry with taxes and rental for car.). Peacocks and butterflies were more commonly visible while an eagle and some other exotic birds in smaller numbers. Going one way (about an hour) was exciting though while coming back the same route was taken and kind of felt dull because we knew the elephants aren’t going to show up anymore. Initially I was upset for spending that amount and not having achieved our objective of seeing elephants but then their movement can’t be controlled by the authorities whatsoever. It’s part of nature and luck. Very unfortunate though we will try again some other time in a season which is more suitable.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
This was very nice as the elephants were very close up and we had to wait until they decided to go. The park took a long time to go in and we only saw elephants by the lake and not much else but so many of them. It was not cheap about $US-00 and with all the jeeps there they made a lot of money that day!. The park only was designated in 1997 and before that was a wildlife sanctuary since 1938
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie B
London, England, United Kingdom63 contributions
You are guaranteed to see elephants ! But do you want to see elephants almost being boxed in by so many jeeps all fighting to get the best spot for their visitors ! A guaranteed good tip for the drivers.
The system needs to change . Timed entries might work to reduce the amount of jeeps at one sighting. The early sighting as you entered the park was the most crowded. I actually wanted to move on not hear a baby elephant calling for its mother as it had been separated by jeeps! Boy those elephants are patient.
Further in when the jeeps split off it was a little better.
Sri Lankan National Parks, protect your elephants if you want more tourists to visit.
I for one felt really uncomfortable and had I realised how crowed the elephants would be I would never have taken the trip!
Please please , time your entries, American parks are now doing that and they are so much better for both the wildlife and the tourist.
Your drivers are lovely and trying to earn a crust . I understand that but this practice is off putting.
I would not recommend this until things change.
The system needs to change . Timed entries might work to reduce the amount of jeeps at one sighting. The early sighting as you entered the park was the most crowded. I actually wanted to move on not hear a baby elephant calling for its mother as it had been separated by jeeps! Boy those elephants are patient.
Further in when the jeeps split off it was a little better.
Sri Lankan National Parks, protect your elephants if you want more tourists to visit.
I for one felt really uncomfortable and had I realised how crowed the elephants would be I would never have taken the trip!
Please please , time your entries, American parks are now doing that and they are so much better for both the wildlife and the tourist.
Your drivers are lovely and trying to earn a crust . I understand that but this practice is off putting.
I would not recommend this until things change.
Written February 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony S
Brisbane, Australia1,859 contributions
Aug 2022
Visited in a private safari Jeep and collected our guide at the gate. He was excellent and had a great knowledge of the birds as well as excellent spotting ability and he pointed out many species we would have missed without his assistance.
We spent four hours in the park and sited 42 species so an excellent result.
We spent four hours in the park and sited 42 species so an excellent result.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gihe
Coventry, UK73 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
First off - a disclaimer. The national park is beautiful. But we went on a Jeep Safari with some company who's name I forget. And yes, we saw some elephants. There's something magical about seeing a family of elephants in the wild, munching on grass and seemingly at peace with the world. But then you zoom out and realise that you're sitting in one of about 20 jeeps, all crowded round the animals, trying to get closer while belching out thick diesel exhaust fumes. It was like being on the M25 at rush hour, just with a few elephants nearby. As I took part in this sorry scene, I felt a deep sense of shame and regret. Yes, I was a tourist and yes I was contributing to this. If you can live with that, then fine. For me, it's my last 'safari' - I'll watch the elephants on David Attenborough next time.
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerryn N
27 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We hired an open jeep and driver for a 3 hour tour through the park. Although the description of the park said there were lots of different types of animals we only saw elephants - which was an amazing experience!
The day we went there were many jeeps. Unfortunately this meant that there was a frenzy to get close to the elephants and at one stage an elephant was clearly distressed at being cornered by the jeeps. Our driver was good and tried to tell other drivers to make a path for the elephants to cross but many drivers just wanted to get as close as possible. There was no sign of any regulation by park rangers - this is desperately needed.
The day we went there were many jeeps. Unfortunately this meant that there was a frenzy to get close to the elephants and at one stage an elephant was clearly distressed at being cornered by the jeeps. Our driver was good and tried to tell other drivers to make a path for the elephants to cross but many drivers just wanted to get as close as possible. There was no sign of any regulation by park rangers - this is desperately needed.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janckae
Milan, Italy134 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Natural park famous especially for the presence of elephants, which crowd the park during the dry season.
This presence, I was told, is due to the lake retreating in the warm season, and allows the formation of a wide expanse of fresh grass, which becomes a delicious food for elephants.
Entry allowed only with jeeps with drivers.
There is a large crowd in the late afternoon, when the animals come out of the forest to go eat near the lake.
I visited it immediately in the early afternoon, Recommendation as there is no traffic of other jeeps
I almost had the feeling of going on a private tour.
The thrill of finding yourself with elephants walking in their natural habitat was unforgettable.
This presence, I was told, is due to the lake retreating in the warm season, and allows the formation of a wide expanse of fresh grass, which becomes a delicious food for elephants.
Entry allowed only with jeeps with drivers.
There is a large crowd in the late afternoon, when the animals come out of the forest to go eat near the lake.
I visited it immediately in the early afternoon, Recommendation as there is no traffic of other jeeps
I almost had the feeling of going on a private tour.
The thrill of finding yourself with elephants walking in their natural habitat was unforgettable.
Automatically translated
Written September 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Do we have to go in september to see the gathering of 300 elephants or is it ok if we go in early october ?
If I have to absolutely go in september to live the best experience, I can change my plans. But if october is as good, it would be simpler for me...
Written February 26, 2023
Hi Alex, what time did you visit the attraction? And where did you book the jeep?
We have a car and I was wondering if it’s best to just go there ourselves and book a Jeep there.
Many thanks,
Emer
Written January 28, 2020
Y D
Lucknow, India
Can we cover Sigiriya, royal cave temple & Minneria National park all in a day trip ex Kandy?
Written January 24, 2020
Like the other 2 answers before I would say it is better split in to two days.
But, if you really needed to do it in 1 day and you have the stamina for it, it could be done.
Do Sigirya at the crack of dawn, this is recommended anyway to avoid heavy crowds at later hours.
My wife and I did the climb in 1,5 hour, not so tiring for someone in decent shape.
Then you can get to the temple caves before lunch and do a quick visit, to get in time to minneriya for the last shift of jeeps leaving for the park visit.
The most time consuming will be the car drives in between the activities.
You will need to ask advice from your driver if he can make the connections in time and if he is willing to do them in such short timeframe...
Written January 25, 2020
We are visiting on 29th October, is it a good time or should we skip it?
Any other suggestions are also welcome. We are in Kandy for 2 nights and are planning to visit Minneriya around that time
Written September 13, 2019
Don't visit minneriya national park visit Kaudulla National Park Park thise days Elephant move to the Kaudulla National over 300 wild elephant can see further assistance +94713227050 Whatsapp or log on TripAdvisor Kaudulla National Park jeep safari
Written October 29, 2019
hi. we are from Argentina and are visiting the Park next February. Is it a good time to see elephants in the wild?
thanks
Written August 1, 2019
Yes, definitely. We were there in late Jan - early Feb - lots of elephants!
Written October 2, 2019
Hi,
how was the weathe rin Sri Lanka in May?
we are looking at visting as honey moon.
thanks.
Written July 4, 2019
Best whether ever you seen suny and hot soo far August is the best to visit Anuradhapura polonnaruwa Sigiriya Dambulla Trincomalee Arugambe Kalpitiya but one part of Country down South area whether is not good Galle, mathar, unawatuuna, thangalle like that visit Srilanka we are warmly well come you if you have a chance please join with us log on pigeon Island Car Rental Service thank enjoy your tour
Written July 23, 2019
Joy C
Marina del Rey, California
Hey! Thanks for the review. do you have contact information for your driver? I was quoted $230 USD for 4 people and 1 baby. Thank you
Written April 24, 2019
So sorry only just seen this so expect you've been. That is expensive - I think we paid about 75 UK pounds. Booked via our hotel and walker tours.
Written October 2, 2019
We got see elephants in both!! But In Yala we’re fortunate that we had two encounters. A mother & baby & then later on a lone male both next to our Jeep w/ out other traffic! Minneriya has more of them in herds, but the amount of jeeps rushing around & the crush upon spotting a herd was a real issue!
Yala also has a lot more wildlife to see & even leopards if lucky (there’s only about 20-40 depending on source)
Written March 17, 2019
Hi! with with company did you reserved your tour?
I will be there in late December and I will like to plan it :)
Thanks
Andreanne
Written November 16, 2018
If you indicate the requirements I will be able to help organize.
Written August 13, 2019
What times are the best to see elephants?
Written November 9, 2018
Good time to get there around 2.00/2.30pm.
Written November 10, 2018
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