Minneriya National Park Safari

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, the Minneriya National Park is a top safari destination on the island. The Minneriya tank built by King Mahasen and its catchment are the reasons for declaring this area as a protected area. Minneriya National Park Safari is famous among local and foreign travelers; hence the park earns a high turnover every year, especially after the war. And, this prime bird area is about 182 kilometers (113 mi) from Colombo.

As a national park situated in the dry zone, an average rainfall of 1,500–2,000 millimeters (59–79 in) is possible every year. When considering a Minneriya National Park Safari, it is advisable that you avoid the rainy season, which lasts from October to January, and the dry season makes safaris more practical from May to September. Even though the park is in the dry zone, intermediate high-canopy secondary forests, grasslands, and wetlands do present in the region.

Minneriya National Park Safari and animal spotting: This national park is an area that you can withstand many animal species in abundance including mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles, and many more. The elephant heard in the park may contain up to 200 individuals, but some statistics say that this number could be even 700. Other animals that you will withstand include Sri Lankan sloth bear, sambar deer, leopard, axis deer, and monkeys. Birds include spot-billed pelicans, grey herons, and many more. All in all, Minneriya Park is one of the best safari destinations on the island.