With just over 30 square miles, Minneriya National Park is a thrill-packed alternative to the more vast expanses of other wildlife sanctuaries.
Made of grasslands, thick scrub, and the wildlife that roam their particular territory, the Park is fed by its giant reservoir which is also its life-blood, especially in the dry months of June through September, which are the best times to visit. A diversity of animals roams within the vicinity of the reservoir, as food and water grow scarce elsewhere in the Park.
A must see spectacle is ‘The Gathering’ where countless herds of elephants congregate near the Minneriya reservoir. This is believed to be the highest number of elephants in one place, which is why it is a sight that is not to be missed. The Gathering is also known as the sixth greatest wildlife spectacle in the world and takes place between July and October.
Also deer, toque monkeys, and even the occasional leopard, are part of the sightings at Minneriya National Park. Migratory and indigenous birds are usually seen making good use of the environment.