Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
The Minneriya National Park, which is located in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy cultural triangle in Sri Lanka, extends 8,890 hectares and is better known as one of the premier elephant-spotting places in Sri Lanka. The wondrous hooves of these gentle giants are needed to graze the rolling slopes of shrubs surrounding greenish flower blooms that cover the bare Kalugala or the green Kumbuk trees spread far and wide under which the giant crowds graze.
Minneriya National Park is situated in the midst of peaceful surroundings. The park is situated within the rice and boarders Minneriya, Kandulu, and Giritale villages. This park, at times, forms part of the corridor for acclimatizing elephants to hills from east of Pidurutalagala and southwest of Ritigala.
The National Park is located on the Maradankulama Road, 3 km from Polonnaruwa and some 102 km from Colombo.
Understand that any National Park located underneath tropical conditions would exhibit weather characterized by rather warm and steady weather. The temperature of Minneriya is said to hover between 25°C and 30°C all year long.
Rain lessens significantly during the dry season from May to September, and at such times, wildlife flocks to all the available water bodies within the park.
Meanwhile, the lush landscape takes over the park during the wet period (October and April) while the rain is at its peak, covering everything into a great variety of wetland types.
For the dry season, I will only recommend May to September.
Here is a detail you might consider:
Peak season (August and September): Usually, big groups of elephants are seen during this period.
Shoulder season (April to May and October to November): Crowded but easier for wildlife watching
Low season (December to March): The frequency of elephant sightings here is less, although it is just marvelous for birdwatching.
For photographers, the best moves to explore the park are between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM during sunrise and sunset when the light is superb and wildlife is most active.
Traveling to Minneriya
Bandaranaike Airport is 175 km away (approximately 4-5 hours by car)
Colombo is 182 km away (approximately 4-5 hours by car)
Kandy is 100 km away (approximately 2.5-3 hours by car)
From Sigiriya: about 30 minutes by road (16 km)
From Polonnaruwa: approx. 30-40 minutes by road (26 km)
From Anuradhapura: usually 1.5 to 2 hours by car (80 km)
Time Available to Opt Out
Here is a slightly more detailed clarification:
Safaris ran inside Minneriya National Park generally takes somewhere in between 3-3.5 hours. This time is adequate to visit the main wildlife sites in the park. However, the period might vary according to the season, the guide, the group, and the vehicle.
Half-day Safari exercises are the most popular. The ideal is to set off around dawn at about 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. when animals are most active.
Or have a full-day safari. These safaris offer the best opportunities for volunteers and photographers who want to spend longer hours among the wildlife. The full-day safari usually runs around 6-7 hours plus breaks.
Extended photo sessions are where professional photographers are seen shooting by obtaining special permits to last their time in the gathering of elephants.
How to Go on Safari
An in-depth study on organizing your safari:
Booking Options:
As a travel agency Tourstro, a tailored package for safari including everything you need for a perfect safari experience is available to you at a low cost.
2. Safari Types:
Standard Masai Mara Safari: Share our jeep with another tourist in the event that you decide you would rather not go it alone. The vehicle will carry 6 to 7 persons.
Private Masai Mara Safari: You may reserve a vehicle to yourselves, whether you travel alone in the driver's by Toyota Land Cruiser or bring a group up to 6.
Specialised Photography Safari: Only a few companies are subsequently involved in this form of safari for professionals whose core interest lies in wildlife photography.
3. Safari Process:
For the most part, if you have booked a safari through a tour company:
The driver or the jeep will arrive at your accommodation and transport you to the park.
Necessary fess into the Park will have been covered as pre-paid by Tourstro Ltd, and Tipping is voluntary so no any other payment you will be making to the guide!
Your guide or driver will provide a great experience, pointing out the wildlife.
After having the safari, the jeep will take you back to your lodge.
This is very important to check over all aspects of these when booking a safari from the agents other than the tour operational system.
Jeeps from safari
Upgraded model 4x4 jeeps are fit for travelling with a minimum of 6 to 8 passengers exhibiting features:
Higher seats for immense views of the wildlife and wild surrounds.
A protected canvas roof from the sun.
With open sliding sides for amazing 360-degree views.
Available in various levels of comfort (standard & premium)
These are some of the activities being undertaken in the location:
Wild Life Watching: Be a part of the vast number of wild elephants, birds, bears, rare animals, and the common common wildlife.
Photography: The landmark Minneriya Lake is always beautiful with breathtaking sunset views, surrounded by the lush greenery and an array of wildlife within the park, making it a photographer's dream destination.
History: You will also get a chance to know about the ancient reservoir's irrigation system, which did well to the wildlife of farmlands.
Traveler Information
1) Admission Fees:
Foreign Adults: USD 40-50
Foreign Children (6-12): USD 20-25
2) Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM till 6:30 PM
3) What to Bring:
Earth-colored clothes (khaki, olive, beige)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Binoculars
A camera with a telephoto lens
Water bottles
Snacks (If you are taking a full safari, a food option is available in the park, and our driver will help you with that).
4) Park Rules:
No littering
Do not feed the wildlife
Stay seated in the safari vehicle
Keep the noise level low.
Accommodation
Luxury: Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya), Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Mid-Range: Elephant Corridor Hotel, Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Budget: Elephant Bay Hotel, Fresco Water Villas
Unique: Mahoora Tented Safari Camp offers luxury camping accommodation near the park's boundaries.
There are numerous choices available as well. Should you require additional suggestions for other accommodation options feel free to ask.
Other Attractions
Habarana Elephant Village (10 Km)
Hiriwadunna Village Trek (12 km)
Kaudulla National Park (15 km)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (16 km)
Pidurangala Rock (17 km)
Polonnaruwa Ancient City (26 km)
Dambulla Cave Temple (30 km)
Hurulu Eco Park (35 km)
Other Nearby Attractions
Ritigala Ancient Monastery (40 km)
Wasgamuwa National Park (50 km)
Kalawewa Reservoir and National Park (60 km)
Anuradhapura Ancient City (63 km)
Minneriya National Park will most certainly be the best pick for the elephant lover. Being the children's playground, Minneriya National Park has it all: from rich composition s wildlife all around to lush ecosystems. This beauty comes to rejoice in fine water bodies.
June to September boasts dryer weather, perfect for one's safari. A dry safari trip will be what you need to have the ultimate cut away from any rain. This will be one jam-packed plethora of memories that hopefully will last long after your holiday has wrapped up.