Located near the expansive Minneriya Tank and bordered by Kaudulla National Park and Eco Park, Minneriya National Park offers an exceptional opportunity to observe the Asian elephant in its natural habitat. Positioned between the smaller parks of Wasgamuwa and Kaudulla, Minneriya forms part of the renowned Elephant Corridor. The restored reservoir, originally constructed for irrigation purposes, continues to serve as a vital component of the irrigation system in the Polonnaruwa District.
While the park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, it also boasts a rich historical background that dates back to the 3rd century during the reign of King Mahasen. The Minneriya Tank, initially designed to irrigate paddy fields, now plays a crucial role in sustaining the park’s ecosystem.
Minneriya is home to 24 species of resident mammals, including the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bears, various monkey species, and the Indian pangolin. Additionally, the park is inhabited by approximately 170 bird species and 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the endangered Slender Wood frog.
The Minneriya Tank draws hundreds of wild elephants, culminating in an extraordinary annual phenomenon known as the “Elephant Gathering.” Particularly during August and early September, the Minneriya region is frequented by around 700 elephants. Each afternoon, up to 300 of these majestic creatures congregate in the grasslands along the western banks of Lake Minneriya. During the northern summer months (May to September), visitors can anticipate witnessing at least 100 elephants simultaneously during a safari in Minneriya.
