Minneriya National Park

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A park where elephants gather in hundreds during the dry season. When the water levels of the Minneriya reservoir decreases the exposed shores get covered with green grass and shoots attracting the wild giants to the park.

April to October is the best time to visit the park. Elephants from Kaudulla and surrounding areas gather in Minneriya during those months. Baby elephants with their parents make up for beautiful photographs. 

Apart from the elephants sloth bears, leopards, Sri Lankan sambar deers and axis deers live in the park. Cormorants, herons and large pelicans flock around the shallow waters waiting for fish to appear. 

Evenings are best to visit the park if you are keen to see Elephants, mornings are good to see birds and other animals. 

The gates of the opens at 6:00AM till 6:30PM. Most hotels in Polonnaruwa arrange safari jeeps. A safari takes about 4 to 5 hours.