National Park | Fact Sheet |
The Elephant Gathering is the key attraction of this park. In the dry season, from about June thru September every year, the receding banks of the Minneriya Lake create one of the most unique scenes you will ever see. A mass exodus of elephants create the World famous ‘Minneriya Elephant Gathering‘. At the center of the park is the Minneriya tank (reservoir) that was built in the 3rd century by King Mahasen. The source of water for this lake is the Amban Ganga river. Water from the Minneriya tank feeds both the Kantalai and Kaudulla tanks. The Minneriya Devale (temple) was built in commemoration of King Mahasen, who is considered a deity by the local population. Park Open : Open Throughout the year Best Season : April -September Main Attraction : Elephants, Purple faced langur, Toque macaque & bird-life Minneriya National park's faunal species include 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies Shortest Route : Fly to Colombo & drive to Minneriya Nearby : Kaudulla (18 km), Flood plains (31 km), Maduru Oya (72 km), Wasgamuwa (91 km) |
Province : North Central Province Area : 90 sq. km Altitude: 100 - 885 m Vegetation : Tropical dry mixed evergreenrsh Major City: Anuradhapura (82 km) Airport : Colombo (190 km) Railway Station : Anuradhapura (82 km) Colombo : 190 km |
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