Colombo Trip Overview
Situated in the centre of Sri Lanka, just in between the popular cities of Habarana and Polonnaruwa, is the Minneriya National Park: an ideal location for eco tourism. Apart from these attractions, the central highlight of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century AD by a ruler of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom – King Mahasena. From June to October every year, the tank attracts herds of elephants that come to bathe and graze while flocks of birds are also drawn here to fish in the shallow waters. This amazing sight is known as “The Gathering” – which is also the largest meeting of Asian elephants worldwide. Over 300 elephants from around the North Central Province of Sri Lanka get together near the Minneriya Tank during the dry season to sweeten their mouth with the taste of water. The water collected in this tank provides the elephants with much needed hydration and when the tank dries up, it yields fresh grass to which the elephants feast!
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Situated in the centre of Sri Lanka, just in between the popular cities of Habarana and Polonnaruwa, is the Minneriya National Park: an ideal location for eco tourism. Apart from these attractions, the central highlight of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century AD by a ruler of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom – King Mahasena. From June to October every year, the tank attracts herds of elephants that come to bathe and graze while flocks of birds are also drawn here to fish in the shallow waters. This amazing sight is known as “The Gathering” – which is also the largest meeting of Asian elephants worldwide. Over 300 elephants from around the North Central Province of Sri Lanka get together near the Minneriya Tank during the dry season to sweeten their mouth with the taste of water. The water collected in this tank provides the elephants with much needed hydration and when the tank dries up, it yields fresh grass to which the elephants feast!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Minneriya 50150 Sri Lanka
The Minneriya National Park is a protected wildlife reserve in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone. Its main feature is the Minneriya Reservoir, the largest of 16 built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena. Minneriya National Park is home to one of the most spectacular natural events in the world – the Elephant Gathering. In the dry months of August and September, about 300 elephants from the park and the surrounding area – including the Wasgamuwa National Park – gather at the reservoir in large numbers to get much-needed refreshment. Although elephants are its main attraction, Minneriya hosts more than 160 species of birds, a few of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, such as the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, the Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, and the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill. Large mammals, including, sloth bears, sambar deer, and axis deer, as well as smaller mammals such as the Purple-Faced Langur, Toque Macaque, and the Grey Slender Loris make the Minneriya National Park their home. Saltwater crocodiles and other reptiles, including monitor lizards and snakes, add another dimension to this rich ecosystem.
Duration: 4 hours
