Minneriya National Park sits to the north east of Sigiriya and offers a welcome change of scenery from the ancient ruins that dominate the area. The park is home to the large and ancient Minneriya Tank, and it boasts an enormous variety of habitat and wildlife, covered in dry tropical forest, grasslands and wetlands. However, its main draw and principle attraction are its elephants. They are found in large numbers throughout the year, although most numerous from July to September when the small waterholes have dried up – this annual wildlife phenomenon is called the ‘Elephant Gathering’.

This afternoon’s jeep safari will take you into the park with an experienced guide/tracker who will know the best locations for elephant sightings. Please note that the elephants move freely between Minneriya National Park, Kadulla National Park and Eco Park, therefore your chauffeur guide will be in contact with the local guides and trackers before hand so that you arrive at the most probable location that day.

If you are lucky you may also get to see sambar deer, spotted deer, macaque, and purple-faced langur monkeys as well. There are also 160 species of bird that have been recorded in the park, which your guide will help point out.  Your afternoon jeep safari will last approximately three hours.