Minneriya National Park Sri Lanka

Located 182 kilometers from the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, Minneriya National Park is an ideal eco tourism spot in the country. Spread over 8890 hectares, it was designated a biosphere reserve in the late 1970’s. But in 1997 the Sri Lankan government declared it as a National Park and in the following year the Minniriya Wild life Reserve was opened for public viewing and since then it has managed to attract tourists from all over the country and globe. The wetland habitat of Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is inhabited by a large number of mammals such as elephants and sambars, leopards, sloth bears and the purple faced leaf monkey. The best season to view the animals is during the dry season from June to September when they gather in huge herds at the banks of the Minneriya reservoir. Visitors are also spot the endangered red lipped lizard and the Sri Lankan swamp crocodile in the reservoir.
In addition to the various species of mammals, the Minneriya National Park is also home to rare aquatic bird species such as the little cormorant. In addition to them, the painted strokes, Great white pelicans, Ruddy turnstones and Grey herons can also been spotted at the reserve. Early morning and late evening are perfect timings to spot these migratory birds.

Beside the flora and the fauna, one of the main features of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank. Built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena, the tank helps in the irrigation of over 8500 hectares of paddy lands.

An ideal destination to watch wild life, the Minneriya reservoir has been included in the list of Asian Wetlands of international importance.

One can reach Minneriya from Dambulla or from Polonnaruwa. The main entry point of the park is at Ambagaswewa on the Habarana Polonnaruwa road where one can also obtain entry permits. Trekkers are provided for the tourists. Four wheelers are also available for rental. Camping facilities is provided by the Sri Lankan Expedition Safari camp in the premises of the park.

An ideal destination for wild life enthusiasts, the Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka has been included in the list of Asian Wetlands of international importance.