Discover incredible wildlife in Minneriya National Park
Situated in dry zone of Sri Lanka in North Central Province, about 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo, Minneriya National Park is one of the best places in the country to see wild Asian elephants in huge numbers. The sanctuary was designated as a national park in 1997 to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. During the dry season, from April to October, nature buffs can often witness the famous Gathering of the wild elephants from forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts when a herd of around 150–200 come to feed and bathe on the edges of the reservoir, though elephants roam here at other times of year, too. Besides, Minneriya is also home to the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka: toque macaque and purple-faced langur, as well as many species of mammals such as sambar deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, mongoose, porcupine, and over 170 species of birds.
