Explore wildlife sanctuary at Minneriya National Park
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
PopularSigiriya, Sri Lanka
Popular
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug
24°C – 35°C, july sees temperatures ranging from 24°c to 35°c, with low rainfall, averaging 4 days of rain, high crowds, peak season
24°C – 35°C, july sees temperatures ranging from 24°c to 35°c, with low rainfall, averaging 4 days of rain, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Accessible with collapsible wheelchairs; minimal walking required.
Accessible with collapsible wheelchairs; minimal walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey, but the elephant gathering is worth it.
Pricey, but the elephant gathering is worth it.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the jeep safaris, and the chance to spot elephants in the wild.
Amazing Wildlife
Witnessing the elephant gathering was an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Great Safari
The scenery and wildlife made this a perfect day out for any couple.
Crowded Jeeps
Some couples felt the number of jeeps detracted from the experience.
Overpriced Safari
Travelers felt the safari prices were a bit high for the experience.
Limited Sightings
Some couples noted that sightings of other animals were rare.
Hours of operation
Monday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join travelers on an adventurous journey to Minneriya National Park.
Discover the captivating vistas of Minneriya National Park.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
20-31°C
February in Minneriya features warm temperatures with average highs of 31°C and lows around 20°C. The month typically experiences about 3 days of rainfall, indicating a precipitation chance of approximately 20%. Humidity levels are comfortable, and there are ample sunshine hours.
February in Minneriya features warm temperatures with average highs of 31°C and lows around 20°C. The month typically experiences about 3 days of rainfall, indicating a precipitation chance of approximately 20%. Humidity levels are comfortable, and there are ample sunshine hours.
Open
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
Recommended
February's favorable weather conditions and lower crowd levels provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and enjoying the park's natural beauty.
February's favorable weather conditions and lower crowd levels provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and enjoying the park's natural beauty.
March
LOW
21-34°C
March in Minneriya is characterized by higher temperatures, with average highs reaching 34°C and lows around 21°C. Rainfall is minimal, occurring on approximately 2 days, resulting in a precipitation chance of about 10%. The weather is predominantly dry and sunny.
March in Minneriya is characterized by higher temperatures, with average highs reaching 34°C and lows around 21°C. Rainfall is minimal, occurring on approximately 2 days, resulting in a precipitation chance of about 10%. The weather is predominantly dry and sunny.
Open
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
Recommended
The dry and warm conditions in March are conducive to wildlife sightings, as animals are more likely to gather around water sources.
The dry and warm conditions in March are conducive to wildlife sightings, as animals are more likely to gather around water sources.
April
MEDIUM
22-35°C
April in Minneriya experiences high temperatures, with average highs of 35°C and lows around 22°C. The month receives approximately 103mm of rainfall over 17 days, indicating a precipitation chance of about 50%. Humidity levels are moderate, and there are around 4 days of pure sunshine.
April in Minneriya experiences high temperatures, with average highs of 35°C and lows around 22°C. The month receives approximately 103mm of rainfall over 17 days, indicating a precipitation chance of about 50%. Humidity levels are moderate, and there are around 4 days of pure sunshine.
Open
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
Recommended
April marks the beginning of the dry season, leading to increased wildlife activity around water sources. While temperatures are higher, the chance of rainfall provides a balance, making it a favorable time for visits.
April marks the beginning of the dry season, leading to increased wildlife activity around water sources. While temperatures are higher, the chance of rainfall provides a balance, making it a favorable time for visits.
May
MEDIUM
24-35°C
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Minneriya, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C. Rainfall is moderate, averaging 17 days of rain.
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Minneriya, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C. Rainfall is moderate, averaging 17 days of rain.
Open
No significant restrictions; park is fully operational.
No significant restrictions; park is fully operational.
Recommended
May is a favorable time to visit Minneriya National Park as the dry season commences, attracting wildlife to water sources. Moderate crowd levels and standard pricing make it a good choice for visitors.
May is a favorable time to visit Minneriya National Park as the dry season commences, attracting wildlife to water sources. Moderate crowd levels and standard pricing make it a good choice for visitors.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Drive to the park via the Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway (A11); parking is available.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available from nearby towns like Habarana, Sigiriya, and Dambulla for direct access.
Bus
Direct buses from Colombo, Kandy, and Trincomalee stop near the park entrance; request a drop-off.
Train
Take the train to Habarana or Minneriya stations on the Batticaloa line, then hire a taxi or tuk-tuk.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages up to 95
