Explore wildlife sanctuary at Minneriya National Park
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
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.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
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
December
LOW
21-29°C
Cooler temperatures with high humidity and frequent rainfall.
Cooler temperatures with high humidity and frequent rainfall.
Open
Some areas may remain inaccessible due to wet conditions.
Some areas may remain inaccessible due to wet conditions.
Not recommended
December experiences cooler temperatures and continued rainfall. The park is lush and green, but wildlife sightings are less predictable, and some areas may be difficult to access.
December experiences cooler temperatures and continued rainfall. The park is lush and green, but wildlife sightings are less predictable, and some areas may be difficult to access.
January
MEDIUM
20-29°C
January in Minneriya experiences moderately hot temperatures with average highs of 29.3°C and lows around 20°C. The month receives approximately 42mm of rainfall over 16 days, with a precipitation chance of about 50%. The average relative humidity is 82%, and there are around 7.4 hours of sunshine daily.
January in Minneriya experiences moderately hot temperatures with average highs of 29.3°C and lows around 20°C. The month receives approximately 42mm of rainfall over 16 days, with a precipitation chance of about 50%. The average relative humidity is 82%, and there are around 7.4 hours of sunshine daily.
Open
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
No significant restrictions; park operations are normal.
Recommended
January offers comfortable weather conditions suitable for wildlife exploration. While the elephant gatherings are more prominent in the dry season, visitors can still enjoy diverse wildlife and lush landscapes.
January offers comfortable weather conditions suitable for wildlife exploration. While the elephant gatherings are more prominent in the dry season, visitors can still enjoy diverse wildlife and lush landscapes.
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.
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