Minneriya National Park

 

Minneriya National Park, an 8,890-hectare area in the North Central area of the island, Eastern National Park and wildlife Sanctuary Protected for its mineral tank a large receiver built by king machine in the 3rd century AD. This tank becomes the dry season feeding ground for the entire elephant population dwelling in the forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee, a considerable chunk of the country. The park is also designated as an important bird area in Sri Lanka with over 150 species of bird that are found here to mention all the other

 

varied wildlife that reside in the park, from monkeys and deer to wild Buffalo and pigs, lizards, crocodiles and monitors. If you are extremely lucky you might even chance to sight of the rarer and endangered animals such as leopard and sloth bear. 

 

  If you are looking for a little eco-tourism, a safari through the park is hard to beat. In season July to September, the park is an incredible place to observe herds of elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grasslands. Being protected sanctuary, you must stay inside the assigned Jeep and follow the instructions of the trackers who join you the entrance of the park where you buy passes and get information. Arriving