Minneriya National Park
Sri Lanka · Sri Lanka travel guide
Elephant park
Renowned for ‘The Gathering’, Minneriya offers one of the world’s largest wild Asian elephant congregations, alongside rich biodiversity.
Plan your visit
| Time to spend | About 3.5 h (3–4.5 h) |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | 3–6 PM — elephants gather at the tank in late afternoon; 6–9 AM — cooler morning safari, active wildlife |
| Avoid | 11 AM–2 PM — midday heat, animals rest |
| Best months | Jul–Oct |
| Months to avoid | Nov–Dec |
| Entry fee | approx US$42 (approx.) |
| Setting | Outdoor |
| Effort | Easy |
| Good for | Families, Kids, Elderly, Couples, Solo, Groups |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 on Google (1,615 reviews) |
The Gathering of elephants peaks August-October as the tank dries; wet-season herds scatter.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Minneriya National Park?
Most visitors spend about 3.5 h; 3–4.5 h depending on pace.
What is the best time to visit Minneriya National Park?
3–6 PM, for elephants gather at the tank in late afternoon. The best months are Jul–Oct.
What is the entry fee for Minneriya National Park?
approx US$42 for Indian adults (approximate; prices change, so confirm before you go).
More things to do in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
- Jetavanaramaya
- Thirukoneswaram Kovil
- Fort Frederick
- Sri Dalada Maligawa