Basic ecotouristic information on Minneriya National Park (Sri Lanka) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
Eastern part of Central Sri Lanka, 182 km from Colombo and 20 km northwest of Polonnaruwa
Access
Easy. Only ten minutes drive east of Habarana along Colombo - Polonnaruwa main road.
Characteristic
8889 ha; Flat to hilly area. Park altitude ranges from approximatey 100 m to 885 m at the top of Wenigala Peak (the highest point). Minneriya central tank was originally built as an ancient irrigation tank with an area of 2,550 ha when full. Maximum depth is 10.7 m. Typical ecosystems: dry evergreen forest with lots of scrubs, grasslands, bamboo stands, freshwater ecosystems, wetlands.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Incredible place to observe elephants coming to drink and bath in the water tank.
Safari jeep riding through the park
Note
The central tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD.
Bisphere Reserve of UNESCO
Best time to visit VI-IX