Minneriya National Park

• Area: about 89 km2
• Status: Established: 12 August 1997
• Main entrance: on the Habarana to Polonnaruwa road (route A11)
• Travel time from PRS (monkey camp): about 40 minutes.

Geography and Habitat:

Mostly flat or gently rolling land with a few monadnoks (Nilgalla peak at 885m). The habitat is predominantly dry semi-evergreen forest with many ebony (Diospyros ebeneum), palu (Manilkara hexandra), satin (Chloroxylon swietenia) and weera (Drypetes sepiara) trees. Extensive grasslands border the lake during the dry season (June to October).

History and Culture:

At the center of the NP is the Minneriya tank (reservoir) that was built in the 3rd century by King Mahasen. The source of water for this lake is the Amban Ganga river. Water from the Minneriya tank feeds both the Kantalai and Kaudulla tanks. The Minneriya Devale (temple) was built in commemoration of King Mahasen, who is considered a deity by the local population. It attracts crowds of devotees, especially after the rice harvests (March and October). Devotees also worship there regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Wildlife:

The main wildlife attraction of this park is the elephants. During the dry season (June to October) the water lake recedes and exposes vast areas of grasslands. The lush grass and water attracts large herds of elephants, all totaling a about 450 individuals. These are distributed among several smaller herds. The elephant are not shy and can be approached closely by jeep. Other animals typical of the dry zone have been recorded. See-> more (link to wildlife).