Minneriya Jeep Safari
Duration
Half-day
Start Time
3.00 pm
End Time
6.00 pm
Overview
Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
The Minneriya Tank was built as part of the irrigation system for the area by King Mahasen (276–303 AD) who ruled in Anuradhapura. The National Park surrounds the reservoir and attracts around 150 – 200 elephants or more in the late afternoon to the grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. A spectacle for the visitors.
The park is also an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka, the purple-faced Langur, and the Toque Macaque. In addition, large herbivorous mammals such as Sambar Deer and Axis Deer frequent the park. Leopard and Sloth Bears inhabit the area.
The reservoir is an important habitat for large water birds such as Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican. The area is a dormitory for many residents as well as migrant bird species. Great White Pelican, Ruddy Turnstone, and Grey Heron are the other water birds here. Among the endemic birds are Junglefowl, Hanging Parrot, Brown-capped Babbler, Grey Hornbill, Black-crested Bulbul, and Crimson-fronted Barbet.
Amphibians such as the Painted-lip Lizard and Lanka Scincus Fallax are among them. Saltwater crocodiles, Indian Python, Asian Water Monitor, and Bengal Monitor are among the other reptiles.
