Minneriya National ParkThe Minneriya national park is situated in between Polonnaruwa and Habarana. The park covers an area of 8890 hectares and is a transit lounge of sorts for the elephants travelling from Kaudulla to the Wasgomuwa national park. At the Minneriya national park one could site 200-300 Asian elephants during the peak season which takes place during the dry season; June to September.
'The Gathering' refers to the annual meeting of large numbers of elephants at the Minneriya tank that is located at the centre of the park. Here the elephants drink, bathe and search for a prospective mate. In addition to the elephant one could also spot sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, leopards, macaque monkeys and the endangered red lipped lizard. The park has a range of habitat types varying from grasslands, dry tropical forests, terrain and wetlands. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana organizes Jeep tours to take its guests around the Minneriya National Park accompanied by an informed guide.
Access: 30 minute drive from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana.
Location: 20 Km on Polonnaruwa-Habarana road.
