Minneriya National Park
Description
Minneriya National Park is home to a wide variety of flora, fauna and many species of birds, reptiles and mammals, especially elephants. The park includes 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, 9 species of amphibians and 75 species of butterflies.
Minneriya National Park is a national park situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was designated as a national park on 12th August 1997 while originally being declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The Minneriya National Park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of the districts of Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee.
Set in the heart of the popular cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences. During the drier months of June to September, as many as 300 elephants congregate in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to the 3rd Century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that provide an important water source.
The reason for declaring the area as protected is due to the Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the area. The Minneriya tank bears historical importance because it was built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The Minneriya along with Kaudulla and Girithale forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka. The park is governed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka.
