Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Anuradhapura
Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd. Elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200. Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700. They migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park and benefit from food and shelter of the park's forest. Tourists visit Minneriya largely because of elephants, especially in dry season.
Your safari will start at 2:30 pm at the Evening Safari option. If your hotel is within a 5 km radius to the entrance gate, you will also receive a complimentary pickup from your hotel. If not, you will meet your guide at the entrance guide during your selected departure time. The park has many land types and growth. Wetlands mix in with agricultural land and rocky outcrops, and forests walk hand in hand with scrublands. This also means that the types of wildlife and birds that live in the park or visit it are quite varied. You may get to see a crocodile or even an extremely rare grey slender loris if you’re lucky. A little herd of deer may visit the Minneriya reservoir as you watch early in the morning. If you plan your safari to the months of August, September or October you might get a chance to see the elephant congregation named the ‘Elephant Gathering’ with its collective number of over 150 elephants in one place. It’s said that the elephants arrive from all surrounding areas for this gathering annually. If you opt for the evening safari, which is the best time to see this park, you can also see the elephants taking their daily bath and watch the many different kinds of birds heading off to their nests at the end of the day. After you complete your 3-hour watching nature in action, you will return back to the hotel. the evening tour you will finish the tour at 5:30 pm. If your hotel is within a 5 km radius of the entrance gate you will receive a complimentary drop-off right to your hotel as well.
Minneriya national park
We will pick you up from Sigiriya Hotels
Minneriya National Park Private Safari lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $35 per person for this Anuradhapura experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. We will pick you up from Sigiriya Hotels Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyEh8Rnaguu8vFle4i+ErAd0=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyC39h1tnQn+BJUhGS7x7a5s=.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 68 verified reviews; it is run by Travceylon Leisure. Most-mentioned highlights: Water Bottle Per Person.; Transport by Private Safari Jeep.; Free Pickup/Drop off from/to Sigiriya and Habarana Hotels..
First of all i would like to thank Travceylon to given this amazing experience. also we had an experienced driver/guide. he had a eagle eye to find animals. we saw lot of animals, like elephants, crocodiles, deer and so many birds. at the end of the safari we could drink coconut also. i would like to highly recommend these team.
We had a great evening at Minneriya with Travceylon. Our driver Dhanushka polite informative and friendly. We saw lot of elephants at the grassland. we saw deer, crocodiles and birds too. vehicle was comfortable. Definitely recommended.
I was hoping to see an elephant and actually saw about 75. Lots of babies. The elephants looked healthy and happy, just doing their thing.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of Travceylon Leisure. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your travel experience with us. Your feedback inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable journeys for every traveler. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we are grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next holiday and helping you create even more amazing memories. Wishing you safe travels, happiness, and many exciting adventures ahead!
It was great! We enjoyed our private safari, so would highly recommend and worth every penny. We had a great guide and driver. He made sure to point out animals that we might have missed. Made it comfortable to keep distance from other vehicles.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of Travceylon Leisure. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your travel experience with us. Your feedback inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable journeys for every traveler. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we are grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next holiday and helping you create even more amazing memories. Wishing you safe travels, happiness, and many exciting adventures ahead!
It was a fantastic experience. We have never seen so many elephants together, babies, teenagers, moms, dads. Our safari driver had a great eye and knowledge about animals. Also we saw plenty of birds, deer, and crocodiles too. Would highly recommended
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of Travceylon Leisure. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know that you enjoyed your travel experience with us. Your feedback inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable journeys for every traveler. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we are grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next holiday and helping you create even more amazing memories. Wishing you safe travels, happiness, and many exciting adventures ahead!
The safari itself was genuinely great, the wildlife, guides, and overall experience in the park were all excellent. However, what happened before and after completely overshadowed it. First, the company changed the safari park last minute, which was further. Second, when my original pick-up person had to go to the hospital, I asked to be dropped off 5 km from the park, well within their advertised free drop-off radius so I could reach Wi-Fi and book a ride home. Simple and reasonable. Instead, they argued that the drop-off had to be at a hotel and demanded I pay extra. After back-and-forth, they dropped me off just 2.5 km from the park gate, in the middle of nowhere, with no phone reception and no Wi-Fi access. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 2.5 hours with no way to call for help, load a map, or book a ride. This was not just poor customer service, it was a safety issue. Their policy clearly states free drop-off within a 5 km radius, with no mention of hotel-only restrictions. They failed to honour that policy and left a customer stranded. I would urge anyone booking with this company to get every policy detail in writing beforehand and have a backup plan for transport, just in case. Read more about - Minneriya National Park | Private Safari - https://www.viator.com/en-AU/tours/Anuradhapura/Elephant-Gathering-3-Hour-Private-Safari-in-Minneriya/d27018-227066P2?m=65553&nid=VR.de477658-39f3-477d-86d7-3d09aed6d341.VT_EMAIL_TRV?mcid=56757
The safari itself was genuinely great, the wildlife, guides, and overall experience in the park were all excellent. However, what happened before and after completely overshadowed it. First, the company changed the safari park last minute, which was further. Second, when my original pick-up person had to go to the hospital, I asked to be dropped off 5 km from the park, well within their advertised free drop-off radius so I could reach Wi-Fi and book a ride home. Simple and reasonable. Instead, they argued that the drop-off had to be at a hotel and demanded I pay extra. After back-and-forth, they dropped me off just 2.5 km from the park gate, in the middle of nowhere, with no phone reception and no Wi-Fi access. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 2.5 hours with no way to call for help, load a map, or book a ride. This was not just poor customer service, it was a safety issue. Their policy clearly states free drop-off within a 5 km radius, with no mention of hotel-only restrictions. They failed to honour that policy and left a customer stranded. I would urge anyone booking with this company to get every policy detail in writing beforehand and have a backup plan for transport, just in case.
We booked a 4 hour safari experience.. Our driver Dhanuska was very skilled and experienced. Took us to the best sights.. About 50 elephants were grazing on the grounds.. Amazing experience.. Super
All was okay. We knew most of the elephants had gone to Hurulu but we wanted to enjoy a park with (very) few tourists. We saw a variety of birdlife, giant squirrels, some monkeys and mongoose. What you actually see depends on time of day, season and luck. Interesting vegetation and landscape.
Visited in Sep/Oct 2025. It was a family vacation. I booked a local safari operator who was amazing (TravCeylon Leisure - managed by Dhanushka Weerasinghe). The driver was polite and explained us a lot of things about the elephant reserve and showed us all that was possible. He was quite friendly and made sure the safari was enjoyable, as well as, comfortable. I have been to many wildlife safaris in the Indian Sub-Continent. This is surely in the Top-10.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneriya National Park Private Safari | 3 hours | 4.8 (68) | $35 | |
 Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura | 4–5 hours | 5.0 (484) | $30 | View |
 Half Day Minneriya National Park Safari from Dambulla | 4h 30min | 5.0 (6) | $50 | View |
 Minneriya National Park Safari | Jeep with Tickets | 3 hours | 5.0 (4) | $79 | View |
 Sigiriya Hike & Minneriya Safari Private Full Day Tour | 10 hours | 4.9 (82) | $60 | View |
 Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari with Expert Guide | 3–4 hours | 4.9 (75) | $38 | View |
 Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive) | 10–16 hours | 4.9 (120) | $152 | View |