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Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Close to Polonnaruwa
Distance from Colombo: 182km
Entrance: along the
Habarana Polonnaruwa road
Access to the the park: by 4WD. 4 hour trip from
Habarana
The trip: a guest house trip from one of the hotel/guest houses at
Polonnaruwa (1st choice in terms of distance) or
Habarana
(1st choice in
terms of accommodation)
Size of the park: 8890 ha elephant corridor which joins up with
Kaudulla
& Wasgomuwa national parks
Main feature of the park: King Mahasena's magnificent Minneriya man made
lake (3rd century) covering an area of 3000 ha
The terrain of the park: dry tropical forest to wetlands, grasslands
Best time to visit: June to September (dry season in the dry zone) when
the mammals and birds roam around the tank
Main draw: herds of elephants up to 150. We can also see elephants on
the Habarana road
Mammals: leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, the endangered rusty
spotted cat, sloth bear
Birds: cormorants, grey herons, spot-billed pelicans, painted storks,
Sri Lankan hanging parrot & crimson-fronted barbet (160 species)
Transmigration of elephants of Minneriya National Park :
Kaudulla
National Park (Close to Polonnaruwa) &
Wasgomuwa National Park (Close to
Polonnaruwa)
Best bases: Habarana & Giritale
Habarana &
Giritale are usually used as the bases for visiting nearby
national parks, Wasgamouwa National Park & Kaudulla National Park
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Hotels at
Habarana
The Lodge:
150 tastefully decorated a/c rooms in bungalows. Some
deluxe with tubs & TV.
Lush grounds with woods, good pool, good service.
The village
106 rustic cottages including 25 a/c, on the banks of
the reservoir Extensive garden, small boomerang shaped pool,
excellent food. |
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Hotels at
Giritale
The up market hotels in Giritale, just off the main road
overlook the tank in beautiful settings; can make a
convenient base for Polonnaruwa.
Deer Park
78 luxurious cottages overlooking the Giritale reservoir.
Some with open air showers, 4 excellent suit villas. Up
market facilities with 3 restaurants, business center, gym,
herbal health centre, split level pool.
Giritale Hotel
42 A/C rooms high above the Giritale Tank, small pool. Good
facilities with superb views from the restaurant & terrace.
Plenty of wildlife within hotel grounds, including chital &
monkeys.
Royal Lotus
56 comfortable a/c rooms & 4 cottages, fine views over
the Giritale Tank. Pool, good food |
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