For visitors exploring the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, nearby Minneriya National Park, and the interlinking Kaudalla and Hurulu Eco Parks, make an excellent change of pace and scenery. At its heart of Minneriya stands the large Minneriya Tank, a huge 3rd century reservoir (for this region lies in the island’s ‘Dry Zone’). Its habitats are surprisingly varied, with forests, scrublands, grasslands and wetlands. out. 

Elephants – and safaris to see them at fairly close range – are the main attraction, particularly during the famous ‘Gathering’ of August and September when hundreds of pachyderms migrate to the park to graze and bathe in its cool waters. Large herds of elephants migrate between the three parks in different seasons, so which one to visit depends on the time of year and your consultant will know which periods are most likely to yield sightings.