Excursion Sri lankan safari at minneriya national park tour at Trincomalee

Minneriya National Park, Game Drive, Elephant Herds

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2-hour drive to Minneriya National Park. Situated within the elephant corridor, this relatively small reserve spans approximately 21,965 acres (about 8,889 hectares) and hosts an unusually large number of elephants. It is one of the best places to see wild herds at close range as they go about their day. Upon arrival, board an open-sided 4WD safari vehicle and begin your exciting, approximately 3-hour game-drive. If you're lucky, you may even see a whole herd of adults with their young ones as they bathe or frolic in the water; an unforgettable sight.

Plant, Animal, Bird, Amphibian, Reptile, Fish, and Butterfly Species, Endemic Bamboo Trees

In addition to the elephants, other dry zone plant and animal species are also found in abundance; about 160 bird species, nine amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are also rare bamboo trees unique to this park.

Cinnamon Lodge, Lunch, Return Drive

Following your game-drive in this elephant haven, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the Cinnamon Lodge. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Minneriya National Park, Game Drive, Elephant Herds, Plant, Animal, Bird, Amphibian, Reptile, Fish, and Butterfly Species, Bamboo Trees, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a minimal amount of walking, at times over uneven, bumpy, dusty, slippery and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and open-sided, 4WD safari vehicles, two steps at Minneriya National Park and six steps at the Cinnamon Lodge. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable safari clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent and the camera. Guests must be at least seven years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate on this tour.  The 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are open-sided, and guests are therefore exposed to the heat and elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme contents and sequence are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. Infrastructure in Trincomalee is basic; therefore, the best-available vehicles and guides brought in from Colombo. Safari vehicles are basic and open from the sides. Trackers are under the Government Wildlife Authority and extremely limited in number however Silversea will try it's best to provide a few trackers to be shared between jeeps. Alternatively, one guide is assigned to six Jeeps. Rangers are locals who speak very basic English. Matches, lighters and cigarettes and flash photography are all strictly prohibited inside the park. Food items are not allowed in the park. Feeding animals is also strictly forbidden. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Lunch venue is not air-conditioned. The safari can be held in other parks are connected to Minneriya National Park – Kaudulla National Park and Hurulu Eco Park. The three parks are part of one large ecosystem, divided simply by a road, and animals move freely between them. Depending on the movement of elephants, which can be impacted by various factors including rainfall, the park visited may change to allow better viewing chances for guests.