Imagine that you are surrounded by lush greenery with birds cooing a song, this is the image of Minneriya. This small town in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka is famous for its greenery and wildlife. If you are an elephant lover then this is the best place to be as you get to see herds of elephants. You can also go on a safari and see animals closely in their natural habitat. There are several places to visit in Minneriya that you cannot miss out on so get ready to explore this town in Sri Lanka and ditch your routine for some time. It is time to take a break and amidst nature.
5 Best Places To Visit In Minneriya
Check out the best picks of places to visit in Minneriya and choose what all places you would like to cover. Are you ready? So here is our list!
1. Habarana
Sometimes one desires best of both worlds- to be in the lap of mother nature as well as ultimate intimacy. Habarana packs in both these with aplomb. Its a great place for jungle safari (Minneriya National Park) and is amongst the best places in Sri Lanka for honeymoon.
Special for Honeymooners: Aside of the safari , newlyweds can choose to explore a village in a bullock cart or go kayaking on the Habarana Lake. If you are upto it you could go up in a hot air balloon over the Minneriya National Park and sweep the jungle with your eyes.
Best time: May to October
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2. The Dambulla Cave Temple
The most popular among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Dambulla cave temple. It tops the Sri Lanka tourist destinations. The largest temple complex in Sri Lanka, its statues and paintings date back to 12th Century AD. The temple complex has five rooms of different sizes; all rooms have Buddha in a different position looking calm and peaceful. The temple is built on a black rocky mountain which serves as a nice contrast with the white walls of the temple. Dont miss the view from the top. The temple can be easily accessed from both Colombo and Kandy.
3. Sigiriya And Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya or the mount of remembrance is a World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning places to visit in Minneriya. This giant formation of rock rises out of nowhere towering over everything in its vicinity. It is quite a climb to the top but once up there you will get to see a panoramic view of the nearby sights and the Sigiriya fort. The rock fortress is a slice of history perched on a rock and is really worth a visit.
Not much is heard and said about Polonnaruwa, but this ancient city is no less than the Petra of the south. A gem among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, this ancient ruined city stands amidst its erstwhile sturdy columns and architecture. The best way to explore this ancient city is to hire a bike and zoom around the ruins. The site is well maintained and is a telling example of Sri Lankas history and culture. Polonnaruwa can be easily accessed via Sigiriya. You can take a tuk-tuk or a bus from Sigiriya. Or you can take a bus from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa.
Best Hotels to Stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Camelia Resort and Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, Camellia Resort and Spa, and Lal Homestay
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4. Pidurangala Rock
If you are looking for a hiking place in Minneriya then look no further than Pidurangala Rock that is perched on a mountain. To reach this destination, one has to hike through an uneven pathway but the view from the place is worth it. You get to capture a panoramic view of Minneriya which is mostly covered with verdant green. The enormous rock is believed to have a history with the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is counted in the top places to visit in Minneriya so make sure that you hike to this destination.
Location: Pidurangala,Sigiriya, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5 am – 5 pm
5. Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is counted among the best places to visit in Minneriya as it gives a glimpse of the wildlife in this town of Sri Lanka. Initially declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1938, this place converted into a national park in 1997. It is well-known for its herds of elephant which you can see in their natural habitat. If you are lucky enough then you might even be able to see around 300 elephants near Minneriya Reservoir. So, if you are an animal lover and love to see animals in the wild then this the chance that you might not want to miss.
Location: Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Rambawilla 50150, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 am – 6:30 pm
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These are the best places to visit in Minneriya that no nature lover or animal lover can afford to miss. To have the best trip, make sure that you include the famous Minneriya National Park in your itinerary. It is time to resort in nature for some time and re-energize yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan a vacation to Sri Lanka this instant. Grab the opportunity to get a customized package and plan a hassle-free trip. Whether planning to travel with friends, family or alone, Minneriya is one of the best places to resort to in Sri Lanka.
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