米内里亚国家公园私人野生动物园

Minneriya National Park lies in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, near Habarana and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, about 180 km (a 4-5 hour drive) from Colombo. The park is built around the historic Minneriya Tank, a reservoir first built in the 3rd century AD.

Wild Asian elephants are the highlight. Minneriya is world-famous for "The Gathering", when hundreds of elephants congregate on the grasslands around the receding Minneriya Tank - one of the largest seasonal gatherings of wild elephants on earth. You may also see spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, crocodiles, macaques and a wealth of birdlife.

Safaris run all year, but the dry season from roughly June to September is best. As the reservoir recedes, large herds gather to feed on the fresh grass, and the famous Gathering usually peaks in August and September.

The private jeep safari lasts about 3 hours, usually in the late afternoon when the wildlife is most active and the light is best for photography.

Yes. You explore the park in your own private 4x4 jeep with an experienced driver-tracker, so you set the pace and get the best positions for viewing and photographing wildlife.

It depends on the option you choose. Select "Tickets: Yes" to include the park entrance fees in your booking, or "Tickets: No" if you prefer to settle them separately at the park entrance.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, a camera or binoculars, and light, neutral-coloured clothing. Late afternoons can be breezy in an open jeep, so a light layer is handy.