Minneriya National Park, National park in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province, Sri Lanka, centred on the Minneriya tank, a reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The park covers low-canopy forests, scrublands, abandoned chena lands, grasslands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. Its dry-season grass fields attract herds of Sri Lankan elephants, and the tank supports water birds such as lesser adjutant and painted stork.

The tank was constructed in the 3rd century by King Mahasena as part of ancient Sri Lanka's advanced water management system. The site later became a national park to protect the wildlife and ecosystems that depend on this historical water source.

The tank remains central to local livelihoods, with traditional fishing and irrigation methods still practiced by people living nearby. This water source continues to shape how communities in the region work and interact with the landscape.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot wildlife when animals are most active. Bring binoculars, sun protection, and plenty of water, as the heat can be intense in this area.

The elephants drawn to the Minneriya tank during the dry season come from as far as Wasgamuwa National Park, roughly 150–200 animals by usual counts, with some reports claiming up to 700. They feed on the grass fields at the reservoir's edge, which the tank keeps green through the dry months.