Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park

Outty Ranking 57 3.7 · 3 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $30
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park worth booking?

Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park is a 3-hour experience in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, from $30 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (3)
Duration
3 hours
From
$30 per person

Get a chance to see the world’s largest congregation of Asian Elephants as you go on 3-hour Safari in Minneriya National Park. Visit the Minneriya Tank and learn more about its history. Drive through the many habitat types within the National Park and see some rich nature and wildlife within them. Try to identify the many rare and endemic birds that you see on the safari.

What you get

    About this experience

    Get a chance to see the world’s largest congregation of Asian Elephants as you go on 3-hour Safari in Minneriya National Park. Visit the Minneriya Tank and learn more about its history. Drive through the many habitat types within the National Park and see some rich nature and wildlife within them. Try to identify the many rare and endemic birds that you see on the safari.

    What's included

    Included

    • 4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep)
    • Entrance fees
    • All Taxes and Service Charges
    • Bottled water
    • Experienced Driver (Also your tracker)
    • Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate
    • Entrance fees
    • Meals
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Minneriya National Park

      This intensive safari experience will give you the chance to go on a game drive through the Minneriya National Park, famed for its elephant gatherings. In addition, your safari guide you will help you catch sight of a number of flora and fauna native to Sri Lanka. Avid birdwatchers will love this safari as well.You will be travelling in a rough terrain (4WD) game vehicle. About the Park: The Minneriya National Park first began its operations in 1938 as a Wildlife Sanctuary, and later in 1997 it was designated as a national park. Situated in the dry zone, the park receives between just 1500 - 2000 millimeters of annual rainfall.The wildlife in the park include 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Anuradhapura

    Park Gate of Minneriya National Park

    Meeting point

    Anuradhapura

    Pick up from selected Hotels in the Habarana area.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Park Gate of Minneriya National Park

    Ends at

    Pick up from selected Hotels in the Habarana area.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Lakpura LLC

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Price is per vehicle
    • A maximum of 6 people per vehicle
    • Not recommended for children 5 and under
    • Please Advise which safari would you like to go on when you making the booking.

    Photos

    Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 2Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 3Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 4Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 5Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 6Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park in Anuradhapura, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    samosatrip · January 2024

    It is a scam. Took money but not supplying the order.

    Placed an order for the Salicia Reticulata but have not seen my order or my refund even after two months. Just received an email that shippers wont ship. Seems like a scam. Do not buy anything from Lakpura LLC.

    via Tripadvisor

    Amy C · October 2018

    Minneriya - Elephant Tour

    This was the highlight of our two week holiday! The booking of the safari through trip advisor was easy, but the guidance of the staff Lakpura before our trip was excellent and so helpful with our planning. We were able to contact our advisor through what’s app, and they were especially accommodating when I requested to change the date of our booking due to being unwell. The actual tour is a truly magical experience! We were in a private jeep which drove out to the lake where we saw about 45-60 elephants in one herd walking into and enjoying the water. We then watched them eat and play before driving round to another side of the water where we saw another herd including a tusked elephant (only 4% of all elephants in Sri Lanka have tusks) and watched as the sunset - gorgeous for photos! On our way out of the park we saw two adult elephants assisting a baby elephant who, our tour guide advised, would have been born that day. A fantastic experience and a must do! Thank you so much to the our tour guide who made it especially special!

    via Tripadvisor

    Eknein · January 2018

    Awesome experience!

    Arrived at the park to be greeted by our driver. Very friendly guy who spoke good english. We got some water for during the trip (which was welcome to wash away the dust from our throat) Unfortunatly the ticket machine at the park broke, so we had to wait a while to get a written ticket. Communications where excellent during the wait and the time was more than made up during the safari. Driver made sure we had great spots to see elephants, birds and other wildlife. Jeep in great condition. Would absolutely use their services again!! Small tip for when you go on this safari: bring a scarf to cover your mouth ;)

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $30 to $55
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Lakpura LLC, who run 1,464 experiences we rank across 12 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.4.

    See everything Lakpura LLC runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)26
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)72
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anuradhapura.

    How much does Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park cost?

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    Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anuradhapura usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anuradhapura is not rushed.

    Is Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anuradhapura, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anuradhapura can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anuradhapura and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anuradhapura within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Anuradhapura?

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    On Outty we rank every Anuradhapura experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura Heritage Mountain bike / bicycle Tour, Mountain Bicycle Group Tour Anuradhapura & History with Buddhism. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Anuradhapura?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Anuradhapura?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park?

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    Included: 4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep); Entrance fees; All Taxes and Service Charges; Bottled water; and Experienced Driver (Also your tracker). Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate; Entrance fees; Meals; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Anuradhapura. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Anuradhapura. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Wild Elephant Safari in Minneriya National Park?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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