After exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the morning, we returned to the hotel for a quick snack and some beers by the pool under the intense Sri Lankan sunshine. We then headed just 10 minutes away to Minneriya National Park.
Minneriya is famous for its elephants, and I couldn’t wait to see them. Planning a trip like this is great because you can customize your itinerary with help from the locals. You’re free to do whatever suits you best at your own pace.
Once we arrived at the park, our journey took us along some bumpy and dusty dirt roads, surrounded by lush green scenery and a bright blue sky. My focus, however, was entirely on spotting elephants, and I couldn’t keep my eyes from scanning left and right in excitement.
We saw some other animals along the way, but none captured my attention quite like the elephants. Initially, the ones we spotted were hidden in tall grass, making it impossible to get a clear photo, but just seeing them was a thrill.
We continued our search for what felt like ages without another sighting. To improve our chances, we climbed some rocks for a better view. From up there, we could see for miles, offering an incredible view of the park’s vastness.
Soon enough, our patience paid off, and we found about thirty elephants right in front of us, leisurely moving through the tall grass. It was absolutely worth the wait!
The highlight came when they crossed the road, revealing baby elephants! My excitement hit the roof as I tried to get the best view from the jeep, much to the amusement of Yaya, Georgia, and Chris.
Watching the elephants move gracefully across the landscape was truly magical, almost as if they were performing in a perfectly choreographed ballet. We were definitely not the only ones enjoying this beautiful sight.
The elephants looked so content among the lush greenery of the park, an ideal sanctuary for them. As the sun began to set and the moon appeared, we decided to end our safari.
Seeing the elephants roam freely in their natural habitat without any restrictions felt just right. This experience was not only peaceful but also reassuring. Minneriya National Park is an incredible place to see elephants, and I highly recommend it as a must-see when in Sri Lanka.