The lovely island nation of Sri Lanka is renowned for its natural beauty and boasts a number of outstanding wildlife parks. If you intend to visit this entrancing country you can make the most of your Sri Lanka excursions by staying at a quality hotel such as the Heritance Kandalama. This attractive hotel offers fine accommodations and considerate hospitality.
Nature lovers visiting Sri Lanka should make it a point to explore the captivating Minneriya National Park. This vast natural sanctuary which extends over an area of 8890 hectares is considered to be one of the nation’s most important national parks. The terrain of the park can be described as a mixture of tropical evergreen forests and scrub grassland. Many of Sri Lanka’s most treasured animals may be observed at this verdant natural sanctuary.
The central point of this park is the well-known Minneriya reservoir which was constructed as long ago as the 3rd century by the monarch Mahasena. During the dry weather season which extends from June to the month of September, the reservoir is an amazing place to view the herds of elephants which congregate at this location to graze on the lush grasses and bathe in the waters of the reservoir.
You will also see enormous flocks of various kinds of birds which descend on the waters to catch their fill of fish. Visitors will notice birds such as painted storks and cormorants which flock to the area. Other attractive bird varieties to be seen at Minneriya include grey herons, great white pelicans, jungle fowl, hanging parrots, grey hornbills, brown-capped babblers and other species.
The park is also renowned for its animal varieties, of which there are many appealing species. The majestic leopard is a local highlight, in addition to creatures like the sambar, spotted deer, frogs, lizards, skinks and others. With so much to see and experience, the Minneriya National Park is sure to enthral the visitor.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.