After entering the main gate with the entrance tickets, you enter the big forest through sand, gravel and muddy slopes. The park is named “Minneriya” because it is located in association with Minneriya Reservoir. The park is 89 sq. Km in size and is quite small compared to other national parks but is popular among tourists because of the elephant population. Elephants flock to the reservoir to feed on grass at the Minneriya Reservoir and to drink water. Obviously it will be their playtime in the water. You may see baby elephants play with others under the supervision of the adult elephants. Around 150-200 or more elephants are seen during dry seasons. The herd of elephants, which gathers beside the picturesque Minneriya reservoir, is a beautiful sight, and tourists are more interested in photographing it because of its rarity and beauty. This place has been recorded as the largest elephant gathering place not only in South Asia but also in the world. Though small in size, the Minneriya National Park is a diverse park with 24 mammals, 160 bird species and 25 snake species in addition to elephants. The endemic bird species include the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Red-headed woodpecker, Black-crested Bulbul and also Pea-cocks can be seen in Minneriya Park. Due to climatic factors such as dry season and rainy season, the elephants migrate to the Kaudulla Lake located next to Minneriya. Elephants are few in the Minneriya National Park and most of them are in the Kaudulla Lake of the Kaudulla National Park. Therefore, our Jeep Safari is done at Kaudulla National Park during such times. But Kawudulla National par is not second to Minneriya National Park in its natural beauty. Fireflies lighting tour Seeing elephants and other animals during the Minneriya National Park safari, say goodbye to elephants and move towards few lakes situated in the Habarana area to experience another fresh, somewhat rare tourism attraction. It is to see the stunning lights from the fireflies, spread over a group of large trees near the beautiful lakes. These natural lights, such as the flashing lights of the trees, will surely delight you as the darkness falls. If you are thinking of taking pictures of this rare sight, it is best to use a somewhat sensitive camera that you take higher pixelled photos. The scenic tour is over after seeing the amazing moments of natural beauty and finally getting you to your stop.