North Central

Minneriya National Park

The Gathering — up to three hundred elephants on one reservoir bed in the dry season.

Between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, Minneriya's ancient reservoir draws elephants from across the dry zone as the water recedes. Between roughly June and September this becomes The Gathering, the largest concentration of Asian elephants anywhere. Herds move between Minneriya, Kaudulla and Eco Park depending on the water, so we decide the park on the day.

Things to do

Experiences in Minneriya National Park

Wildlife

Elephant encounters

Where to see elephants well — and which places we would rather avoid.

Wildlife

Wildlife safaris

Leopards, elephants and sloth bear, with trackers we work with all year.