Plan Trip

Destination

Minneriya – The Elephant Gathering of Sri Lanka

View Tours
Plan Trip
Minneriya National Park, best known for its annual elephant gathering, is a sanctuary of wildlife and wetlands in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Region

Type

Dry Season

June – September

Wet Season

October – January

Attractions

Top Attractions in this Destination

The Elephant Gathering

Between July and September, up to 300 elephants gather on the Minneriya Tank’s grassy shores. It is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles in Asia.

Minneriya Tank

An ancient reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. Today, it is the lifeblood of the park, supporting both wildlife and surrounding communities.

Safari Drives

Jeep safaris through the park provide close encounters with elephants, deer, wild buffalo, and a chance to spot leopards and sloth bears.

Birdwatching

The park is home to a remarkable diversity of birdlife including painted storks, pelicans, cormorants, and migratory waterfowl during the wet season.

Flora and Landscapes

Minneriya’s blend of wetlands, scrubland, and forest makes it a scenic safari destination, with stunning sunsets over the reservoir.

Kaudulla National Park

Located near Minneriya, this park is famous for its large elephant gatherings during the dry season. Visitors can see herds of up to 700 elephants, along with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Ideal for safaris and wildlife photography.

Overview

Destination Overview

Minneriya, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is world-famous for its breathtaking wildlife spectacle known as The Gathering. During the dry season from July to September, herds of Asian elephants migrate from surrounding areas such as Wasgamuwa National Park, kaudulla National Park and congregate on the grassy banks of the Minneriya Tank. Some reports estimate the numbers can reach as high as 700 elephants, making it the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world and a truly unforgettable sight.

The park spans over 8,800 hectares and revolves around the ancient Minneriya Tank, a 3rd-century reservoir built by King Mahasen. This water body not only sustains agriculture but also creates a rich ecosystem of wetlands, grasslands, and dry tropical forests. Thanks to this habitat diversity, Minneriya is home to 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.

Beyond elephants, visitors may spot sambar, spotted deer, purple-faced langurs, wild buffalo, and even elusive leopards and sloth bears. Birdwatchers will also be rewarded with sightings of painted storks, pelicans, cormorants, and migratory waterfowl. Minneriya forms part of an important elephant corridor connecting Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks, ensuring safe passage and thriving wildlife populations.

With its unique mix of history, ecology, and unmatched elephant encounters, Minneriya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s must-visit safari destinations.

Experiences

Experiences Included in this Destination

Healing to the Wild: Visiting Elephant Transit Homes & Conservation Projects
Witness the inspiring journey of Sri Lanka’s orphaned baby elephants as they are nurtured, rehabilitated, and prepared for release back into the wild. At specialized transit homes and conservation projects, visitors gain a rare insight into how people and nature work together to restore balance.
Wild Nights: Camping in the Wild Under the Stars
Drift to sleep under a canopy of stars while the sounds of the wild echo through the night. From the grasslands of Wilpattu to the jungles of Yala, camping in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable blend of raw wilderness, adventure, and comfort.

Tours

Tours Include This Destination

Tips

Travel Tips

🐘 Visit between July–September for the famous elephant gathering.
📸 Bring binoculars and long-lens cameras for wildlife photography.
🚙 Book a jeep safari in advance—afternoon safaris often offer the best sightings.
🦟 Carry insect repellent, especially near the reservoir.
☀️ The park can get hot; wear light clothing and bring water.
🌿 Combine your trip with nearby Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park for more safari variety.

Map

Map Location