The Minneriya Elephant Gathering
The largest gathering of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world, on the bed of a receding reservoir.
As the dry season deepens, the water in the Minneriya reservoir retreats and leaves behind fresh grass. Elephants walk in from the surrounding jungle to feed on it — sometimes three hundred or more in a single afternoon, with calves, sub-adult bulls sparring, and whole family groups moving in loose procession across open ground.
It is the largest gathering of wild Asian elephants on earth and it happens almost entirely between July and September. Drives run in the late afternoon, when the animals come down to the water and the light is at its best. If the herds have shifted to neighbouring Kaudulla or Eco Park, your tracker will simply take you there instead.
What’s included
- Up to 300 wild elephants in one afternoon
- Open 4x4 jeep with an experienced tracker
- Calves, family groups and sparring young bulls
- Flexible between Minneriya, Kaudulla and Eco Park
- Exceptional late-afternoon photography
- Combines easily with Sigiriya on the same day
Add The Minneriya Elephant Gathering to your trip
Tell us roughly when you are in the country and we will check availability, arrange the transport to get you there and fold it into the rest of your itinerary.
- A reply within 24 hoursUsually the same working day.
- Fits around your plansWe work it into the days you already have.
- Nothing to pay nowNo card details to check availability.
Other things to do
All activities
Half day (two dives)Diving & Snorkelling
Coral gardens, colonial-era shipwrecks and reef sharks — on whichever coast is in season.
PriceOn enquiry
2 hours to multi-day campsSurfing
One of the easiest places in the world to learn, and a serious destination once you can stand up.
PriceOn enquiry
5–6 hoursWhale & Dolphin Watching
The largest animal that has ever lived, within a morning boat ride of the shore.
PriceOn enquiry