The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari in Minneriya
Private safari with wide range of biodiversity
Sanctuary for elephants, crocodiles, birds, and More
See and photograph some of the largest herds of elephants
Private Game Drive by 4x4 vehicle
You can see rich variety of exotic flora and fauna.
With the grace of majestic giants and pristine tropical dry forest settings, Minneriya National Park is a perfect spot to spend few hours witnessing one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on earth.
We will start the Jeep tour from the main entrance main entrance (GPS: 8°01'58.8"N 80°49'28.0"E) of the Park near the car park.
You will begin your Great Elephant Gathering Safari at the entrance gates of Minneriya National Park at 2:30 pm in the afternoon. If you are staying in a hotel within a 5km radius of the entrance gate of Minneriya, you will be receiving a complimentary pickup.
Sri Lanka has a very high count of Asian elephants. It is believed that there are over 4000 elephants spread over many areas of the island, with over 2500 being in protected areas. The North Central Province has a fairly large concentration of the animals.
Minneriya National Park, which is one of the main areas where elephants can be seen, was formed around the artificial reservoir created by King Mahasena in the third century AD. Over the ages, the area around the reservoir became a haven for wildlife and was later declared a wildlife sanctuary and national park.
During the months from August to October, the water levels of the reservoir go down, allowing a fresh growth of plants to rise from the newly revealed ground. During this season elephants from the areas around Minneriya, such as Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Matale, and Kaudulla, make their way to Minneriya National Park in order to feed on the fresh growth. This results in a large influx of elephants gathering on the banks of the reservoir. At the peak of the Great Elephant Gathering, it is believed that over 200 elephants gather at the same place, making it the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.
You will be visiting the banks of the reservoir in a jeep, and watching from a safe distance. As the sun sinks in the sky, you will see the awe-striking sight of large numbers of huge elephants flowing in from all directions. You can watch from mere feet away as whole families of the mammal's feed and play. Watch the giant pool party where large glistening bodies roll in the water, and spray it into the air. See the most incredible sight that you can never see anywhere else in the world.
In addition to the elephants, other wildlife such as various species of deer, monkeys, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, crocodiles and many different species of birds can also be seen in Minneriya National Park. You will be finishing your safari at 5:30 pm at the entrance gates. If you stay in a hotel within a 5km radius of the entrance gates you will be entitled to a complimentary drop off right at your hotel.
✔ 3 Hour Safari by Private Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep) .
✔ Experienced Driver (Also your tracker).
✔ National Park Entrance fees.
✔ All taxes and service charges.
✔ Water
✔ Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate and Habarana Junction.
❌ Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of the park entrance gate.
❌ Food and drinks.
❌ Expenses of personal nature.
❌ Gratuities.
Once you meet us at the car park to get on your jeep, you driver will conduct the tour in the best routes for animal spotting on the day while also sharing valuable information on the animals you see.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts.
