Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s north-central region, is renowned for its large population of wild elephants. The park is easily accessible from Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Polonnaruwa.

Minneriya is particularly famous for the annual gathering of elephants during the dry season, typically from June to September. As water sources in the region dwindle, elephants from surrounding areas converge on Minneriya Wewa (Tank), a large reservoir built by ancient kings. This gathering is one of the largest elephant congregations in the world, where over 200 to 300 elephants can be seen drinking, bathing, and socializing.

Minneriya National Park offers a spectacular wildlife experience, with opportunities to observe not only elephants but also leopards, sambar deer, and various bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including grasslands and mixed forests, provide a rich environment for wildlife. Visiting during the dry season is a remarkable experience for wildlife photography or simply witnessing the incredible behavior of elephants in their natural habitat.