Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is renowned for the annual “Gathering,” one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. During the dry season, over a hundred wild Asian elephants congregate around the Margaya tank and seasonal waterholes, forming large herds that attract international photographers and nature enthusiasts. The park’s open grasslands, scrub forests, and ancient irrigation tanks created by historic kings support rich biodiversity, including sambar deer, water buffalo, and an array of bird species such as painted storks and lesser adjutants. Guided jeep safaris traverse sandy tracks and shimmering reservoirs, offering close encounters with wildlife against a backdrop of rolling plains. Conservation efforts within Minneriya focus on protecting wildlife corridors and mitigating human-wildlife conflict in nearby villages. Visitors can learn about the park’s ecological importance through interpretive centers and community-run eco-tourism initiatives. The Minneriya Gathering provides a rare window into social behaviors of elephants and underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to wildlife preservation