Minneriya National Park
Where giants gather, grasslands stretch to the horizon, and one of nature’s greatest spectacles unfolds each year — the Gathering.
📍 Location & Size
Situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park covers around 89 square kilometers, nestled between Habarana and Polonnaruwa. It is part of the wider elephant corridor that includes Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks, enabling free movement of wild elephants across ecosystems.
💧 The Heartbeat of the Park – Minneriya Tank
Built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, the Minneriya reservoir is not only a historic marvel but the life-source of the park. During the dry season (July to October), its shrinking water levels expose rich grasslands that attract hundreds of elephants, forming what is famously known as “The Gathering.”
🐘 The Gathering – A Wildlife Phenomenon
Minneriya is renowned for hosting the largest annual gathering of wild Asian elephants in the world. Herds of over 300 elephants — mothers with calves, lone bulls, and entire families — congregate at the tank, drawn by water and lush grasses.
This is one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Asia.
🦌 Wildlife Diversity
Beyond elephants, the park is home to:
🦌 Spotted deer, sambar deer
🐒 Purple-faced langurs and toque macaques
🐊 Mugger crocodiles basking in the shallows
🦅 Raptors like white-bellied sea eagles and serpent eagles
🐆 Occasional sightings of leopards and sloth bears
🦜 Birding Paradise
Minneriya’s mix of wetlands and woodlands makes it excellent for birdwatching. Expect to see:
Painted storks, grey herons, and pelicans
Lesser adjutants and black-headed ibises
Cormorants, egrets, and kingfishers
Endemic birds like the Sri Lanka junglefowl and brown-capped babbler
🕰️ History in the Wild
The Minneriya tank reflects the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic civilization. The park surrounds are steeped in heritage, with Polonnaruwa — a UNESCO World Heritage City — located nearby. Many travelers combine wildlife safaris with cultural exploration.
🌿 Conservation Significance
Minneriya plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, offering a seasonal sanctuary where herds can safely graze, socialize, and access water. As pressure from human-elephant conflict grows, the park serves as a vital refuge.
Safaris conducted responsibly contribute to conservation awareness and local livelihoods.
✨ Why Visit Minneriya?
Witness The Gathering — a world-famous elephant congregation
Scenic reservoir landscapes & open plains
Excellent family-friendly safaris
Ideal add-on to visits to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Less forested than Wilpattu — more open viewing opportunities
