The Elephant Gathering in Sri Lanka
A unique and unusual wildlife event in Sri Lanka, where herds of elephants gather in one location
This gathering is considered to be the largest in South Asia and is extremely popular with visitors who want to witness this annual event.
About the Gathering
The event is known to be a time where Elephants from a number of wild elephant herds from different locations in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka meet together in a single location. The period of the event is mostly between, July to October each year. In 2012 Lonely Planet ranked, ‘The Gathering’, as 6th on their list of the world’s best wildlife spectacles.
The historic Minneriya Tank is a 3rd century AD creation by King Mahasen which was originally built for agriculture. Over the years it has become a gathering spot for Elephants during the dry season. Over 300 are known to gather to the location. Elephants can be seen eating and playing in the water, and this is a unique opportunity to see how they interact with each other.
About Sri Lankan Elephants
Sri Lankan elephants belong to a subspecies of the Asian Elephant. Sri Lanka is home to 10% of all Asian Elephants, and there are over 5000 elephants throughout the country. Their main habitat is in the dry zones spread throughout the country. There are several protected areas for elephants; however 65% of elephants range outside protected areas.
Sri Lankan elephants are not as large as African elephants and the highest point on their body is on their heads. Females are smaller and do not have tusks, the male elephants do however this accounts for only 2% of elephants in Sri Lanka.
These marvellous creatures have been part of Sri Lankan culture and heritage for over 2,000 years and continue to be used in most institutions as a symbol, including them in religious processions like the Kandy Perahera.
To reserve a tour of the Minneriya National Park, and to get a chance to see the Elephant gathering email us at [email protected] for more information.
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