Polonnaruwa · North Central Province
Minneriya
Grasslands around an ancient reservoir.
Minneriya surrounds a reservoir built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century. As the dry season shrinks the water, fresh grass appears on its shores.
From around July to October, elephants gather here in large herds — sometimes in the hundreds — in one of Asia's great wildlife spectacles.
Don't miss in Minneriya
- 'The Gathering' of elephants
- Jeep safaris at sunset
- Waterbirds on the reservoir
- Nearby Kaudulla National Park
Places & Sites to Visit in Minneriya
Kaudulla National Park
Nearby excursion · about 20 km from Minneriya
Grasslands around an ancient tank, visited by elephant herds in season.
Activities & Experiences in Minneriya
The Elephant Gathering
In the dry season, herds can gather on the grassy shores of ancient reservoirs — a scene of families, calves and trumpeting at golden hour.
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