The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari from Minneriya

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

3 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Sunrise or sunset tour pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya Rock

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

5.0

(4)

Sunrise or sunset tour pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya Rock

from $55

Sigiriya Rock or pidurangala and Polonnaruwa and National Park

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

5.0

(2)

Sigiriya Rock or pidurangala and Polonnaruwa and National Park

from $160

Per group

Minneriya National Park Safari - Private Jeep with Hotel Pickup

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

4.8

(47)

Minneriya National Park Safari - Private Jeep with Hotel Pickup

from $35

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Experience one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world during this private excursion to witness Sri Lanka’s annual ‘Great Elephant Gathering.’ Observe up to 200 of these gentle giants in one place as they bathe, play, and feed right before your eyes. It’s a once-a-year event that’s not to be missed.

Experience the annual 'Great Elephant Gathering' in Sri Lanka's Minneriya National Park
Witness one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world, including up to 200 animals
Observe other park wildlife like Sri Lankan sloth bears, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and birds
Private guide and vehicle ensure more personalized experience

What's Included

4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep)
Experienced Driver (Also your tracker)
Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate
Water Bottle Per Person
Entrance fee - Park entrance tickets are included when "Jeep With Tickets" selected.

Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate
Entrance fee - Park entrance tickets are excluded when "Jeep With No Tickets" selected.

$45.00 per person
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Departure Point: Park Gate Of Minneriya National Park If you are staying within a 5km radius of the entrance gate, you can arrange free pickup from your hotel. Address: Habarana-Polonnaruwa Road, Habarana, Sri Lanka Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point

Operating hours
.3:00 pm

Itinerary

Head to the gate of Minneriya National Park in the afternoon to begin your trip. Guests who are staying within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the park entrance are eligible for an included pick-up from their accommodations.

Continue into the park aboard a private safari Jeep. This protected area dates back to the third century AD, when Sri Lankan King Mahasena built an artificial reservoir. Today the reservoir serves as a haven for Asian elephants, which congregate in the area between August to October each year when the water level falls and a growth of plants rises in its place. Elephants from other areas including Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Matale and Kaudulla flock to Minneriya during this time to feed, bathe, and play in the shallow waters.

Your Jeep will creep up to this gathering of up to 200 pachyderms while remaining at a safe distance. You’ll have the awe-inspiring opportunity to witness this huge gathering as the sun sets in the distance, watching as the animals spray water in the air, swim, and mingle. Make sure to also keep your eyes out for other creatures including the Sri Lankan sloth bear, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and many species of birds that call the park home.

You’ll finish your trip back at the park entrance gates, or receive an included drop-off if your accommodation is within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the park.