Minneriya Gathering
Ever wondered what will happen if 500 to 600 elephants were at one place? Why would you wonder, when it actually happens in Sri Lanka. Yes, you read it right, during August and September the thinning banks of the Minneriya Lake promotes one of the most unique scenes you will ever see - ‘Minneriya Elephant Gathering’ ; A mass migration of elephants gathered at one point. The reason behind this giant gathering is that during this time of the year, dry season hits this region, drastically reducing the water supplies. The only fertile place with enough and more water to accommodate such a large group of animals is the Minneriya reservoir, thus they all gather around it during the dry spell. According to the authorities this spectacle has been repeated for over hundreds of years, but has caught the world’s eye quite recently. The gathering has gained so much momentum that even lonely planet listed it as the 6th wildlife spectacle in the world.
Attractions
- Kala Pola
- Duruthu Perahera
- Thai Pongal
- Donald Steele Golf Tournament
- Navam Perehara
- Hot Air Ballooning Festival
- Maha Siva Rathri
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year
- Vesak
- Poson
- Kandy Perehara
- Kataragama Festival
- Vel
- Nallur Festival
- Minneriya Gathering
- Bird Watching at Anawilundawa
- Whale and Dolphin watching
- Pilgrimage Season – Adam’s Peak
- Christmas