Minneriya with a private driver

Minneriya National Park is built around the ancient Minneriya Reservoir, constructed by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and still functioning as an irrigation tank. Between June and September each year, as the reservoir water level drops in the dry season and the receding shoreline reveals fresh grassland, wild elephants from across the surrounding forests converge to graze — a phenomenon known as 'The Gathering', which is recognised as one of the largest concentrations of wild Asian elephants in the world. Up to 300 elephants have been counted in a single afternoon at peak season. Outside the Gathering months the park holds good year-round populations of elephants, sambar, toque macaques, purple-faced langurs and a strong bird list. Minneriya is about 30 minutes from Sigiriya, making a Cultural Triangle itinerary that combines Sigiriya with an afternoon at Minneriya extremely practical.