MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

The nature reserve protects the catchments of 3 ancient irrigation
tanks, including the Minneriya Tank, which was built by King
Mahasen in the third century AD, and is one of the most important
habitats in the region for the long term conservation of elephants.
May to October is a popular time to visit the Minneriya National
Park due to the famous Elephant Gathering. As the waters of the
reservoir recede during the dry season, lush grass is exposed on
the banks. Small herds of elephants from surrounding parks travel
to Minneriya and gather to form massive herds. This is a
fascinating event and visitors are often treated to the sight of
many hundreds of elephants feeding on the banks. Once the rains
set in, the elephants disperse and retreat into the surrounding
jungles.