North Central · dry zone
Minneriya & Kaudulla
Every dry season, hundreds of elephants converge on the grasslands around these ancient reservoirs. It's one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants anywhere.
As the dry season bites, the water in the old tanks of Minneriya and Kaudulla falls back, and fresh grass grows on the exposed shore. Elephants arrive from across the region, sometimes hundreds in an evening. The call on which park to visit is made on the day, following the herds, with Hurulu Eco Park as a third option.
When to go
July to October, with the peak usually in August and September.
What you’ll see
Family herds with calves, bachelor tuskers, and the dust, mud and noise of a lot of elephants in one place.
Expeditions that visit Minneriya & Kaudulla
Free guide
Planning Minneriya? Start with our field guide
Every park, the best months for each and how to plan a first safari. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a route.