The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari from Minneriya

Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka

The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari from Minneriya

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Great Elephant Gathering Safari in Minneriya is a seasonal safari that takes you to see the biggest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. Enjoy seeing the gentle giants of the animal kingdom. Get closer to nature as you watch them feed, bathe, and play right before your eyes.

Available options

Jeep with No Tickets (3 Hours)

LK50B08C00: Minneriya National Park Private Safari including Jeep with No Tickets (3 hrs)<br/>Pickup included

Jeep with Tickets (3 Hours)

LK50B08C00: The Great Elephant Gathering Private Safari from Minneriya Jeep with Tickets<br/>Pickup included

What's included

4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep)

Park entrance tickets are included when "Jeep With Tickets" selected.

Water Bottle Per Person

Experienced Driver (Also your tracker)

Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate

Detailed itinerary

This intensive safari experience will give you the chance to go on a game drive through the Minneriya National Park, famed for its elephant gatherings. In addition, your safari guide will help you catch sight of a number of flora and fauna native to Sri Lanka. Avid birdwatchers will love this safari as well.

The Annual Elephant Gatherings. Every year during the dry season between May and September, water runs out in the surrounding areas. Hence all the elephants in the wilderness of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee make an annual pilgrimage to the Minneriya tank seeking the freshwater and tender green grass along the banks of the tank. As a result, huge gatherings of elephants anywhere between 150 - 700 members can be seen roaming in the national park. These gatherings are said to be the largest gatherings of wild elephants in the entire world.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate

Park entrance tickets are excluded when "Jeep With No Tickets" selected.

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Price is fixed per vehicle

A maximum of 6 people per vehicle

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.

Historical Full day Free

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.

Historical 1 hour Free

Isurumuniya Temple

A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian.

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mihintale Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery Tea tasting Visiting temples Exploring ancient ruins Attending religious ceremonies Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival

Best Time to Visit

January to March

This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

28-32°C 82-90°F