Description

Minneriya National Park in north-central Sri Lanka is home to one of nature's most spectacular events: "The Gathering." From May to October each year, hundreds of wild Asian elephants converge at the Minneriya Tank ? an ancient reservoir built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century ? to feed on the lush grass exposed as water levels drop. At its peak, over 300 elephants can be seen together in a single location, making it one of the largest congregations of Asian elephants in the world. The park also supports leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, and over 170 species of birds.