Minneriya National Park

The 'Gathering' takes place every year between August andSeptember. The largest concentration of Elephants in Asia, happens when over 300 gather on the grassland that sprouts on thereceding shores of Minneriya Lake. It is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world.
 
Wildlife In the scrub jungle around the lake, endemic birds found include the Ceylon Junglefowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Grey Hornbill and Blackcapped Bulbul. The open areas around the lake are good for raptors includingBrahminy Kite, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and the majestic
White-bellied Sea Eagle. Mammals include the endemic Toque Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Jackal and Spotted Deer.

 

 Getting There the National Park entrance is near the 35 kilometer post on the A11 running between Habarana and Polonnaruwa.


 Accommodation good hotels at Habarana and Giritale andfurther afield at Sigiriya and Kandalama.