Every year in the dry season, hundreds of wild elephants gather around one ancient reservoir.
An ancient lake
The Minneriya reservoir was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century to irrigate rice fields. As the dry season takes hold from July, the water retreats and fresh grass grows on the exposed lake bed. Elephants from the surrounding forests come to feed, bathe and socialise – at the peak, in August and September, several hundred may be present at once.
Watching responsibly
Our drivers keep a respectful distance and never block the animals’ path to water. Mothers with young calves are especially protective. We do not include elephant rides or visits to places where elephants perform – watching them in the wild is far more rewarding.
