The Great Gathering
Minneriya / Kaudulla • Elephant Herds • Sunset
Pickup from Kandy
11:00 AMRelaxed start. Recommend having a late breakfast or early lunch before departure.
Arrive at Park Gate
02:00 PMReach Habarana/Park Gate (Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco Park depending on season). Meet your private 4x4 Jeep.
Jungle Safari
02:30 PM3-Hour private safari. Watch herds of elephants emerging from the forest to drink and bathe at the tanks.
Depart for Kandy
06:00 PMLeave the park at sunset and begin the return journey.
Drop off in Kandy
09:00 PMArrive back at your hotel.
Wasgamuwa Wilderness
Remote Park • Wild Elephants • Marsh Lions (Rare)
Pickup from Kandy
10:30 AMScenic drive through the Knuckles mountain range eastern slopes to reach the dry zone.
Enter Wasgamuwa
02:00 PMEnter the park. The landscape is diverse with riverine forests and grasslands.
Tracking Wildlife
02:30 PMSearch for Elephants, Sloth Bears (seasonal), and if very lucky, Leopards. Birdlife is abundant.
Return Journey
06:00 PMExit the park and drive back to Kandy via the 18-bend road (scenic but winding).
Udawalawe Day Trip
Long Drive • Guaranteed Elephants • Transit Option
Early Pickup
06:00 AMVery early start required due to the 4.5-5 hour drive through the tea country to the south.
Arrive Udawalawe
11:30 AMLunch break near the park.
Udawalawe Safari
01:00 PMExplore the park famous for its year-round resident elephant population. It's like an African savanna.
Depart
04:30 PMBegin the long drive back to Kandy OR transfer to a beach hotel in the South (Mirissa/Tangalle).
Included in Price
- Private AC transportation
- English speaking chauffeur guide
- 4x4 Jeep Cost within the park
- Park Entrance Fees & Taxes
- Water bottles
- Binoculars (on request)
Essentials
- Bring sun hat and sunglasses (Jeeps are open)
- Dust can be an issue - protect cameras
- Don't feed the animals
Wildlife Safari FAQ
Which national park will we visit?
It depends on the season and what you want to see. For 'The Gathering' we go to Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park, choosing by water levels to find the largest herds. Wasgamuwa is quieter and wilder, and Udawalawe has resident elephants all year.
When is the best time to see the elephant gathering?
The Gathering season runs from May to October, with the best sightings in August and September, when herds of 300+ elephants come to the reservoirs to drink and bathe.
How far are the national parks from Kandy?
Around 3 hours' drive to Minneriya and Kaudulla, 3.5 hours to Wasgamuwa and about 5 hours one way to Udawalawe. Udawalawe makes a very long day trip, so we only recommend it if you want that park specifically or are travelling on to the south coast.
How long is the safari?
On the Gathering tour you get a 3-hour private safari in a 4x4 jeep, leaving the park at sunset for the drive back to Kandy.
What is included in the wildlife safari?
Private air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, the 4x4 jeep inside the park, park entrance fees and taxes, water bottles, and binoculars on request.
What should I bring on safari?
A sun hat and sunglasses, as the jeeps are open, and something to protect your camera from dust. Please don't feed the animals.
Can I go from the safari to the beach instead of returning to Kandy?
Yes, on the Udawalawe option. Instead of driving back to Kandy, we can transfer you to a beach hotel in the south, such as Mirissa or Tangalle.