Elephant Gathering Jeep Safari
The Gathering is one of the most popular nature related attractions in Sigiriya and presents the chance to follow the powerful and yet gentle Elephants that inhabit this region of the country. While serving as a tourist attraction the Gathering is actually part of a conservation effort.

Taking place during June and October each year, which marks the beginning of the dry season brings about an environmentally change that also affects the behaviour of elephants in the region. In the preceding months the Minneriya Tank (reservoir) fills up with water and recedes during the dry season though it never empties.

Due to this need for water, wild elephants from various areas including the Somawathi Sanctuary, Wasgamuwa and Kantale allow migrate to the Minneriya Park to take advantage of the available water. Additionally in areas where the water level has receded, fresh vegetation is left behind which is eaten by the elephants. The Minneriya Gathering is actually the largest such gathering of elephants in all of Asia.

Travellers to Sri Lanka can partake in a jeep safari that will take them as close as possible to the elephants during this time without actually disturbing them. This presents a rare opportunity to observe the behaviour of these gentle creatures in the wild. It is a sight like no other to watch these large and majestic creatures make the long trek across to get to the Minneriya Tank.

Guests of Jetwing Vil Uyana should not pass up the chance to partake in this Sigiriya jeep safari which presents a unique part of nature when staying at the hotel.