Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province is home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Asia – “The Gathering” – when hundreds of wild Asian elephants congregate around the receding Minneriya Tank from August to October. This UNESCO-recognised event represents one of the largest gatherings of wild Asian elephants and is a breathtaking experience for any wildlife enthusiast. The park’s open plains, ancient reservoir and forest cover also support large populations of sambar deer, spotted deer, macaques and a diversity of waterbirds.