Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu: which one this month?
The same elephants use all three parks during the year. Here's where they usually are, so you go to the right one.
or Kaudulla
or Minneriya
or Hurulu
or Kaudulla
or Hurulu
Based on how the herds have moved in past years. Nature changes a little every year, so we check before you book.
Why do the elephants move?
It's all about food and water. Each park has a big lake. When a lake shrinks in the dry season, fresh grass grows on the wet ground it leaves behind. Elephants go wherever that grass is best.
Minneriya's lake is lowest from about July to September, so that's where the herds go. When the rain comes, Minneriya fills up and the grass goes under water, so the herds walk over to Kaudulla. In the wettest months they spread out into the forest, and Hurulu is the easiest place to find them.
The simple version
- July to September: Minneriya. This is the Gathering.
- October to December: Kaudulla. The herds usually move here.
- December to April: Hurulu. Smaller groups, fewer jeeps, cheapest tickets.
- May and June: Minneriya again, as the herds start coming back.
Can you tell me where they are today?
We don't run a live "elephant tracker", and we're a bit suspicious of anyone who says they do. What we do is look at how the herds have moved in past seasons and the official park information, and give you an honest answer before you book. If a different park makes more sense, we'll say so.
Ask us on WhatsApp with your dates, and we'll tell you what we'd pick.
Ready to see the elephants?
Private jeeps from LKR 14,000 for the whole jeep. Up to 6 people. Park tickets shown upfront and paid in one go.