Sri Lanka is a haven for Asian elephants, boasting one of the highest densities of elephants in Asia. The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is one of three recognized subspecies and is native to the island.

You can find these gentle giants in several national parks, including Minneriya, Udawalawe, Yala, and Kaudulla. Every year, during the dry season, Minneriya National Park plays host to the spectacular “Great Gathering,” where elephants from surrounding areas congregate in large numbers – a sight that every wildlife enthusiast should witness.