June to September
Minneriya National Park
The famous Gathering. The lake recedes, leaving lush grass. 150 to 300+ elephants. Peaks in August.
When is thebest time fora safari?
The answer changes every month. Here is how we follow the herds across Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu.
The Sri Lankan elephant migration.
The herds move between three neighbouring parks, chasing receding water and fresh grass. Seasons shift with the annual rains, so this is the pattern we start from, not a promise.
JanHurulu Eco Park
FebHurulu Eco Park
MarHurulu Eco Park
AprMinneriya or Kaudulla
MayMinneriya or Kaudulla
JunMinneriya
JulMinneriya
AugMinneriya
SepMinneriya
OctKaudulla
NovKaudulla
DecHurulu Eco Park
Seasons shift with annual rainfall. We always verify current conditions.
| Month | Park to check first |
|---|---|
| Jan | Hurulu Eco Park |
| Feb | Hurulu Eco Park |
| Mar | Hurulu Eco Park |
| Apr | Minneriya or Kaudulla |
| May | Minneriya or Kaudulla |
| Jun | Minneriya |
| Jul | Minneriya |
| Aug | Minneriya |
| Sep | Minneriya |
| Oct | Kaudulla |
| Nov | Kaudulla |
| Dec | Hurulu Eco Park |
October to November
Kaudulla National Park
Monsoon rains fill Minneriya, so the herds migrate here. Fantastic sightings, though tracks can be muddy.
December to March
Hurulu Eco Park
The heavy wet season fallback. Dense forest tracking. Usually 50 to 150 elephants.
April to May
Minneriya or Kaudulla
Transitional months. Herds are smaller and spread out. We check water levels daily to decide.
How we decide where to go.
Unlike large operators who sell a fixed ticket to Minneriya, we sell a Sigiriya safari. That gives us the flexibility to pivot.
Our trackers are in the parks every day. Book with us and we will contact you the week you arrive to recommend the park with the most activity. We never take guests to an empty park because it is printed on a brochure.
Want to know where the herds are today?
Send a quick message. Our trackers will give you an honest update on water levels and sightings.
Ask our trackers