Elephant

The Asian elephant density in Sri Lanka is approximately ten times that of any other country. 10% of the world’s Asia elephant population live in this small island, hence, Sri Lanka offers opportunities of observing Asian elephants in the wild that are unparalleled elsewhere. This charismatic species is losing its ground due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. The elephants have become a cultural icon of Sri Lanka, and they are confined to the dry zone of Sri Lanka. There is a small heard of elephant is living in the Adam’s peak area, and this will be the last forest dwelling elephants in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. Male elephants with tusks are somewhat rare in Sri Lanka and less than 7% of the Island’s male elephants are tuskers.

The Gathering of elephants have taken place in many dry zone locations where plenty of water and adequate fodder. Large gathering of elephants in the Minneriya is one of the best wildlife spectacles in Sri Lanka.   During the peak dry season from August to mid-October 200-300 elephants gather in open grassy plains of Minneriya Reservoir for feeding and social interactions.  In addition to the Minneriya, Yala, Udawalawe, Kaudulla, Kalawewa, Hurulu and Wasgomuwa National Parks are the best places to watch this fascinating giants.

  • Scientific name – Elephas maxiums maximus , the Largest land Mammal in Sri Lanka
  • Average height of 7ft to 10 ft, weights up to 3 to 5 tons
  • Elephants spend eating from 16 to 18 hours per day and can consume around 150kg to 200kg of vegetation per day
  • Elephants are social animals and a herd is led by a matriarch
  • Only about 5% of Male elephants carry tusks in Sri Lanka

Elephant Spotting Destinations