Is the Minneriya Elephant Gathering happening in May 2026

The peak of the Great Gathering is typically in August and September. In May, the water levels of the Minneriya tank are still relatively high from the earlier rains, so the elephants are dispersed in smaller groups within the surrounding jungles. You will still get great shots of smaller herds and calves, but you will not see the massive three hundred strong congregations yet.