What can only be described as one of the best experiences Iāve ever had and one that will last in my memory forever!Ā Check out my video! Elephant Safari
We headed off in open top and open sided jeeps which were super comfy and had a great viewing capacity. Iāve heard so many amazing things about this National Park- and its elephants – and after sending numerous clients to visit here over the years, I just couldnāt wait to see it for myself!
Minneriya National Park is home to the world’s largest known gathering of Asian elephants. During this period, herds of up to 350 elephants are seen at the 8,890-hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Tank. According to some reports, there are as many as 700 elephants.
We got up close and personal with so many elephants (it was actually quite emotional and incredibly special!). Seeing the different herds complete with young calves was something I will never forget! The herd size in Sri Lanka ranges from 12-20 individuals or more. It is led by the oldest female, or matriarch. In Sri Lanka, herds have been reported to contain nursing units, consisting of lactating females, their young and juvenile care units.
The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is one of the three subspecies of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). The other two subspecies are the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) and the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus). The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of the three subspecies.
You can identify an Asian elephant by its smaller size, smaller, more rounded ears, a twin-domed head, and a single “finger” at the tip of its trunk, unlike the larger ears and two “fingers” of African elephants. Only males of the Asian elephant species have tusks and their ears are shaped like the county of India (triangular)
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka – this has to be at the top of your list to do here. Incredible! šš
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