Few things in nature are as awe-inspiring as “The Gathering” at Minneriya. During the dry season, as many as 300 Asian elephants migrate from miles away to congregate around the ancient Minneriya Tank. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Watching these gentle giants socialise, bathe and play against the backdrop of a 3rd-century reservoir is a powerful reminder of the island’s ancient ecological balance.