Witness world’s 6th greatest animal spectacle with Cinnamon Lodge and Chaaya Village Habarana

‘The Gathering’ of elephants at the Minneriya National Park, named by National Geographic as the ‘sixth greatest animal spectacle of the world’ can be witnessed during months of August through September.

It is a seasonal movement of elephants during the underlying period to form a gathering along the receding shores of the Minneriya Lake. As the dry season fastens its grip on the dry lowlands, leaves wither and fall in the dry in the forests, waterholes evaporate into cakes of parched mud, and therefore elephants need to move on in search for food and water.

The elephants sometimes numbering as much as three hundred converge on the receding shores of the Minneriya tank. It is believed that nowhere in the world could one see such a high concentration of wild Asian elephants within a span of few square kilometres. It is therefore an ideal opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and causal travellers both to study the social dynamics of elephants, and observe how the matriarchs lead their clans to water and the whole group takes care to safeguard the baby elephants that get flanked by the adults.

Being in close proximity about 20 minutes drive to witness this phenomenal event makes Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Chaaya Village Habarana the ideal base for accommodation to travel to the Minneriya National Park. Both hotels are idyllically located by a peaceful lake with extensive landscaped gardens. Safari drives with accompanying Nature Trails naturalists are available at both properties during this divine time in the calendar of wildlife enthusiasts.  

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a spacious five star getaway that invites guests to find their own space amongst history, nature and luxury. Being a truly eco friendly resort equipped with its own organic farm and butterfly garden, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is home to 1,700 trees, over 130 different species of birds and other animal life. With an awe inspiring culture to explore and absorb, numerous wildlife that roam at the resort, and lavish rooms to relax in, there is really much one can do at this luxurious resort.

Inspired by the local thatched roof huts in the rural areas of the island, Chaaya Village Habarana is the best place to experience the simple village living of Sri Lanka. Chaaya Village Habarana also offers a creative dining experience be it an English breakfast breathing in the fresh air or an authentic Sri Lankan dinner served on top of a tree.