Around August – September every year, the receding banks of the Minneriya Lake are covered by about 300 Asian elephants in search of food and water. This spectacular phenomenon known as ‘the Gathering’ is possibly the highest concentration of Asian elephants in a single location and ideal setting to observe and understand the social dynamics of elephants, especially the feeding, courting and fighting of the giant mammals and the matriarchs who tenderly guard their young. Many safaris are organized to the Minneriya National Park during the season and accommodation around Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Giritale would be the best options.