If you are getting to Habarana from Polonnaruwa it would take you a little less than an hour and cost approximately Rs. 75 by bus. But you can also stay in a Habarana hotel as there are plenty of options available.
History
The tank was constructed in somewhere between 276 to 303 BC when King Mahasen ruled over the Anuradhapura kingdom ordered the Minneriya river to be dammed, resulting in a tank that covered 4670 acres. Thanks to this irrigation system, the east was developed in an agricultural sense and Trincomalee became a major harbour trading with East Asia.
The Gathering
The gathering is a mesmerising event and can be witnessed from June to September at Minneriya National Park. The elephants have been coming to the Minneriya tank that was constructed some 1700 years ago, for centuries to bathe, feed, socialise and mate. The elephants swim and bathe in the mud and generally hang around the area making it a great spot to really see the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Responsible Tourism
Due to the popularity and the sheer beauty of nature that the gathering inspires, many tourists flock to the site. It is important to be considerate of conserving the animals and their habitat and ensuring that you are responsible with your safari. You can make sure of this by making sure you don’t obstruct or disturb the animals by getting too close. Local resorts like Cinnamon Lodge Habarana will direct you to careful and responsible safari operators so be sure to ask.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
