‘The Gathering of Giants truly symbolises our commitment to conservation and sustainability. At Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, we believe in the power of education and awareness to drive positive change."

As the temperatures reach its summit through July to September, the dry wilderness of Minneriya National Park comes alive with herds of elephants descending upon the banks of the ancient Minneriya tank built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. 

This phenomenon, most commonly known as ‘the Gathering’ is a spectacular event  numbering as many as 400 at its peak, wild elephants of all ages congregating in search for food and mainly water to what Lonely Planet refers to as ‘One of the 10 Greatest Wildlife Wonders of the World’.

(L-R): Hishan Singhawansa, Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Chitral Jayatilake - Vice President Cinnamon Nature Trails, Asiri Abhayaratne – Assy. GM Marketing and Sales Seylan Bank, Ruchith Liyanage and Vimukthi Weeratunga – Consultant Cinnamon Nature Trails, Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist.

‘The gathering’ is a magnificent display of the grandeur of all things wild and is a ritualistic journey of elephants to mate, socialize and seek sustenance among the lush grasslands surrounding the reservoir. This event attracts tourists from across the world to witness these magnificent elephants at a close distance. 

Nature Trails, the excursions arm of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts plays a dynamic role in sharing this delightful experience with their clients accommodated at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, the chain’s premier resort nestled in Habarana a mere nine kilometers from the park. 

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts introduces ‘The Gathering of Giants,’ an immersive educative weekend from 9th - 11th  August 2024 at Cinnamon Habarana Complex, a unique event aimed to transform the annual natural phenomenon of the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants – the ‘Elephant Gathering’ into a celebrated and educational experience for all. This spectacular gathering, recognised as the highest concentration of Asian elephants in a single location, occurs at Minneriya National Park, where the Minneriya tank sustains more than 300 elephants during the dry season.

Situated close to Minneriya National Park, Cinnamon Habarana Lodge and Habarana Village by Cinnamon (collectively known as the Cinnamon Habarana Complex) offer guests matchless opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring event. The Gathering of Giants event hosted by Cinnamon Hotels together with Cinnamon Nature Trails, aims to treasure, conserve and celebrate this natural wonder, emphasising the need for peaceful human-elephant coexistence and effective conflict management.

At a recent press briefing held at the Cinnamon Grand, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Hishan Singhawansha, highlighted the significance of this event, stating, ‘The Gathering of Giants truly symbolises our commitment to conservation and sustainability. At Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, we believe in the power of education and awareness to drive positive change. Through our collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails, we strive to champion conservation efforts and promote the importance of harmonious human-elephant coexistence’.

According to authorities the elephant gathering at Minneriya is the largest grouping of elephants at one time in Asia. This event probably dates back centuries but it has only gained mainstream attention quite recently. Hence the documentary will be giving recognition to this magnificent once a year natural rendezvous. 

The annual gathering, occurring from July to October, sees smaller elephant herds from surrounding habitats congregate at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. This congregation, fuelled by the diminishing water and food resources in other areas, provides a spectacular sight as the elephants socialise, bathe, drink, feed and potentially find mates. Recognised as the sixth-largest animal gathering globally by Lonely Planet and acclaimed by BBC and CNN, this natural phenomenon offers visitors a unique and memorable experience.

 ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event at Habarana Lodge will feature local and international guest speakers, including a celebrated wildlife conservationist and author from India, Valmik Thapar. The Guest Speaker at the event who has dedicated over 48 years to wildlife and tiger conservation, authoring 39 books and serving on multiple government committees, including the National Board of Wildlife and the Prime Minister’s Tiger Task Force. Other leading experts speaking at the Gathering of Giants will include Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando - Chairman, Trustee and Scientist for the Center for Conservation and Research; Elephant Ethologist and Lead of the National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation Project Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, Sri Lankan biodiversity scientist and recent winner of the Linnean Medal. These experts will provide insights into the importance of conserving the elephant gathering and its significance to Sri Lanka.

‘The Gathering of Giants is not just an event; it is a testament to the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. By aligning the Cinnamon Habarana Complex with this extraordinary phenomenon, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts continues to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the global recognition of Sri Lanka’s unique wildlife heritage’ added Chitral Jayatilake - Vice President Cinnamon Nature Trails.

Pix courtesy Cinnamon