Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces ‘The Gathering of Giants,’ an immersive educative weekend from August 9 – 11 at the Cinnamon Habarana Complex, an 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 the Minneriya National Park, where the Minneriya tank sustains more than 300 elephants during the dry season.
Situated close to the Minneriya National Park, the 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 & Resorts together with Cinnamon Nature Trails and Seylan Bank, aims to treasure, conserve and celebrate this natural wonder, emphasising the need for peaceful human-elephant coexistence and effective conflict management.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Hishan Singhawansha said, “The Gathering of Giants symbolises our commitment to conservation and sustainability. 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.”
The annual gathering, occurring from July to October, sees smaller elephant herds from surrounding habitats congregate at the 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.
