A dry-zone national park around an ancient reservoir, famous for 'The Gathering', when hundreds of wild elephants converge on the drying lakebed.
🕑 06:00–18:00
⏱ ~3.0 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 4500
Giritale
A quiet lakeside village on an ancient reservoir just west of Polonnaruwa, the handiest base for safaris into Minneriya National Park and its famous elephant gathering.
Overview
Giritale is a small, relaxed village strung along the shore of the Giritale Tank, an ancient reservoir about 15 km west of Polonnaruwa town on the road toward Habarana. Ringed by dry-zone forest and lake-view hotels, it is the closest and most convenient base for wildlife safaris into nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, especially during 'The Gathering', when hundreds of wild elephants converge on the Minneriya reservoir. It offers a calmer, greener alternative to staying in Polonnaruwa town while keeping the ancient city within easy reach.
History
The Giritale Tank was built in the 7th century CE under King Aggabodhi II as part of the great dry-zone irrigation network that sustained the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The village remained a quiet farming and fishing settlement until the growth of wildlife tourism around Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks turned it into a popular safari base.
Attractions
Reviews & traveler photos
Loading reviews…
Travel tips
- Book a Minneriya or Kaudulla safari through your hotel and set out for the afternoon game drive around 15:00 for the best elephant sightings.
- The Minneriya gathering peaks between July and September; ask which park has the elephants that week, as they move between Minneriya and Kaudulla.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens; keep a respectful distance from elephants and follow your driver's guidance.
- Combine Giritale with a day exploring the Polonnaruwa ancient city, only a short drive east.
- Carry cash in rupees for park fees, jeep hire and tips, as card payment is rare out here.