The Gathering of the Giants returns this July to celebrate Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant migration

• Three-day wildlife experience from 25-27 July at Cinnamon Habarana, in partnership with Seylan Bank and Cinnamon Nature Trails

By Amira Cader

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, together with Cinnamon Nature Trails and in partnership with Seylan Bank, is set to host The Gathering of the Giants from 25 to 27 July at the Cinnamon Habarana Complex. The event celebrates Sri Lanka’s world-renowned annual elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park—a phenomenon recognised as one of Asia’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

Held during the dry season, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness hundreds of wild elephants gathering near the ancient Minneriya tank, drawn by the shrinking water levels and abundance of grass. It is a breath-taking natural display that draws global interest, nature lovers, researchers and wildlife photographers.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Cinnamon Nature Trails Vice President Chitral Jayatilake said: “Our goal is not just to showcase Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, but to inspire meaningful action that ensures the protection of these gentle giants for generations to come.”

Participants will also enjoy guided safaris into Minneriya National Park, led by Cinnamon Nature Trails’ expert naturalists. These experiences allow guests to witness elephant herds in their natural habitat, while learning about their behaviour, social structures and the broader ecosystem.

Centre for Conservation and Research, Sri Lanka Chairman, Trustee and Scientist Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando said: “It is a privilege to be part of this event, as Sri Lanka is the best place in the world to see Asian elephants in the wild. These majestic animals can still be found in 13 different regions across the world and it’s our duty to protect them.”

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts CEO-Designate Hishan Singhawansa said: “Bringing ‘The Gathering of Giants’ to life for the third consecutive year reaffirms our deep and enduring commitment to safeguarding the country’s unique wildlife and habitats. It goes beyond observation—it’s about creating awareness, nurturing responsible tourism, and uniting communities and experts to drive a lasting impact. It’s one of over 35 ongoing community empowerment and conservation initiatives that shape who we are and what we stand for.”

Seylan Bank, a key partner of the event, supports the initiative as part of its broader sustainability agenda. The partnership reflects a growing trend of private sector involvement in environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Seylan Bank Assistant General Manager – Marketing and Sales Asiri Abhayaratne said: “Our ongoing partnership with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Cinnamon Nature Trails is rooted in a shared purpose—to champion Sri Lanka’s natural heritage through immersive, conservation-focused experiences. The success of the 2025 Gathering of Giants highlights the power of this collaboration, offering our cardholders privileged access to one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles – The great elephant gathering of Asia. We are proud to build on this momentum with new initiatives and curated journeys in the months ahead with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Cinnamon Nature Trails.”

Taking place in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the Cinnamon Habarana Complex—comprising Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon, offers guests front-row access to nature’s theatre, all supported by Cinnamon’s signature brand of conservation-conscious hospitality.

This year’s program will be elevated by a powerful speaker line-up, carefully curated to ignite curiosity and spark conversation:

• Noah Falklind, award-winning BBC wildlife cameraman, will present Living with Leopards, a gripping exploration into the lives of Sri Lanka’s most elusive predators, supported by exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and rare insights from the field.
• Centre for Conservation and Research Chair and Sri Lanka’s leading elephant expert Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, brings over two decades of field experience to his talk, Elephants & Coexistence, which unpacks the complex relationship between humans and elephants, and the strategies for sharing space.
• Professor Sampath Seneviratne, renowned ornithologist from the University of Colombo, will lead The Avian Migration to Sri Lanka, a session delving into the mysterious journeys of migratory birds and the ecological importance of the island as a global avian corridor.

The Gathering of the Giants is designed for families, students, eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, combining education, adventure and conservation. It continues Cinnamon’s mission to create transformative travel experiences that benefit both people and the planet.