A landscape that dwarfs elephants

In Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park, herds of elephants gather during the dry season. Against this dramatic landscape of extensive grasslands and trees surrounding a tank, the elephants – despite their heft and bulk – appear diminutive. As you wait and watch, the elephants pass, astonishingly close, seemingly close enough to touch. In poetic black-and-white, ARATI RAO relates her intimate encounter with the gentle giants of Minneriya.

1 - 12 of 12

1 - 8 of 12

2 of 12 photos

My knuckles were white from holding onto anything I could find as we swerved this way and that. Our faithful guide was waiting patiently for us, and smiled broadly on seeing us whiplash to a halt. We entered Minneriya National Park just in time.
My knuckles were white from holding onto anything I could find as we swerved this way and that. Our faithful guide was waiting patiently for us, and smiled broadly on seeing us whiplash to a halt. We entered Minneriya National Park just in time.