Asian elephants have been listed as an endangered species by the IUCN; which means they’re slowly decreasing in population; so much so that soon they may become extinct. Sri Lanka is blessed to have these gentle giants within its realms.
At one point in time, the elephants used to roam all over the land, but now they have centralized to a few locations. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats is one of the most exciting, and simultaneously calming things you could do here.
Where to go
The two most popular areas to see elephants would be the Minneriya National Park, and the Kaudulla National park; both of which are situated in the North central province of the country. The areas have been blessed with an abundance of water bodies; which makes it a hotspot for the migrating elephants destined to quench their thirst. The elephants all gather here in huge herds; something you can’t see anywhere else in the country. This is a truly breathtaking experience that no one should miss out on.
You will also be able to see these wild elephants at some other National Parks as well; such as Yala, Wasgamuwa, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, and Lahugala. The herds here are not as large as those at Minneriya and Kaudulla, and you will even be able to spot a few elephants loitering around alone, or in pairs.
Sri Lanka even provides its elephant lovers with the opportunity to visit the orphaned elephants who are sometimes released back into the wild once they are independent enough. One is the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, and the other is the very popular Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is situated quite close to Kegalle in the Sabaragamuwa province. You may even get the opportunity to feed the elephants fruits and milk.
Regardless of whether or not you go to these specific places, you will be able to see an elephant almost anywhere in Sri Lanka; be it tamed or wild. It is even said that a few elephants move around in the denser parts of the Sinharaja Forest.
These beings are underestimated, but incredibly intelligent, and it’s a privilege to be able to observe them in all their natural glory; which is why it is definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on.
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