The village of Pinnawala is in the district of Kegalle; in the Sabaragamuwa province. The village has gained a reputation because of its elephant orphanage which is home to over 100 elephants; the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. 

It was started up by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department with the aim of taking orphaned or lost elephants under the wings of caretakers; who will nurse them them back to health, and look after them. 

Visiting this orphanage is a great way to get up close and personal with the elephants, and you’ll get opportunities here that you wouldn’t get to do with any regular wild elephant you find. 

What you can do

You’ll get to be an onlooker as the young elephants are bottle fed; this usually starts off at around 9:15 am, and then takes place again at 1 pm, and 5 pm. Sometimes the caretakers may allow you to feed these creatures some fruits yourself from their platforms, as most of them are used to people and are quite friendly.

The orphanage is built right next to the Maha Oya, the 9th longest river in the country. So in between feeding times, the elephants are taken to the river for their baths; usually twice a day for each one. These creatures love water, and watching them frolicking around in it during their bath is definitely entertaining, and something you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Along the narrow lane that leads to Maha Oya are shops that are filled with all things “elephant”; from keychains and ornaments to clothing. There is also a factory that makes paper out of elephant dung, where you can buy as much eco-friendly stationery as you want. These pieces are all beautiful, unusual depictions of Sri Lanka’s art culture, and make great souvenirs to take back with you. 

These baby elephants are bound to touch your heart and make your day through their childlike behaviour; from innocently eating whatever they can to playing with each other in the waters. Even if you don’t walk in to this orphanage as an elephant lover, it is guaranteed that you will walk out as one. 

Sri Lanka is popular for its elephant population. if you wish to see the elephants up close, you could go on an elephant safari or visit an elephant orphanage to see them. But nothing beats the thrill of witnessing hundreds of elephants all at once in their own natural habitat. If you agree to this, Minneriya National park is the place for you to be

The specialty of Minneriya National park

Minneriya National Park is an 8,900 -Hectare protected reserve. A part of the popular Minneriya Tank which covers 4670 acres build by King Mahasen who was known for building tanks is situated within the Minneriya national park and this serves as a source of water which never empties. So herds elephants start to congregate around the waters of the tank when other sources of water are scarce. Talking about Minneriya, heard doesn’t mean groups 20 or 30 elephants. We are talking about hundreds of them. .Minneriya is considered to be THE LARGEST meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. Close to three hundred elephants gather around the water tank during the season the period of August to January. This is called the ‘Gathering’. but throughout the year you will find elephants in abundance.

Jeep Safari

the only way for you to explore the park is through Jeep safari. You can arrange your Jeep safari according to your preference. You can take a safari in the morning, during daytime or in the evening. Generally, a Jeep safari takes about 2.5hrs to 3.00 hrs. The major attraction of the park is its elephant population and a 3-hour safari is ideal to see the Elephants. But you can go on a half day tour if you wish to see more of the park and for bird watching.

Morning tour – Morning tours will give the chance see many birds such as peacocks, Pelicans, Eagles, cranes etc . you can see 20% of the elephant gatherings in the mornings. Also, you will find rabbits, deer, wild boar and if you’re lucky you can spot a sloth bear or a leopard rarely

Evening tours – you can see most of the elephant gatherings during the evenings and also many birds. evening tours are highly recommended if you wish to see more elephants.

Half day tours – If you wish to do some bird watching additionally, you can go on a half day tour.

The park has recorded over 150 species of birds and it serves as an important habitat for many water birds. You can find Woodland Piper,spot-billed pelican, Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker, Grey Hornbill, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl and many more bird species here.

Other major Tourist attractions located close to Minneriya national park

Sigiriya village tour

Elephant safari

Sigiriya – The lion rock

Polonnaruwa – popular for ancient ruins and temples.

Elephants are a must see if you ever travel to Sri Lanka and Minneriya National Park is the best place for you to be.

Camouflaged by their coats of spots; hidden in between bushes, up in trees, and on large rocks are the majestic cats of Sri Lanka. They are the largest predators in the island, and won’t let you forget it. Sri Lankan leopards are even classified as endangered by the IUCN; reminding us that we should cherish these animals and protect them while they are here.

Anything you should know

Leopard are usually in areas with dense forests, be it the wet zone or the dry zone. You are most likely to see them in a National Park. The parks are usually open at around 6 am, and close by 6 pm. This is for the safety of the animals; to ensure that they aren’t constantly being bombarded by vehicles. 

If you are going to one of these parks, it is suggested that you don’t go in a car; a jeep is much better. There are safari jeeps that you can hire that will drive you around the area. In these parks, it’s a must that you take a tracker along with you. They know the jungle and its occupants like the back of their hand. Ask them questions about the wildlife around you, and they will be more than happy to answer.

While there are hotels bordering the outskirts of the jungle, there are also bungalows situated within the park; allowing you to really get that one on one rustic experience of nature. Each bungalow has a keeper and a cook, so you’ll have to bring along your meal plan and food, and they will prepare it for you. There will be a lack of electricity and signal, but it is one of the best ways to let loose and take a break from the outside world. If you want to go one step further; you could even camp at some of these sites.

Where to go

The Yala National Park is in the Southeastern part of the country, and is known for its sightings of leopards. In fact; it has the highest population density of leopards in the world, and the leopards here are known to larger than usual due to their lack of competition. Besides that, there also other fascinating animals here worth seeing; like the sloth bear, and elephants; including tuskers. The park is divided in to 5 blocks, 2 of which are open to the public; leaving plenty of room for the animals to live freely.  

The Wilpattu is situated in the Northwestern part of the island, and is the largest National Park in the island. The area is also unique for having natural lakes that have been formed by depressions being filled with rain water. Once again in the forests here you can find many different animals like sloth bears, jackals, elephants, and tons of birds; including many migratory ones. The best time to visit Wilpattu would be from February to October. 

Besides these places, leopards can also be spotted in the Udawalawe National Park, Wasgamuwa, and even Horton plains, but the sightings here are a lot rarer. This is because the leopards tend to move in to the forest when confronted with vehicles.

These National parks make up for the concrete jungles that reign over the urban areas of the island. They are the perfect places to observe wild animals, especially the largest cats in the island- leopards. At the end of the day, while it is the lions that deck the flags and emblems all over Sri Lanka, the leopards are our real pride and joy.

Kosgoda Turtle conservation project

The population of sea turtles today is diminishing gradually due to various reasons, thus sea turtles have been named as an endangered species. Some of the major reasons for the drastic decline in turtles worldwide are, Getting entangled in fishing gears, the eggs that are exposed on the beaches are destroyed by being eaten by animals, poached for human consumption and being washed away before they could hatch. This makes it difficult for turtle eggs to hatch under natural conditions. Considering this, Many organizations and individuals have come forward to conserve the turtle species by establishing Turtle conservation centers and projects. Turtle conservation in Sri Lanka has gained popularity among tourists and locals alike and around 18 turtle hatcheries have been established along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. One of the major reason for the popularity of turtle conservation in Sri Lanka is the fact that 5 out of 7 turtle species can be found in the island.

Turtle Hatcheries in Kosgoda

Kosgoda is a southwestern coastal village of Sri Lanka which is the most popular destination for turtle conservation in the island. This is also home to four out of five turtle species found in Sri Lanka. The first turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka was established here in 1981 and this has been attracting Tourists, volunteers, and wildlife conservationists. 

The Turtle species found in Sri Lanka are

The experience at the  turtle conservation center

The daily operation of the hatchery involves collecting turtle eggs from the beach, patrolling at night looking for mother turtles that come out to lay eggs, Protecting the mother turtle during the nesting & getting it safely back to the ocean when it is done. Looking after the eggs until its hatched and releasing them to their natural habitat when they hatch. 

You can help them do the following things during your Visit/stay

• Cleaning the tanks, premises
• Making pits for burying eggs 
• Burry the eggs
• Feeding to turtles
• Washing turtles (giving them a wash) 
• Lifting turtles to tanks to tank 
• Releasing turtles 
• Picking sea plants
• keeping the beach clean, planting shelter plants, etc
• Night patrolling on the beach

If you decide to pay a short visit, they will take you on a tour around the hatchery and show you how the process is done and you can release some turtles into the sea. You can also volunteer at the Conservation center and do all of the above-mentioned tasks and gain an in-depth knowledge of how turtle conservation is done and how they are trying to make a difference.

Habarana is in the district of Anuradhapura, and is situated close to 2 National parks. If you are planning on visiting either; Habarana would be the ideal base to ground yourself in. Each park is around half an hour away, and there are many different types of places to lodge in.

The main attraction in these areas would definitely be the huge creatures that roam the lands; the Asian elephants. These are great places for anyone who wants to see hundreds of elephants at a time. 

These 2 places are part of the Elephant corridor which joins up with Wasgamuwa. The elephants roam from one park to another during the dry season in search of food and water.

Minneriya National Park

The large amounts of grass surrounding the reservoir, and a massive tank filled with water are part of the reason as to why many elephants are seen in this area. In fact, this park is the largest known meeting place for Asian elephants.

This is the perfect opportunity to observe the behaviour of these creatures while they’re in their herds of hundreds. This gathering takes place between August and September. This usually occurs in the afternoons, and is an absolutely breathtaking sight. Switch off your vehicle engine so you don’t disturb them, and enjoy the magnificence of nature before you.

Besides the obvious main attraction, you could also see leopards, sloth bears, deer, sambar, buffaloes, jungle fowls- the national bird of the island, and much more. The first two are quite rare, but it’s not impossible to spot them.

This would also be a great place for anyone with a pair of binoculars and a love for birds, as there is also said to be around 170 species of birds here, some of which are endemic. One of these birds would be the lesser adjutant; which is globally endangered. 

Endemic amphibians and reptiles are also known to be spotted here, such as the slender wood frog and the common tree frog, and the red lipped lizard. Although crocodiles are larger, you may have a tougher time spotting them around the water bodies. This is because they usually tend to be mistaken for logs.

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla is an alternative to the comparatively busier Minneriya.. Fewer tourists visit this area, so it is not very crowded, but you will still see as many elephants as you would in the latter.

The best time to visit this park would be between August and December. During the rainy season, most of the park is under water due to the fact that the water bodies are in close proximity to each other.

Other than the elephants; once again, you would also see buffaloes, deer, sambar, chevrotain, leopards, sloth bears monkeys, a variety of turtles and other amphibians and reptiles, and -birdlife. 

If you wanted to, you could choose to take a boat ride across the lake and go birdwatching. There are around 160 species of birds here, some of which can also be found in Minneriya. Besides the multitudes of peacocks, eagles and Giant Eagles, which are considered hereditary birds to the island, can also be seen here. 

Even if you don’t come at the time of the famous gathering; these parks are known for their abundance of these elephants in general. As they’re also blessed with multitudes of fauna and flora, there will always be something for you to see; be it a small bird or a gentle giant.

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.

Sri Lanka is heaven on earth for anyone who has even the slightest interest in birds. The island boasts of over 400 different species of these winged creatures, including endemic birds. 

The warm climate is ideal for the sustenance of these lives, which is why birds even migrate from across the Indian ocean during the colder months in order to survive. These birds come from India, Scandinavia, Siberia, and Western Europe. This makes the end of the year the best time for this activity.

Kumana National Park

There are many bird sanctuaries throughout the island, the most popular of which is the Kumana National Park. It is located in the Southeastern part of the country, and has many water bodies which are ideal for birds. 

During the months of April to July, thousands of birds like the purple and Indian pond herons, great and little egrets, Indian cormorants, spoonbills, painted storks, and more migrate to a swamp called “Kumana Villu”, which is the place where they nest during May and June. The yellow footed green pigeon, greater racket tailed drongo, red faced malkoha, black necked stork and more are some of the rarer birds than can be found in this swamp.

Sinharaja Forest

This is situated in the Southern province. The rainforest is a UNESCO world heritage sight and biosphere reserve, and is home to species of fauna and flora which are endemic both to the country, and to the rainforest itself. Once permitted to enter the forest, you will be able to travel on foot and observe all of the birds.

20 of the endemic species in the island can be found here; such as the red faced malkoha, green billed coucal, Sri Lankan blue magpie, and the jungle fowl; which happens to be the national bird of the country. Besides that, you will also be able to see the white headed starling, chestnut backed owlet, crimson backed woodpecker, serpent eagles, hawk eagles, yellow fronted barbets, and more.

Horton Plains

This is located in the central province within the district of Nuwara Eliya, and is another UNESCO world heritage sight. This is the catchment area for most of the major rivers, and is also the highest plateau in the island.

Once again, the area is known to be the home to species that are not only endemic to the country, but to Horton Plains too. All 6 highland endemic birds are found here;  such as the dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lankan white eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and Sri Lanka bush warbler.

Other birds that you can find in the area include the Ceylon warbler, whistling thrush, dusky blue flycatcher, scaly Thrush, spotted-winged thrush, rufus babbler, sri lankan blue magpie, Ceylon hill white eye, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Black-Winged Kite, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, and more.

Udawatte Kele Bird Sanctuary

This is situated in the Central Province in Kandy. Vehicles aren’t allowed inside, but you can walk in once permitted. The lake inside holds fish which many of the birds in the area feed from.

Here you will see layard’s parakeet, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, the Sri Lankan hanging parrot, yellow-fronted barbet, Indian three-toed kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher, forest eagle owl, wood owl, Layard’s and paradise flycatchers, crimson-backed woodpecker, black-hooded oriole, blossom- Headed Parakeets, Indian pitta, emerald dove, chestnut-headed bee eaters, and more. 

Habarana 

Habarana is in the Anuradhapura district, and is in close proximity to 2 national parks; The Minneriya National Park, and the Kaudulla National park. While these two areas are known for their abundance of elephants; their large bodies of water also attract many birds. 

There are around 120 different species of birds here; such as the Sri Lankan grey hornbills, green pigeons, wood shrikes and swallows, coppersmith barbet, common iora, and much more.

Besides these places; there are others which are also well known for their diversity in birds. Some of the other places that you should consider visiting for this activity are Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Kalametiya, Kitulgala, Yala, Wasgamuwa, and Gal Oya.

As small as it may be, the island holds more life than you would ever expect. This is the perfect place for any bird enthusiasts who long to see the tropical, endemic, and migratory birds that soar through the exotic lands of Sri Lanka.