Get up Close with Adorable Beasts at These Elephant Sanctuaries in Sri Lanka

Home to approximately 7,000 elephants, Sri Lanka is the ultimate destination to see the captivating giants in their natural habitat. National Park and elephant sanctuary in sri lanka There are mainly three subspecies of Asian elephants – Sri Lankan, Indian and Sumatran. From interacting with friendly elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to witnessing spectacular views of wild elephants at Yala National Park, you can enjoy many memorable experiences at these sanctuaries. Check out details of some of the most famous people and plan a trip with your loved ones soon.

5 Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Sri Lanka

If you have in mind a trip to Sri Lanka, set aside a few days to explore the interesting wildlife. Add these stunning elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka to your itinerary and enjoy experiences like never before.

1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique shelter for abandoned, orphaned and injured elephants. Established in 1975, this sanctuary provides elephants with the care, protection and love they deserve. From their morning bath in the nearby river to dining sessions and social gatherings, you can get a glimpse of their daily routine and activities.

Apart from this, watching the baby elephants doing playful acts is truly a pleasurable experience for the visitors. Furthermore, dedicated staff work hard to nurture these elephants. One of the most peaceful places in Sri Lanka, this elephant sanctuary near Colombo is currently home to around 71 elephants. Notably, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage timings are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

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2. Udawalawe National Park

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Famous for its abundant wildlife, mainly elephant population, Udawalawe National Park is one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The park is home to around 600-700 elephants, which is a treat for wildlife lovers. The park gives you a chance to see these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. Go on a guided jeep safari to be mesmerized by watching elephants bathe, graze and interact with each other.

Established on 30 June 1972, the reserve covers a land area of ​​30,821 hectares. Furthermore, you can visit the park at any time of the year, however, the months between October and January are ideal for seeing herds of Asian elephants.

3. Yala National Park

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Home to approximately 300 to 350 Sri Lankan elephants (Asian elephant subspecies), Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka. Dense forests, grasslands and freshwater bodies provide a healthy environment to elephants and other mammals.

You can easily spot them roaming or bathing in lagoons and waterholes. The wealth of wildlife including leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, wild peacocks, monitor lizards and blue-tailed bee-eaters makes Yala National Park one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. For the best wildlife viewing, plan a visit between May and August.

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4. Minneriya National Park

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Famous for hosting the world famous “House of Elephants”, Minneriya National Park is a true paradise for elephant lovers. During the dry season, between July and September, elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank, giving the visitors a mesmerizing sight.

When visiting Minneriya National Park in August and September, you get to see wild elephants migrating from Wasgamuwa National Park to Minneriya National Park in search of water, fresh grass and shelter. You can take a break from wildlife encounters and explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Gal Oya National Park

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Spread across 25,000 hectares of lush evergreen forest, Galle Oya National Park is located in the south-east of Sri Lanka. This park is mainly famous for elephants swimming. Additionally, it is the only national park in Sri Lanka that offers an extraordinary boat safari experience. 32 species of mammals and 150 different species of birds add to the attraction of Gal Oya National Park.

Get up close to the giant Asian elephants during a tour here and watch them swim between the islands. The ideal time to see elephants in their natural habitat is from September to December when it is off-season. Apart from elephants, animals like wild boar, sloth bear, water buffalo, leopard and langur can also be seen here.

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Due to the huge number of elephants, Sri Lanka is a true paradise for wildlife lovers. Elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka offer a unique opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close while supporting their conservation efforts. From watching playful interactions at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to wild encounters at Udawalawe and Minneriya National Parks, every moment spent with these gentle giants is bound to leave a lasting impression. So, plan a trip to Sri Lanka and enjoy exciting experiences like never before.

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