Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins, rarely reaching a height of three meters, and they have a more rounded back and smaller ears. Not all of them have tusks. For a really tiny elephant experience the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala is a must. It is the island’s most popular elephant attraction, near Kegalle on the way to Kandy, and when the 60 orphans bathe in front of you it easy to see why. Whether seeing them in the wild, or with their mahouts (keepers), the elephants, like their heavy legs, leave a lasting impression.
The parks offer easy viewing via a guided jeep tour. At the Uda Walawe National Park you are guaranteed to see elephants and it is possible for herds of up to 100 to graze lazily. Watch in awe of the hulking beasts as they splash and spray in groups of up to 150 at the Minneria Sanctuary and feel part of the wilderness when you spy them at the Lahugala, Yala and Kaudulla national parks.
How about checking the most awesome adventures while riding an elephant? Well, that's what you can do in the tank, forest and the peaceful environment of Habarana. Wild life and elephants are the main attraction in this nature city on the way to the north.
Kandy is Sri Lanka's last Kingdom,a historic city situated in the center of the hills. This world heritage city hosts the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha in the 15th Century Temple. Every August you can experience the cultural festival of Elephants, Folk Dancing and Music.
