5 Elephant Sanctuaries in Sri Lanka to Meet the Gigantic Mammals

Home to around 7,000 elephants, Sri Lanka is the ultimate destination to observe captivating giants in their natural habitat. The national parks and elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka house majorly three subspecies of Asian elephants—Sri Lankan, Indian, and Sumatran. From interacting with the friendly elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to capturing the majestic sights of wild elephants at Yala National Park, you can indulge in numerous memorable experiences at these sanctuaries. Check out the details of some of the most famous ones and plan a trip with your loved ones soon.

5 Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Sri Lanka

If a trip to Sri Lanka is on your mind, spare some days to explore the intriguing wildlife. Incorporate these stunning elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka into your itinerary and indulge in experiences like never before.

1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique haven 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 the feeding sessions and social interactions, you can catch a sight of their daily routine and activities.

Moreover watching baby elephants doing playful acts is indeed a delightful experience for visitors. Besides this, the dedicated staff take painstaking efforts 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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Famed for its abundant wildlife, primarily its elephant population, Udawalawe National Park is among the best elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The park is home to around 600-700 elephants, offering a treat for wildlife lovers. The park lets you observe these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. Go for a guided jeep safari to get mesmerized while watching elephants bathing, grazing, and interacting with one another.

Established on 30 June 1972, the reserve covers 30,821 hectares of land area. Furthermore, you can visit the park any time of the year, however, months between October and January are ideal to witness Asian elephant herds.

3. Yala National Park

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Home to around 300 to 350 Sri Lankan elephants (Asian elephant subspecies), Yala National Park lies in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka. The dense forests, grasslands, and freshwater bodies provide elephants and other mammals with a healthy environment.

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-eater make Yala National Park one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. To witness the best of wildlife, plan a visitng between May and August.

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4. Minneriya National Park

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Renowned for hosting the world-famous “Gathering of Elephants”, Minneriya National Park is a true paradise for elephant lovers. During the dry season, between July and September, the elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank, giving onlookers a mesmerizing spectacle.

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

5. Gal Oya National Park

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Spread over 25,000 hectares of lush evergreen forest, Gal Oya National Park lies in the south-east of Sri Lanka. The park is primarily famous for swimming elephants. Additionally, it is the only national park in Sri Lanka offering an exceptional boat safari experience. The 32 species of mammal and 150 different species of bird uplifts the charm of Gal Oya National Park.

While visiting here, get to know the gigantic Asian elephants up close and watch them swim between the islands. The ideal time to observe elephants in their natural habitat is from September to December when there’s an off-season. Besides elephants, witness animals such as wild boar, sloth bear, water buffalo, leopards, and langurs.

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Boasting a massive number of elephants, Sri Lanka is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka offer a unique opportunity to witness these incredible creatures up close while supporting their conservation efforts. From witnessing the playful interactions at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the wild encounters in 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 indulge in exciting experiences like never before.

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