Sri Lanka which is famous for its lush tea estates and beaches is also famous for its population of Asian elephants- the largest species in Asia weighing around 5.5 tonnes. Elephants have been always revered in the country and are part of religious festivals and are depicted in ancient temples.
It is estimated that there are around 7000 elephants in Sri Lanka, chomping their way across grasslands and national parks, bathing in rivers and streams and it is estimated the country has the highest density of elephants in Asia and also one of the highest mortality rates in the world. Human animal conflict is increasing because of converting their habitats for cultivation or settlements.
The best way to see elephants is of course in the wild and their natural habitat- visit national parks like Udawalawe, Yala, Minneriya, and Kaudulla, or consider the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage between Negombo and Kandy to see injured elephants treated, and orphaned baby elephants cared for.
Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla is Sri Lanka’s newest national park, located 197 km from Colombo, with dry, evergreen forests. It’s home to over 200 elephants, and is part of the elephant corridor between two National Parks. It is also known for its high density of birds. It has an irrigation tank, that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. During the drought period, the elephants move from here to Minneriya tank, to feed and drink. Kaudulla is also home to grey slender lorries, sambar deer , leopards and sloth bears.
Best time to visit: July to December.
Minneriya National Park
This national park is situated in Sri Lanka’s North central province, 182 km from Colombo. This park with scrublands, forests and wetlands, is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka, with hundreds of these gentle giants travelling here, for a breathtaking spectacle, called the Gathering. Hundreds of elephants gather on the banks of the renovated Minneriya reservoir tank, during the dry season to drink water. This remarkable event, occurring from July to October, is said to be the largest gathering of Asian elephants. The park is also home to mongoose, sloth bears, leopards, and monkeys. The great elephant migration happens from July to October between Wasgamuwa and Minneriya, where hundreds of elephants move in search of water and food.
Best time to visit: May to October
Udawalawe National Park
The stark, open landscapes of Udawalawe National Park, just a four hour drive from Colombo, has a population of around 600 elephants, believed to be permanent residents and you can take a jeep safari to explore the landscape, with the largest waterbody in the dry zone. Udawalawe is the best place in Sri Lanka to see Asian Elephants throughout the year, but you can also see sloth bears, water buffaloes, leopards and crocodiles. You can also catch feeding time at the Elephant Transit home, which rescues orphaned baby elephants, and cares for them before releasing them in the wild, when they become independent. It is also known for its endemic bird species ,
Best time to visit: Between December and June.
Gal Oya National Park
Granite hills, large water reservoirs and evergreen valleys- this park 314 km from Colombo, is one of the most untouched national parks in the country, and offers a unique perspective of seeing elephants swim in the Gal Oya lake, which is the largest inland water body in the country, and seeing them on a boat safari.
The boat safari also offers up- close encounters with basking crocodiles and birds. You can also meet Sri Lanka’s indigenous people- the Vedda tribe who live in small mud houses, and learn about their traditions and customs. The park and its surrounding areas are also great for hikes and climbs. Among the notable flora of the park are the important herbs of the Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala.
Best time to visit: March to July or December to April.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park spread across 131 thousand hectares, is one of the oldest national parks in the country with thorny scrub, open plains, sand dunes and wetlands, and has as many as 106 natural lakes that fill with rain water, known as willus spread across the park. Nearly 106 lakes and tanks are scattered throughout Wilpattu. When there is no rain, the elephants come to these pools and therefore there are guaranteed sightings. You can also see leopards, sloth bears, hornbills and kingfishers here. It is also close to Anuradhapura and houses several ancient ruins and artifacts from various periods of history.
Best time- February to October
Wasgamuwa National Park
Named after the Sinhalese words “Walas Gamuwa,” meaning “a garden of bears, this park situated in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts, sprawling over 36,000 hectares, with dense forests and sprawling grasslands, has a big herd of elephants, besides great bio-diversity with more than 143 bird species. Located about 225 kilometers northeast of Colombo, bordered by River Mahaweli Ganga and River Amban Ganga, it’s close to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Besides jeep safaris, this park offers walking safaris too. The great elephant migration happens from July to October between Wasgamuwa and Minneriya, where hundreds of elephants move in search of water and food.
Best time to visit: November to May
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
