A Wildlife Pilgrimage – Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Udawalawe, Yala & Bundala National Parks

Sri Lanka, home to some of the finest species of fauna and flora has a number of eminent wildlife parks and reserves which has given this Island ample prominence. Journey with us and be spellbound by glorious creatures freely roaming in their natural habitat, unscathed by man. Experience spectacular wildlife views across wide-spread open plains of Udawalawe, Yala & Bundala jungles. It will be expected of you to be captivated by the sight of the famous spotted deer seen in large herds, grey-faced Langur monkey mischievously scampering all around whilst the solitary peacock dancing graciously with its plumes fully spread in a magnitude of colours. As the twilight draws in, a Leopard along with its cubs quenching by the waterhole would definitely be a photographer’s delight.

Let us focus on Sri Lanka’s pride and joy, the Elephant, has been and will be an important part of the legacy and ecology of the Country. Sri Lankans pay tribute to this magnificent giant at many occasions, mainly through the extravagant Pereheras; Elephants, smothered in luxurious attire, are paraded as the focal point of the event. This is the motherland of 10% of the world’s entire elephant population, living in the protected wildlife sanctuaries and the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

At Pinnawela, you will be touched by the sight of playful baby jumbo’s being bottle fed whilst the bigger mammals are being river bathed nearby. There are over 95 elephant orphans and most of them are harmless and well accustomed to the adoring fans. The experience is sure to be pleasing and soothing, one which will last forever, naturally so, when you have the chance of being merely a foot away from the second largest mammal surviving today.