The elephants that traverse the paradise isle, Sri Lanka are revered and feared at the same time. In certain areas they encroach upon human habitation as they gradually lose their forest homes. Thus the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage located close to Kegalle plays a significant role in rehabilitating and ensuring a safe future for elephants that have been badly affected by the human-elephant conflict. If you plan to travel from your temporary home, Colombo Courtyard you are sure to be at the orphanage within two hours. The hotel is among the most notable boutique hotels in Colombo, and gives you easy access to locations relatively close to the island’s commercial capital.
Around eighty elephants roam freely in the premises. They are guided by their mahouts who seem to know the art of communicating with them. The elephants are fed and bathed at specific times. You could be part of these daily rituals. As the elephants comfortably splash around and play with each other, you can watch, a safe distance away and hope those sprinkles of water reach you. The jumbo bath times are 10am-12 noon and 2-4 pm. Make sure to perfectly time your visit, so as to be a part of this memorable experience.
Endearing and huggable, baby elephants are the centre of attention at the orphanage. Bottles and bottles of milk are gulped down by these precious beings.
Such is the experience at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Today, this government- maintained establishment is under scrutiny as animal-lovers claim the orphanage promotes breeding rather than the rehabilitation of elephants.
Nevertheless, the orphanage is the best place to get up close and comfortable with the most majestic animal of Sri Lanka.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
