Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cadjugama, Kegalle and Kadugannawa are on the A1, easily accessible by bus between
Colombo and Kandy. Catch a train to Kadugannawa and the Henerathgoda Botanic Gar-
dens at Gampaha.
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
ZOO
(adult/child Rs 2500/1250; 8.30am-6pm)
Initially created to protect abandoned or orphaned elephants, this government-run elephant
orphanage near Kegalle is one of Sri Lanka's most popular attractions, but today some
people think it seems to have largely lost sight of its original aims and is more a zoo than
anything else. Some people love the place and the opportunity it gives to get up close and
cuddly with elephants, but many more find it an out-and-out rip-off with no conservational
value whatsoever.
There are around 80 elephants here of all ages. The creatures are largely well looked
after, but conservationists have expressed some concern over the amount of contact ele-
phants have with the public and the fact that the facility has been used for breeding, con-
trary to its status as an orphanage.
The elephants are controlled by their mahouts, who ensure they feed at the right times
and don't endanger anyone. Otherwise the elephants roam freely around the sanctuary
area. The elephants are led to a nearby river for bathing daily from 10am to noon and from
2pm to 4pm. Meal times are 9.15am, 1.15pm and 5pm. For Rs 350 you can bottle feed a
baby elephant, although take note of the concerns about tourist-elephant contact as the ele-
phants can become easily stressed.
Millennium Elephant Foundation
ZOO
( 035-226 3377;
www.millenniumelephantfoundation.org
;adult/child Rs 1000/500, elephant rides
Rs 1000-4000; 9am-4pm)
Two kilometres from Pinnewala, on the Karandupona-Kandy road, the Millennium
Elephant Foundation houses a number of elephants rescued from various situations, such
as aggressive mahouts, or elephants retired from working in temples. Volunteers are wel-
come at the foundation and the facility also supports a mobile veterinary service.
Getting There & Away
