Tour Itinerary

DAY 1. ARRIVAL / SIGIRIYA



A.M. Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake and Proceed to Sigiriya.

P.M. Late afternoon drive looking for Elephants in and around human habitations.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.




DAY 2. SIGIRIYA



A.M. After breakfast driving around the environs of Sigiriya and Habarana the hot spots of Human-Elephant conflict. Here damaged homesteads, plantations etc. could be viewed in appraising the true nature of the conflict.

P.M. Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park to view the annual congregation of Elephant herds in the tank bed of Minneriya / Kaudulla. At times these herds could number over a 100 individuals.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.




DAY 3. SIGIRIYA / KANDY



A.M. After breakfast drive to Kandy which is the city of the annual Elephant pageant the Esala Festival or Perehera.
This is a 10 day festival that falls in the month of Esala of the Sinhala calendar (end of July – first week of August)

P.M. For those who arrive during this period the evening is spent witnessing this unique, colourful pageant of light and dance with over a hundred Elephants on parade.
For others the evening is spent visiting the Kandy museum, the Temple of the Tooth and viewing a programme of Kandyan dance.

Overnight stay in Kandy.




DAY 4. KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA



A.M. After breakfast drive to the hill country, once the haunts of Elephants visiting a tea factory en route.

Overnight stay Nuwara Eliya.




DAY 5. NUWARA ELIYA / ELLA / YALA



A.M. After breakfast proceed to Yala via Ella.

P.M. Drive around Elephant country at Yala and Kataragama.

Overnight stay in Yala.




DAY 6. YALA / EMBILIPITIYA



A.M. After breakfast jeep safari at Yala National Park.

P.M. Proceed to Embilipitiya via sugar plantations, another hot bed for Human-Elephant conflict.

Overnight stay in Embilipitiya.




DAY 7. EMBILIPITIYA / PINNAWALA



A.M. After breakfast jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park and visit Elephant Transit Home.

P.M. Proceed to Pinnawala.

Overnight stay in Pinnawala.




DAY 8. PINNAWALA



A.M. After breakfast visit Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala.

P.M. Visit Millennium Elephant Foundation, Pinnawala.
This private organization, called Millennium Elephant Foundation, is located in Pinnawala, in the proximity of the Elephant Orphanage. It functions as a hospital for domesticated Elephants in need of veterinary care.
It is affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Peradeniya and various world bodies that work towards the protection of captive Elephants.
Any visitor could be a resident here and get fully involved in the day to day activities of the organization.

Overnight stay in Pinnawala.




DAY 9. PINNAWALA / AIRPORT



A.M. After breakfast, a second visit to Millennium Elephant Foundation, familiarizing with the day to day activities of the foundation and, for those who wish, an Elephant ride.

P.M. Proceed to hotel near the airport for changing room + Late night DEPARTURE.