Please Call Or Email Us
0208 099 9651
 
 
 
Hotel Mermaid and Club
3 Star+ Comfort
7 Nights Only £759
Call Us For More Offers
Sri Lanka Holidays
Home > Travel Sri Lanka Guide > Sri Lanka Elephant <- Back
Search Sri Lanka Holidays
 

Personal Advice & Planning



Tailor Made Holidays
 
Sri Lanka Tailor Made Holidays
Create your own holiday. Whether it is your dream holiday or business trip, make it your own. Tell us your requirements and we will arrange everything for you at a great affordable price.More...
For sample Sri Lanka tailor made holidays click here..
Call 0208 099 9651
 


About Sri Lanka
 
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Holidays Map, Sri Lanka Hotels Map, Sri lanka Flights Map, Sri Lanka Tours Map Kandy Sri Lanka Hill Country South Coast Beach Sri Lanka West Coast Beach Sri Lanka Capital Colombo Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle

Frequently Asked Questions

 

About Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Elephant

   
Main Article: Sri Lanka Wildlife
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Elephant
Elephants occupy a special place in Sri Lankan culture. In ancient times elephants were Crown property and killing one was a terrible offence. Even today elephants are held in great affection and the Maligawa tusker, which carries the tooth relic on the final night of the Kandy Perahera festival, is perhaps the most venerated of all. But elephants are endangered, and although they are protected by law, they continue to be at risk. There are over 2500 wild elephants in Sri Lanka, compared with 12,000 at the beginning of the 20th century.

Sri Lanka has spectacular National Parks to rival any African safari, with wild herds of elephants in their natural habitat. In Udawalawe National Park it is not uncommon to count upwards of 250 elephants in one afternoon. The sight of 10-30 animals pulling up tussocks of grass on the rolling savannah, trunk-wrestling playfully or ambling down to the reservoir to drink and bathe is a common occurrence.

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their offspring born in the same location. The original objective of establishing this orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation and education centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for receptive individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984 the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world and the important message of conservation is there for all to see.

In 1995, in addition to Pinnewala, the Wildlife Department opened an 'Elephant Transit Home' in Udawalawe National Park , so called because the orphaned elephants are in transit, and are released back into the wild as soon as they were old enough to cope on their own. Funds to cover the costs of feed and veterinary treatment are raised locally including an adoption scheme in which schoolchildren in Colombo contribute pocket-money to adopt 'their' elephant.

Every visitor who goes elephant watching - whether in the traditional safari jeep, a bungalow or from the new community-run, tree-top platform near Yala - is generating jobs and helping to ensure a future for these wonderful animals. Every visitor who does so will take home some elephant memories that they will never forget.

  • Related Articles
  • Other Articles
About Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Whale WatchingSri Lanka Whale Watching
The frequency as well as the proximity to the shore makes Sri Lanka one of the easiest places in the world to spot blue or sperm whales.More...
About Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Dolphin WatchingSri Lanka Dolphin Watching
Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals and they are found worldwide but more so in the shores of Sri Lanka.More...
About Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka ElephantSri Lanka Elephant
Elephants occupy a special place in Sri Lankan culture. In ancient times elephants were Crown property and killing one was a terrible offence.More...
About Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Jeep SafarisSri Lanka Jeep Safaris
A jeep safari will afford you the unforgettable opportunity to see some of the island’s most celebrated creatures in its own natural habitat.More...

Other Articles

 
Travel Sri Lanka Active

Active

There is no better or more exhilarating way to discover Sri Lank’s spectacular scenery and nature than through white water rafting down a majestic river, trekking & hiking in Horton Plains National Park, rock-climbing and caving of the Knuckles mountain range, mountain biking in the Hill Country, horse riding, camping, jeep safaris – the options are endless. More...
Travel Sri Lanka Adventure

Adventure

Sri Lanka's diversity of topography and climate results in the island being the perfect year-round location for activity and adventure. More...
Travel Sri Lanka Anniversary

Anniversary

Going on a romantic holiday to a tropical paradise such as Sri Lanka can be a great way to celebrate your anniversary. More...
Travel Sri Lanka Ayurvedic

Ayurvedic

Sri Lanka's ancient history has a page devoted to the world of "Ayurveda" meaning the science of life and is the most scientific and complete system of preventative and curative medical care known to mankind. More...
Travel Sri Lanka Culture

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many things in the past, but Sri Lanka has managed to retain much of its ancient, rich aspects. More...
Travel Sri Lanka Golf

Golf

 . More...

Sri Lanka Weather

Sri Lanka weather is slightly complicated by having two monsoons and an inter-monsoonal period when rain can occur in many parts of the island. As a result, Sri Lanka has become an all year around travel destination. More...

Best Time to Travel to Sri Lanka

Visitors come to Sri Lanka all year around. Sri Lanka’s climate means that it is always the ‘right’ beach season somewhere on the coast. More...

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Sri Lanka tourists visa regulations are simple. USA and most European countries receive 30 days tourist visa on arrival. More...

Foreign Embassies in Sri Lanka

As a tourist, it is always important to know where the foreign embassy is in Sri Lanka and what they can and cannot do to help you. More...

Other Lifestyles: Heritage | Nature | Spa | Trekking | Weddings | Wildlife
 
* Inclusive of Return Airport Transfers Only (Flight Fare Not Included)
£609
£759
£979
Lowest Price Garanteed

Customer Reviews & Blogs
Sri Lanka News

Colombo Fares
 

Flight Info - Fares From

Sri Lanka Jet Airways £155*
Sri Lanka Etihad Airways £171*
Sri Lanka Gulf Air £195*
Sri Lanka Kuwait Airways £220*
Sri Lanka Qatar Airways £235*
Sri Lanka Oman Air £245*
Sri Lanka Srilankan Airlines £300*
Sri Lanka Emirates Airlines £465*
*excludes tax and prices from
Check availability, call
0208 099 9651
 

Flights to Sri Lanka & Asia
 
Flight Search
* Required Fields.
 


Maldives Holidays
Holidays to Maldives
Maldives Holidays, maldives Hotels, Maldives Flights, Maldives Tours

"Cheap Tours and Holidays in Sri Lanka - We have a secret to share about how you can get a great Sri Lanka holidays deals. Never heard of Sri Lanka? You should know about it. It's a stunning tropical island in the Indian ocean. You can find some cheap Sri Lanka package holidays and tours on the lovely island, with reefs and white sandy beaches and crystal blue water. Not a lot of people know about the luxury tours and holiday villas Sri Lanka has to offer. Would you prefer a tailor made tour or package holiday to Sri Lanka? That way everything is taken care of so you can enjoy cheap holidays in Sri Lanka. The all inclusive holidays in Sri Lanka include hotels and flights and we provide the information you need on the island and how to book your vacation. A tailor made tour of Sri Lanka or package holiday to Sri Lanka always starts with what you want to do on your holiday at the island. Are you simply looking to get away with cheap holidays in Sri Lanka? You probably want to check out the surf and want something simple. You might not want to be spending a lot of time in the luxury holiday villas Sri Lanka has to offer. That's okay though because a special Sri Lanka holiday deal could always include a cheaper hotel room, something affordable for you or your family. Perhaps you want to experience everything that the island has to offer, all inclusive holidays in Sri Lanka doesn't have to be expensive. Sri lanka tours and Sri Lanka package holidays can include everything you want, hotel, shopping destinations, tourist information and more. You want to see all there is on the island; you can't beat the Sri Lanka holiday deal that we can offer. The best way to get a great Sri Lanka holiday deal is to book early. To be honest though, you can usually find all inclusive cheap holidays in Sri Lanka most of the time. Because it is not so well known, not a lot of people are roaming the beaches, so you can enjoy a little fun either in the luxury holidays villas that Sri Lanka offers or just enjoy all the things you like, like visiting the natural location of Le Val Nature. Your talior made tours to Sri Lanka or package holidays to Sri Lanka can include some scheduled time on one of the many golf courses. There really is something for everyone at this island, so don't forget to book your cheap holidays in Sri Lanka through us. With seductive beaches in both west, south and east coasts, seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, twelve protected national wildlife parks, Buddhist cave temples, tea plantations, ancient cities, stunning waterfalls and gem mines, is not a surprise more and more people choose a tailor made holiday tour of Sri Lanka. All our Sri Lanka holiday tours are organised on a personal basis with private chauffeur driven vehicles. We are UK and Sri Lanka based independent tour operators that have been creating Sri Lanka tours for individual traveller since 1985. We are 'small enough' to ensure that most of our clients leave as friends, but larger enough to give you financial protection for your Sri Lanka holidays through ATOL. Our Holidays to Sri Lanka do NOT support large noisy groups, nor 'conveyor belt tourism', where large groups are pushed through a rigid itinerary devoid of spontaneity to make money. Instead, we promote Sri Lanka tours to individuals, couples, families, friends and small private groups. Sri Lanka is not a small island and its landscape is diverse. Sri Lanka has no motorways - driving 60 miles in certain parts of the island could easily take 2-3 hours. Sri Lanka is multicultural and multi religious so there are many festivals and public holidays every month. Taking all this into consideration, touring Sri Lanka has to be done through carefully planned. When planning tours to Sri Lanka, try not to over-load your schedule. When touring in Sri Lanka, try to stay two nights if possible. Also, inform us of any special interests you may have such as bird watching, architecture etc... So that we can incorporate these into your Sri Lanka Tour. Together with our expert knowledge about Sri Lanka we can really help you to plan the perfect itinerary for your dream holidays to Sri Lanka. We have some suggested Sri Lanka holidays, click here to get some ideas on touring Sri Lanka or see our Escorted Sri Lanka Tours. Click here to create your tailor made holiday to Sri Lanka or give us a call and have a chat with us to create a personalised holiday to Sri Lanka – call 0208 099 9651. Sri Lanka is not just famous for its beaches but also for its seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, twelve protected national wildlife parks, Buddhist cave temples, tea plantations, ancient cities, stunning waterfalls, gem mines and more. Also, Sri Lanka is not a small island and its landscape is diverse. Sri Lanka has no motorways - driving 60 miles in certain parts of the island could easily take 2-3 hours. Sri Lanka is multicultural and multi religious so there are many festivals and public holidays every month. Taking all this into consideration, when booking a holiday to Sri Lanka makes sure you book with someone who knows about Sri Lanka. travelSrilank.co.uk is both Europe and local based, independently managed company. We are 'small enough' to ensure that most of our clients leave as friends but large enough to have ATOL for your financial protection. Whether it's a Sri Lanka beach holiday or tailor made holiday for individuals, couples, families, friends and small private groups, we have the expertise and experience since 1985. If you and your family come on tour with us; it will be only you and your family! We can craft a private custom Sri Lanka holiday just for you. We have local representation. Who better to organize your tours than the locals? All our staff is Sri Lanka born and bred and they passionate about showing rest of the world what Sri Lanka has to offer. Get the best from your Sri Lanka trip; whether it is expert local tips, introduction to little known Sri Lanka hotels, insight to local culture and customs or necessary contacts. That can only come from the people who live here! Together with our expert knowledge about Sri Lanka we can really help you to plan the perfect itinerary for your dream holiday to Sri Lanka. We have some suggested Sri Lanka holiday itineraries, click here to get some ideas on touring Sri Lanka or see our Escorted Sri Lanka Tours. Click here to create your tailor made holiday to Sri Lanka or give us a call and have a chat with us to create a personalised holiday to Sri Lanka – call 0208 099 9651. We are IATA accredited travel agent so that we have authority to issue airline tickets on most of the major airlines that travel to Sri Lanka. Until recently Sri Lanka's main way of getting around is by a vehicle or private helicopter. You can reserve seats through travelSrilanka.co.uk and arrange for your driver to follow the train with your luggage so you don't have to worry about hauling it all on board. Climatically speaking, the best time to go to Sri Lanka is the driest seasons in Sri Lanka which is from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast. But last few years, as same as rest of the world, the weather patterns in Sri Lanka have change significantly. So be ready to experience dry weather during the rainy season and vice versa. Great thing about Sri Lanka weather is even when it is clouded over its still hot and getting tanned. When the rain comes, majority of time it's only for couple hours and then the sun shines – this gives a cool breeze and a tropical feeling which is magical. Sri Lanka's climate means that it is always the 'right' beach season somewhere on the coast. But today, Sri Lankan Airlines has introduced Air Taxi to Bentota, Koggala, Dickwella, Kandy and Ampara. Currently there are schedule flights to Bentota, Koggala and Dickwella only. It is possible to rent a car in Sri Lanka but we advise against it as the roads are poor and the driving conditions challenging. Moreover, it is very economical to hire a driver in Sri Lanka, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the journey. Our tourist board approved English speaking drivers and not just drivers, they are qualified guides who possess an extensive knowledge of the country enabling them to double up as tour guides. We offer several vehicle types to hire in Sri Lanka for your convenience: a saloon car ideal for 2-3 people; a mini-van ideal for 4-6 people or a 4WD jeep for a more comfortable experience. Also, many of our customers enjoy doing part of their tour by train. The best scenic train journey in Sri Lanka is the train journey between Colombo and Badulla which stops at Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Most visitors take the Kandy - Nuwara Eliya or Nuwara Eliya - Colombo journey. The train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy or Colombo makes an interesting alternative to the car. The journey time is much the same, but the scenery is even more spectacular. Travel in the 1st class observation car is highly recommended, and if possible on an InterCity Express train. The weather doesn't follow strict rules, though – it often seems to be raining where it should be sunny and sunny where it should be raining. Sri Lanka monsoon season varies for different parts of the country and there are different types of monsoon in Sri Lanka. Southwest Monsoon - arrives in May bringing rains to south and central areas. During this time, temperatures can soar above 35 Celsius in the coastal regions of the south. Northeast Monsoon arrives in October and lasts until January. The wet season turns the northern countryside lush green with tropical vegetation and the vibrant colours can make this a wonderful time to visit despite the rain. Inter-Monsoon brings rain and thunderstorms to south and central areas during September and November. Flying to Sri Lanka is relatively easy. There are many flights to Sri Lanka daily. There are direct flights to Sri Lanka from London Heathrow daily on Sri Lanka national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines. Other flights to Sri Lanka from the UK is offered by Kuwait Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airlines, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Gulf Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airways, and Oman Airways. These flights are flying via Middle East, Maldives or India. There are flights to Sri Lanka from majority of the UK airports. You can get cheap flights to Sri Lanka from London Heathrow and Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast. Flights to Sri Lanka from Ireland can be taken from Dublin, Galways, and Waterford via London Heathrow. We are one of the largest flights travel agents to Sri Lanka since 1985. We can book your flights to Sri Lanka. "