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Sri Lanka is one place where you see wild elephants in their natural habitat. In addition, you can also have the amazing experience of observing these majestic animals at close quarters. The experience is truly humbling when you realize how big and powerful the elephant is. It is more amazing that these animals have been part of the life of Sri Lankans for millennia.
Elephants have a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. Although in recent times, there have been many instances of human-elephant conflicts resulting in death on both sides and damage to houses and plantations, the elephant still plays an important role in Sri Lanka. The human-elephant conflict is a result of the loss of habitat of the elephant due to cultivation and expanding human footprint.
The best places to observe elephants in their natural habitat are the national parks which are scattered throughout the north-west, north, north-central, north-east, east, south-east, and south parts of the island.
Elephant population
There are around 6000 wild elephants in Sri Lanka. There are also quite several domesticated elephants found throughout the country. About 100 are owned by private people while the majority are found in temples and another 150 or so elephants are state-owned. Sri Lanka has the highest density of elephants in Asia.
The elephant population at the beginning of the 19th century was around 19,500. 100 years later this figure fell to a low of 2000. The main reason for this was the indiscriminate hunting and capture of elephants. They were also killed in the process of protecting plantations. However, due to the efforts of the wildlife conservation authority of Sri Lanka, this figure now has risen to around 6000.
Sri Lankan elephant
The Sri Lankan elephant is a subspecies of the Asian elephant. It is known as Elephas maximus maximus. Asian elephants are categorized into three different species. The Sri Lankan elephant is the biggest of the three and has a darker coloring. Its height can be anywhere from 8 feet to 11 feet. It can be easily recognized by the depigmentation areas on their bodies. This refers to areas with no skin color that appears on the trunk, face, ears, and belly. The Sri Lankan elephant is protected by law and killing one carries a penalty and even imprisonment.
Domesticated elephants
The elephant is an animal that has been close to the daily life of Sri Lankans for millennia. They have been used by ancient kings for military purposes. They maintained stables for these elephants. Many temples in the country own elephants and are used for religious activities. Caparisoned elephants add color and splendor to many religious processions that take place annually in temples. In Colombo and Kandy, you will be able to witness these processions with more than 100 elephants who parade the streets majestically along with dancers and drummers. Working elephants are used in logging and construction. This is less prevalent now due to the availability of heavy machinery. Sometimes, you will encounter these working elephants walking along the streets with their mahout. Keeping an elephant in captivity was never considered to be an act of animal cruelty. It was viewed more like a farmer having oxen to help with the heavy work around the farm.
Elephants are held in high regard by the islanders. It is treated as a symbol of intelligence, mental strength, physical capability, responsibility, prosperity, and good luck.
Observing elephants in the wild
Sri Lanka affords tourists the best opportunity to experience elephants in the wild. There are national parks located in Yala, Wilpattu, Kaudulla, Minneriya, Lahugala Kitulana, Uda Walave, Wasgamuwa, and Gal Oya. These national parks have elephants in varying numbers and are always 100 or more in a herd. A herd of elephants is made up of the matriarch, and other females. A few male elephants also can be seen in the periphery of the herd keeping an eye on the safety of the herd, especially the babies.
Some of the national parks offer elephant back safaris. Riding an elephant while watching and photographing elephants is an exciting way to experience the lifestyle of these gentle giants. Of course, you have to keep in mind that they can be aggressive at times, and for this reason, it is a good idea to hire a guide. Elephant back safaris are not for everyone as it is time-consuming. A jeep is ideal for those who feel more comfortable in a vehicle with the added advantage of being relatively quicker.
Habarana and elephant safaris
Habarana is the central location of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination. Most wildlife and nature enthusiasts make it a point to visit Habarana and nearby areas. It is situated 210km from the commercial capital of the island, Colombo and is easily accessible by public transport or privately rented vehicles.
Elephant enthusiasts flock to Habarana because it is a transit point for large herds of wild elephants of the Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park. The surrounding areas of Habarana is a riverine terrain. There are irrigation reservoirs and waterways that the elephants use to swim and wade through to get to the other bank. An elephant back safari at Habarana takes you through pathways, jungles, villages, swamps, rivers, and across main roads.
The rainy season in Habarana is from December to February. This period is best avoided. March to July sees a water level in the rivers at Habarana is high enough for elephant rides.
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks
Minneriya National Park is the closest to Habarana. A ten-minute drive to the east of Habarana will get you there with ease. Minneriya is known for large herds of elephants. Kaudulla National Park is a fifteen-minute drive to the north of Habarana. This is another place to watch large herds of elephants. Both these national parks have elephant back safaris that will enable you to enjoy not only the hundreds of elephants but also a host of birds and other wildlife of Sri Lanka.
The elephants used for safaris are tamed and well trained. The mahout will accompany the safari with a lightweight spear for emergency use. The elephant ride is at a steady and constant pace to the rhythmic steps of the elephant. Once you are comfortable with the gait of the elephant you can start enjoying the surroundings that you will perceive from a height of about nine or ten feet. You can observe the jungle and its wildlife as part of it.
Minneriya Elephant Gathering
During the dry season, one of the most spectacular wildlife sights can be witnessed at the Minneriya National Park. This is known as the Minneriya Elephant Gathering. It is the largest gathering of elephants in one place in Asia. Elephants from all over the north central province and even as far as from Kantale gather here in their herds. They will spend the dry season here at Minneriya. This is not considered to be a migration. It is rather a gathering of wild elephants that is unique to Sri Lanka. You can see the different herds eat the lush green grass that is exposed by the receding waters of the Minneriya Tank. Taking in the picture, you will be able to count more than 400 elephants at this particular area. The only explanation for this annual gathering is perhaps the ample source of food and water for all the herds that come here. The gathering happens between the months of June and October.
Udawalawe National Park
The Udawalawe National Park is accessed via the banks of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The scene that unfolds as you come to this area is nothing less than pure splendor. Beautiful green vegetation with the Udawalawe Reservoir in the foreground and huge mountains rising to the skies in the backdrop is picturesque. Take a moment to savor the surroundings. You will notice that the jungle is teeming with wildlife. There are crocodiles basking in the sun or gliding through the water. Sea Eagles, Green Bee-eaters, the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbills, and Crested Tree Swifts are freely roaming about. These are only a few of the birds that can be named.
You can see the herds of elephants near the water. They love to play with the water and quench their thirst. Another activity you will notice all elephants indulge in is hosing water using the trunk. The elephants are all standing up or swimming in the water. A few will lay on their sides to cool off in a bid to ward off the effects of the hot sun.
Distribution of elephants outside the national parks are estimated to be over a thousand. This figure may be much higher. There is a chance of coming across large herds of elephants crossing the road from one jungle location to another. This requires all traffic to stop in their tracks till all the elephants have passed through. It is interesting to see the baby elephants run close to their mothers and sometimes gets a helpful nudge from one of the seniors in the herd. The flanks and the rear are brought up by male bull elephants who are on the lookout for any potential dangers to the herd. If they think something is dangerous they will not hesitate to charge with much vigor and show who is in charge. You must not antagonize such elephants as they can be dangerous.
Another phenomenon that you will encounter while traveling the roads sporting jungles on either side of the road is the lone bull elephant. These lone elephants are highly aggressive and you should keep your distance. Sometimes, as you travel on the road cordoned off on one side with electric fences as a deterrent for the elephants who raid plantations and break into housed in search of food, can be seen standing patiently for people to give them food. Most people have some type of food or fruit ready for this purpose. They are intelligent enough to stand opposite the kiosks of fruit vendors as they know passersby will stop to buy fruit to offer them.
