Elephants are synonymous with Sri Lankan culture and no tour of Sri Lanka would be complete without seeing some of these majestic animals. There is nothing quite like seeing them roaming in the wild in one of the island’s national parks, but we can also take you for a more close and personal meeting with some of Sri Lanka’s tamed elephants. Our unique elephant encounter is exclusive to Bamboo Travel clients and begins with a journey off the main road near Dambulla and through a remote village to a private catamaran which will be waiting in a tranquil location on the Kandalama Tank. Cross the tank on your catamaran, the traditional mode of transport for fishermen in Sri Lanka before arriving in a small bay where 2 tamed elephants will be enjoying a bath. Their mahouts will invite you to join them in washing the elephants in the traditional way, using coconut husks. The mahoots will explain to you about the lives of these elephants and you will witness the close chemistry between them. After bathing the elephants, they will be taken up onto the shore and assist the mahoots in feeding them fresh local fruit. Later, you will bid adieu to the elephants and transfer by local tractor back to the main road. This experience lasts for around 2 hours and can be arranged either early in the morning (07:00-09:00) or in the late afternoon (16:00-18:00). The elephants you will meet are well looked after and we believe this is a responsible and respectful way to enjoy a meeting with these wonderful animals.
