Animal activities Kandalama

Exploring Animal Activities in Kandalama

🌐 Location: Kandalama, Central Province, Sri Lanka

📍 Coordinates: 7°46'23.8"N 80°51'13.2"E

🏡 Nearest Cities: Dambulla (9km) & Sigiriya (16km)

🌳 Surroundings: Kandalama Tank, Habarana Forest Reserve, Minneriya National Park

🐾 Animal Activities in Kandalama:

  1. Elephant Orphanage & Elephant Transit Home (ETH), Pinnawala (20km): Visit the world-renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a home for abandoned and injured elephants. Here you can witness the feeding of baby elephants, bathing rituals, and the release of elephants back to the wild.

  2. Minneriya National Park: Take a safari tour in Minneriya National Park, where you can observe herds of wild elephants, sambar deer, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species. The park is famous for its ‘Gathering’ of elephants during the dry season (July-October).

  3. Boboli Ellen’s Hideaway: Experience a unique opportunity to interact with Asian elephants in their natural habitat at Boboli Ellen’s Hideaway. The sanctuary offers elephant feeding, bathing sessions, and an insight into the relationship between humans and these magnificent creatures.

  4. Habarana Forest Reserve: Spend a day exploring the lush Habarana Forest Reserve, where you can see wild elephants, sambar deer, monkeys, and various bird species roaming freely.

  5. Birdwatching: Kandalama is home to an array of exotic bird species, including the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, and the Ceylon Junglefowl. Take a guided tour through local forests or wetlands for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.

  6. Reptile Farm: Visit the nearby reptile farm to learn about various species of snakes, lizards, and turtles found in Sri Lanka. Some farms offer handling sessions and shows featuring venomous snakes.

💡 Tips:

  • Always respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals.
  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for your excursions.
  • Hire a knowledgeable guide to ensure an enriching experience and support local communities.
  • Be mindful of the local customs and conservation efforts in place to protect Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife.