Elephant Back Safaris not only make it possible to view wildlife while riding an elephant, but also to view the wildlife enthusiasts chances to be familiar with the nature and behavior of tamed Elephants.
Habarana, the most popular area for Elephant Back Safari located 210 km north east from Colombo. Habarana is the transit point for the large herds of wild elephants at the National Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla. Habarana is a popular location among the wildlife enthusiasts and nature tourists. Moreover, Habarana being the central location of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, attracts many culture tourists. The irrigation reservoirs and waterways of the area bring in a riverine terrain where the elephants would wade through, or swim to reach the banks in the further end. The ride would take you over the main road, the pathways, villages, jungles, swamp and river.
The best period for Elephant Back Safaris at Habarana is during March to July when the water level of the river is high enough to ride the elephant. From August to November the level of water in the river is low. During December to February when it’s the rainy season at Habarana, the river would flow.
A ten minute drive east of Habarana is Minneriya National Park, famous for large herds of elephants. A fifteen minute drive north east is Kaudulla National Park, another regular tourist attraction in view of its large herds of elephants. Elephant back safaris in these National parks afford opportunities to enjoy the sight of wild elephants as well as the bird life.
These safaris not only make to view wildlife from the back of an elephant, but perhaps more significantly, provide the unique opportunity to share a day in the life of the elephant. Whether it’s game viewing from their backs, picnicking with them in the bush, grooming, feeding or swimming with them, or experiencing the pleasure of being close to such magnificent animals, the encounter is truly unforgettable.
