Primary attractions are the tea estates in the highlands, game sanctuaries and the beaches. Visits to the tea estates can be easily arranged and there are a number of hilltop resorts to stay in, many of which exude old colonial charm.
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| Tea picking. |
A popular destination in the highlands is the Pinnawala elephant orphanage near the town of Kegalle in the highlands.The sanctuary has become a popular tourist destination and learning centre for local children. Pinnawala is not only used as an elephant zoo but also a sanctuary for elephants threatened by human intervention in their natural environment. It's a great place to visit at watering time as the elephants are herded through the small town down to the river. It is claimed that the orphanage has the largest herd of captured elephants in the world. There has been some controversy in recent times that authorities donate tamed elephants to people who have poor records of taking care of animals.
On the whole hoewever, the animals appear to be well cared for and protected.
Pinnawala is in stark contrast to David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Kenya where all baby elephants are released back into the wilds when they are mature.
The issue in Sri Lanka is however the concentrated population competing for agricultural land.
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| The reserve |
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| Groups of school children |
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| Raja an old tusker who is completely blind |
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| The march to the river |
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| Modern technology everywhere |
