Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above may be the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant.

Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably.  The riders should be alerted to bend down a bit when necessary to avoid being knocked by the branches of trees along the path during the journey.

In addition to riding on the back of the elephant and enjoying the natural surroundings and wildlife of the area, you would be able to observe the behaviours and the habitats of this marvellous mammal on earth. It is up to the holidaymakers to share the day with the wondrous giant in certain ways like picnicking in the bush under the shadow of an elephant either bathing, grooming or feeding it as well. It would be so exciting to see how obedient an elephant is once tamed and trained properly. Surpassing the massive physical strength of this giant in the wild, the mahout is capable of handling the elephant by giving verbal commands in a special language and using the simple weapon called the ‘goad’.

Habarana is the most popular location in Sri Lanka for elephant safari rides. Habarana is located 210km northeast from Colombo and is the transit point of the large herds of wild elephants at the National Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla. Further, Habarana is a popular location among wildlife enthusiasts and nature tourists. Moreover, Habarana being the central location of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, the cultural tourists touring therein too grab the opportunity to enjoy an elephant ride in Sri Lanka. 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 farther end. The ride would also take place over the main road, the pathways, villages, jungles, swamps and river.

No need to think twice about grabbing this unique experience through an exciting elephant ride while holidaying on the precious island of Sri Lanka, which is a splendour of nature indeed.