Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located in Pinnawala village, Sri Lanka, is a conservation institute for wild Asian elephants. It's known for having the largest captive elephant herd globally, with 71 elephants in 2023 (30 males and 41 females across three generations). The orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for and protect orphaned, unweaned wild elephants found in the region. Notably, in August 2021, a 25-year-old elephant named Surangi gave birth to twin male baby elephants, marking the first occurrence of twin elephant births in Sri Lanka in 80 years.

Time table of the Elephant Orphanage

• 08.30am Opening the orphanage for visitors
• 09.15am Bottle-feeding the baby elephants
• 10.00am Morning bath at ‘Ma Oya’
• 12noon Elephants return to the orphanage after the bath
• 01.15pm Bottle-feeding the baby elephants
• 02.00pm Afternoon bath at ‘Ma Oya’
• 04.00pm Elephants return to the orphanage after the bath
• 05.00pm Bottle-feeding the baby elephants
• 06.00pm closing the orphanage to visitors

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, houses a revered tooth relic believed to belong to the Buddha. It has historical and political significance, with the belief that whoever holds the relic governs the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the center of daily Buddhist rituals, including symbolic bathing of the relic, and has been restored after facing damage from bombings in 1989 and 1998.

Opening hours:

·         Temple 5.30am-8pm,

·         Puja 5.30-6.45am, 9.30-11am & 6.30-8pm

·         Dress code: Wear clothes that cover your legs and your shoulders, and remove your shoes outside the temple.

Madu Ganga is a significant wetland ecosystem in Sri Lanka, with a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. It's known for its estuary, mangrove islets, and cultural heritage, including the first upasampada ceremony for the Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sect in 1803.

The Turtle Hatchery in Bentota, Sri Lanka, is a conservation facility dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles. Visitors can observe the hatching process and learn about efforts to safeguard these endangered marine species.

The Galle Dutch Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved 17th-century architecture and historical significance as a colonial trading post. It's a fascinating blend of Dutch and Portuguese influences in a beautiful coastal setting.

Yala National Park, in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and various bird species, offering an exceptional safari experience in its scenic and natural surroundings. It's one of the country's premier wildlife destinations.

While on your city tour in Colombo you may visit famous places including Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, National Museum, Twin World Trade Center towers, Old Parliament Building, Fort district, Independence Hall at Independence Square, and prominent Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian places of worship. (Entrance fees to sites not included). For shopping, you may visit Odel, House of Fashion, Beverly Street, Majestic City, Noritake, etc