Elephant Transit Home

About Elephant Transit Home

The Elephant Transit Home (ETH), also known as Ath Athuru Sevana, is a unique elephant rehabilitation center located just outside Udawalawa National Park. Managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, this facility provides care and protection to orphaned baby elephants until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Unlike traditional elephant orphanages, ETH ensures minimal human interaction to help the young elephants adapt to life in the wild. Watching these baby elephants being fed and cared for is a heartwarming and educational experience for all ages.

Location

The Elephant Transit Home is situated at the entrance of Udawalawa National Park, making it easily accessible for those visiting the park. It’s a short distance from many accommodations in the area, including Imperial Resort Udawalawa.

Things to See

The main attraction at the Elephant Transit Home is the feeding sessions, which occur every 3 hours throughout the day. Visitors can observe the young elephants gathering at the feeding area, enjoying their specially prepared milk meals. These sessions are the best time to visit, as you can witness the playful and energetic nature of the elephants while learning about conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

The facility also offers informative exhibits and educational boards about elephant conservation, their natural habitats, and the rehabilitation process. Photography is allowed from the observation deck, but physical contact with the elephants is restricted to ensure a smooth reintegration into the wild.

Best Times to Visit

Feeding times are usually at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. It’s advisable to arrive a bit earlier to get a good viewing spot, especially during weekends and holidays when it can get crowded.

Distance from Imperial Resort Udawalawa to Elephant Transit Home

Distance: Approximately 3.5 kilometers
Transfer Time: Around 5 to 10 minutes by vehicle