All Elephant Back Safaris are accompanied by the mahout. A wooden saddle, a basket like enclosure upon a wooden platform is large enough to carry four passengers. Riders need to be on alert to stoop down to avoid being knocked by the overhanging branches of trees along the path.

Habarana, the most popular area for Elephant Back Safari

Habarana, located 210km north east from Colombo 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.

Elephant Back Safaris at Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park

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.

The Elephant, the riders and the mahout

The tamed elephants are accompanied by mahouts carrying a lightweight spear, to control the animal in case of an emergency. Elephant Back Safaris afford the opportunity to riders to be familiar with behavior of the elephants.

Elephant Back Safaris at Yala National Park

Elephant Back Safaris at Yala National Park brings in the chance to enjoy the sights of wildlife and birdlife that live abound in the wilderness. Yala National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka.