Elephant Conservation
in Sri Lanka
This trip will, without doubt, be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Working with one of the leading research institutions in the region, you’ll experience incredible hands-on conservation work, alongside developing your critical thinking, empathy and so much more. Elephant conservation in Sri Lanka is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
See the greatest gathering of elephants in all of Asia, visit five of Sri Lanka’s six cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and help reduce elephant/human conflict by planting orange trees and creating natural corridors. Plus, you’ll further your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project, as well as gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact.
“Throughout my time in Sri Lanka, Flooglebinder proved to be professional, knowledgable and accommodating; supporting 60 students and 12 staff. Students gained an understanding of human-elephant conflict that exists in Sri Lanka and had the opportunity to set wildlife cameras, plant orange trees, listen to lectures from the local wildlife scientists and enjoy a wildlife safari (witnessing the majestic elephants doing what they do so well, living family life!). I recommend Flooglebinder for future travel as they live their values every day and inspire young and old. An incredible journey for all who were lucky enough to participate.”
Nothing quite matches the feeling of seeing an elephant in the flesh for the first time. The sheer size and strength you’re face to face with will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are magnificent creatures, and this adventure in Sri Lanka will get you up close and personal with them – as well as give you the opportunity to absorb your fill of Sri Lankan culture. You’ll see elephants in the wild in both Minneriya and Wasgamuwa National Parks, as well as witness the issues faced due to urbanisation and the sustainable solutions for co-existence.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo
Day 2: Dutch Canal and Dambulla Cave Temple
Day 3: Polonnaruwa, before visiting Minneriya National Park
Days 4 to 9: Elephant project
Day 10: Kandy
Day 11: Negombo
Day 12: Depart
About your adventure
Before starting your elephant adventure, you’ll visit Negombo and Dambulla, where you’ll see the splendour of the Dambulla Cave Temple, travel via boat down the Dutch Canal, and tour the city of Polonnaruwa. On day 3, you’ll get your first taste of Sri Lankan wildlife with a safari in Minneriya National Park, home to the largest meeting place of Asian elephants in the world. Spot countless native species including leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus inornatus), buffalo (Bubalus arnee), Grey langurs (Semnopithecus dussumieri), pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), and numerous others including over 150 species of bird.
The highlight of your Sri Lankan elephant adventure is getting stuck in at the Wasgamuwa Elephant Project. After an orientation and introduction to the research centre, you’ll dive into a wide range of activities – all with the core goal of tackling conflict between human and elephant populations. Your tasks will include observing and documenting elephant behaviour, managing camera traps, analysing dung, community engagement, checking and maintaining beehives, and learning about other wildlife and ecosystems along the way.
Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶
“Looking through all of my Sri Lanka photos again brought a tear to my eye. I really cannot express how much my experience of going to Sri Lanka and meeting so many people has shaped my life but i am just so thankful for you and everyone that helped to make it happen, I have said this many many times but I really would do anything to be back in that amazing place with these amazing people”
Elephant Conservation itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Colombo
Upon arrival in Colombo, you’ll travel by private transfer to Negombo, roughly 20 minutes away. You’ll check in, and then have time to relax and enjoy either the pool or beach before your welcome dinner. Here you’ll have the opportunity to sample a range of traditional and local Sri Lankan cuisine.
Meals: D
Day 2
Dutch Canal and Dambulla Temple
You’ll start day 2 with an early morning boat ride along the Dutch canal, exploring the mangrove system and local fishing community before leaving for Dambulla. You’ll enjoy lunch en route during the 3.5-hour journey and pass through remote villages giving you a taste of Sr Lankan culture, as well as stopping at the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National park
On day 3, you’ll be taken on a city tour of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. before visiting Minneriya National Park for your first safari. Home to the largest meeting place of Asian elephants in the world, you’ll be sure to see a range of wildlife and get your first glimpse of the elephants.
Meals: B, L, D
Days 4 to 9
Elephant Project
For the next 5 days, you’ll be playing an important role at the Wasgamuwa Elephant Project. Beginning with orientation and an introduction to the important research and conservation work conducted at Wasgamuwa, you’ll spend much of your time learning and lending a helping hand wherever needed. You’ll spend time observing and documenting elephant behaviour, managing camera traps, analysing dung, engaging with the local community and learning about other important wildlife habitats along the way.
Meals: B, L, D
Note: for those looking to collect data for dissertation or thesis projects, please speak to us and we can share our dissertation titles with you and discuss the range of potential areas you can study.
Day 10
Kandy & Temple of Tooth Relic
Leaving the Wasgamuwa Elephant Project on day 10, you’ll travel through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll stop off at a tea plantation and pass through jungles and mountains before arriving in Kandy. Here you’ll explore the heritage city and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, before sampling more Sri Lankan cuisine in the evening.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11
Negombo
On Day 11, you’ll travel back to Negombo to enjoy your final day relaxing on the beach with plenty of time to stroll around the shops and street markets, taking in the last night of Sri Lankan culture.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12
Depart
After a morning by the pool or a relaxing stroll along the beach, you’ll head back to the Colombo airport, via private transfer.
Meals: B
Optional 3-Day Extension
If you want to add a few days to head to the beach then you can travel south to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, then continue along the coast to Weligama for surf, yoga and relaxation.
What’s included
NOTE:
Flights will be secured once final numbers have been confirmed, with options presented for direct and non-direct returns to Colombo. Personal insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included.
Important notes
Once you’ve booked your Sri Lankan Elephant Conservation trip you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip and the time of year you are going. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about Flooglebinder’s educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.
VACCINATIONS
For this particular trip, please see details below.
Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.
Recommended vaccinations:
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid Fever
Vaccinations to be considered:
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Cholera
• Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
INSURANCE
Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure. Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendations.
Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.
See what life is like on tour
