Opening Hours
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
(Eth Athuru Sevana) Guide
Daily Feeding Times
Morning
10:30 AM
Noon
2:30 PM
Evening
6:00 PM
Entrance Fees
Local Visitors
- AdultRs 118.00
- Child (6–12 years)Rs 59.00
- School StudentRs 25.00
- University StudentRs 25.00
Children under 6 years are free.
Foreign Tourists
- AdultUS $5.00+ 18% VAT
- Child (6–12 years)US $3.00+ 18% VAT
Children under 6 years are free.
SAARC Country Visitors
- AdultUS $4.00+ 18% VAT
- Child (6–12 years)US $2.00+ 18% VAT
Children under 6 years are free.
*These fees are independent of Udawalawe National Park safari entrance fees. Foreign and SAARC rates are subject to 18% VAT.
The Mission & Conservation Story
History & Overview
Sri Lanka is home to one of the world's largest wild Asian elephant populations. Tragically, many young calves are frequently separated from their mothers due to natural causes, droughts, human-elephant conflict, or accidents. Prior to the creation of the Elephant Transit Home, these orphaned calves faced minimal chances of survival in the wild.A Unique Approach to ConservationUnlike conventional elephant orphanages, the Elephant Transit Home strictly minimizes human interaction. This intentional strategy ensures that the elephants retain their natural wild instincts, giving them the best possible chance of survival once they are returned to their natural habitat.
Key Features & Ethical Standards
No elephant rides: Completely restricted to ensure animal welfare.
No direct visitor interaction: Protects calves from becoming too habituated to humans.
Focus on rehabilitation: Dedicated entirely to nurturing and recovering injured or orphaned calves.
Wild release program: Structured to transition elephants back into independent living.
Ethical wildlife tourism: Promoting responsible and respectful wildlife observation.
Returning Elephants to the Wild
The project's remarkable wild release program stands as one of its greatest achievements. Following several years of specialized care and rehabilitation, numerous elephants are safely released into secure protected habitats, including the Udawalawe National Park. To ensure long-term success, select released elephants participate in tracking programs that allow researchers to study their adaptation and integration into the wild.
The Elephant Transit Home Today
Presently, the facility ranks as one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations. Every year, thousands of local and international travelers visit to watch the baby elephants during feeding sessions and gain insight into vital conservation initiatives. It stands globally recognized as a powerful beacon of animal protection and one of Asia's most ethical conservation centers.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Established: 1995
Location: Situated right next to the Udawalawe National Park
Core Mission: Caring for, rehabilitating, and successfully rewilding orphaned elephant calves
Visitor Appeal: Welcomes global tourists for ethical observation during feeding times
100+ Successful Wild Reintegrations
