Review: Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage

Sri Lanka is just a very captivating island that offers a diverse set of experiences, and that stretches all the way from the sun-soaked shores of Tangalle and Hiriketiya to the wildlife-rich lands of Udawalawa. Very many folks head there specifically to witness elephants in their native environment. We will explore each spot while figuring out just exactly how they stack up as a travel destination. So, let’s get going with some stories and a guide to ensure your time in Sri Lanka will just be both memorable and well-planned.

Tangalle & Hiriketiya: Coastal Charms

Tangalle, often pronounced “Tangalla,” is actually not only a coastal town but is a gateway to some very attractive beaches. The beaches often come with a reputation of being the kind of relaxing spots where one can unwind under the warm sun, so too they allow you to enjoy the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. This bit of the coast comes off as very laid-back, actually it is much more easygoing than many of the bigger resort towns along the west coast. You may like to know the key thing to consider when selecting your stretch of sand is really the type of experience you would like. For instance, if you head east from the main Tangalle town, you may very well find some stretches of coast that will allow for seclusion. It’s almost as if these beaches exist to keep you away from the crowds and so too they ensure total bliss.

Hiriketiya is almost a small cove that has garnered attention and, in some respects, that is because it presents almost an ideal blend of surf and sand. That’s right! The waves here are, I’d say, gentle enough for beginner surfers but exciting enough to offer a bit of thrill. Is that not attractive! Beyond the surfing itself, it is that kind of place with some chill vibes. This attracts many backpackers as well as those that actually seek a slightly quieter alternative to the well-worn beaches of the region. A thing I just liked? This place is full of little cafes. So that means there are loads of options for grabbing a bite. Plus that would mean that I get to hang out and enjoy just exactly how the day would play out.

Things to do in Tangalle and Hiriketiya:

Beach Hopping: Just take your time and visit different beaches near Tangalle. I would point out Goyambokka and Marakolliya because they tend to stand out for their serene atmosphere and clear waters.
Surfing in Hiriketiya: Give surfing a try! This could be, like, a fantastic experience if you just happen to be in Hiriketiya. Even if you have zero prior experience. You see, there are multiple surf schools around. Therefore it really is rather simple to learn the ropes, so too it’s easier to find equipment rentals.
Explore Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project: You should visit this place! Now, the turtle conservation project is there to show you more of the conservation efforts of this area. It’s like visiting the site to learn a bit, it is very educational, but, too, it could be interesting because you get to see the turtles coming onto the shore to lay their eggs at night.

Where to Stay:

Tangalle: The accommodation options tend to be diverse. These vary from fancy resorts to pretty budget-friendly guesthouses. What I like to do when picking is that I like to find something just near the beach for easier access. Or I’d seek a place with very high reviews for service.
Hiriketiya: You will find many smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels are what make Hiriketiya so cozy. A lot of spots have cool verandas, you see! Those are great for just chilling and enjoying your time in paradise!

Tips:

That Sri Lankan sun is quite strong, so basically remember to put on sunscreen.
A very important tip is just to stay hydrated. Also consider buying bottled water or bring a water filter.
Be careful when swimming! Some spots can actually have some strong currents.

Udawalawa National Park: An Elephant’s Paradise

If you go inland, it is easy to reach Udawalawa National Park which, arguably, is known as one of the best spots in Sri Lanka to watch wild elephants. Basically, it’s not unusual to see herds of these fantastic animals roaming. I’d guess, one of the best things there is how manageable the size is. It is really easier to traverse compared to some of the larger parks. Is that convenient? The wide-open grasslands there combined with the park’s water sources tends to make wildlife spotting relatively easy. Especially because elephants love to hang around those spots, it would just follow to find them in those areas.

The safari experience you find is, for the most part, provided via jeeps which you can actually hire near the park entrance. Now that means that you will often have a driver who might be well-versed in finding animals. It is helpful! Yet, it doesn’t really mean that the driver may be a trained guide. Very many visitors suggest booking with a guide who knows a great deal regarding the local flora and fauna, to be honest, the driver is typically useful just to find some wildlife. As well as getting some awesome animal snaps, these local specialists can just bring to light lots of things concerning the park’s ecology. Is that what you would like to hear? That will just improve your safari substantially. Plus it is something to remember.

What you might see: It’s almost sure that elephants would just be the primary draw here, so too Udawalawa is actually brimming with plenty of other wildlife species. These are water buffalo, many deer species, crocodiles, monkeys, and a seriously awesome array of birdlife. It would interest you to note that birdwatchers find the park attractive. It’s easy to pass hours watching various bird species around the bodies of water, but basically you just have to keep an eye peeled while scanning over all the bushes!

Tips for Visiting:

The optimum timing is really early morning or very late afternoon. Now the animals are much more active then as a result of the temperatures often dropping.
Keep in mind that a key tip is to pack a good set of binoculars.
Take a wide-lens and zoom camera.
Just be mindful that sunscreen and insect repellent must be with you.
Remember just to wear clothing in neutral colors! You don’t want to startle or scare away the wildlife!
Always follow the instructions provided by your guide.

Elephant Transit Home: Rehabilitation Center

The Elephant Transit Home (ETH) which sometimes some refer to as the Ath Athuru Sevana, close to Udawalawa National Park, it actually is quite unlike the typical “orphanage.” They are dedicated to rehabilitating elephant calves which might be orphaned and/or hurt. They exist with the sole aim that they would one day be rereleased in the wild. Now that should bring a good feeling! What actually distinguishes ETH from other similar places may be the manner in which they are able to connect people with the elephants.

Viewing here happens during set feeding times. During feeding, visitors watch as the calves go racing in to have their milk. Viewing happens behind a rope, and is from a slight distance away. This allows you to see the animals in an environment where they are not subjected to human over-interaction. At any time, contact may really disturb what the caretakers are attempting to achieve – reduce any dependence on people.

Why Visit?

Moral Support: When one visits ETH, what you are doing is assisting wildlife care. Both indirectly via tourism cash, but also in many aspects of what this establishment stands for, you give assistance to preserving elephant species.
See Animals Grow: To have that view is extremely uplifting! The efforts towards having elephants one day rejoin their natural environments, you get a quick peek into their journeys.
Educational Aspects: When you get to know more of ETH and what it does to help elephants, what actually that could do is simply help with conservation knowledge in total.

Tips:

A key recommendation is just to try reaching the place on time for those feeding sessions! It is just great watching the little ones hurry to receive milk.
Please don’t carry flash cameras around because those can just disturb any animals.
Contemplate sending some financial support towards ETH! That actually could allow continued maintenance concerning its worthwhile programs.

Ethical Considerations & Planning

As tourist interest develops more in destinations, so, too, do responsibilities relating to sustainable along with honorable ways. Whenever getting involved with animal-based tours, especially one which features extremely smart as well as ecologically prone species just like elephants, knowing just the effects you might cause turns out to be crucial!

Animal Welfare

Steer clear of Riding. Basically it seems to have grown into being very evident, that the action involving elephant riding comes off as inhumane, more often! Practices which revolve around training those animals may really often cause abuse. As the parks begin to place elephant welfare first, travelers might seek less intrusive options.
Seek well-respected institutions: Always perform research so that you are only going to sites which place a heavy emphasis on the health/well-being as regards to each respective creatures’ concern before yours! Check whether organizations adopt commendable practices about handling or even rehabbing fauna!

Sustainable habits

Help boost the area’s Economy: When one makes consumption choices regarding local, not only can you ensure funds flow to a particular community. That money sustains neighborhoods too. Buying at lodging spots managed inside is more prone towards accomplishing just those impacts when put up versus choosing larger foreign chains to live around those spots
Keep your footprint tiny. Always keep trash thrown securely since plastic litter not only negatively has effects when you find wild animals! Always pick just tour companies with very robust sustainable programs built into operation in order you assist people placing value on environmental stewardship

Planning out a Itinerary:

Duration: I would estimate to budget, very, nearly a week to have an ideal travel experience for Tangalle, Hiriketiya, and the wildlife zone near Udawalawa! That could just allow for plenty of leisurely discovery plus activities to do there without seeming pushed just so fast by its own pacing itself.
Transport: When moving in all locales over this trip, it is possible to consider private motorists or local transport methods for additional immersive encounters! Always bargain fees up front or get clear what costs look similar to beforehand regardless!
Best Time to Visit: Sri Lanka will almost always experience varying climate zones yet virtually the dry period running spanning December thru March actually offers great environment with nearly almost everything just included!

So, that brings us to what you can expect as well as certain crucial facts! Whether soaking sunlight when you go onto tranquil shorelines, watching elephants gracefully pass across Udawalawa or supporting preservation activities-Sri Lanka presents tourists an amalgam having leisure excitement moral practices all wrapped in there together really carefully within simply 1 gorgeous trip over to here really. Remember traveling isn’t literally basically taking pictures but alternatively valuing these communities, habitats or even traditions really! As you schedule simply by keeping this in consideration actually any vacations tends to bring on indelible unforgettable amazing amazing moments or even support these tourist’s markets responsible over the road there onward very almost!!

Key Takeaways:

Tangalle and Hiriketiya: Relax and surf at Sri Lanka’s tranquil beaches.
Udawalawa National Park: Experience fantastic elephant sightings in a manageable park setting.
Elephant Transit Home: Support ethical elephant rehabilitation by visiting during feeding times.
Ethical Travel: Choose sustainable practices to ensure responsible tourism.