Adam’s peak known as Sri Padian Sinhalese, the sacred footprint is a rock formation near the summit, which in the Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha. In Hindu tradition that of Hanuman or Lord Shiva and in some Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas. It is located in a beautiful hill country and has been a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years. It is also known as “Samanala Kanda” aka “Butterfly hill”, where butterflies go to rest in peace. There is a season to go on pilgrimage to Adam’s peak. Words are not enough to explain the beautiful view of the sunrise from Adam’s peak it is like living up in the clouds.

Eth Athuru Sevana – Elephants are beautiful creatures. They are kind, intelligent and gentle in ways we can’t even imagine. Maybe that’s why they have become an endangered species due to our activities. We in Sri Lanka takes protecting elephants seriously and actively take part in it. Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home is there for that purpose only. It is called Eth Athuru Sevana in Sinhala meaning a sanctuary for elephants. The specialty of this home is that unlike in Pinnawela elephants’ orphanage, the elephants who come into this home will be re-introduced to the wild. The transit home is a lively place with a lot of activities taking place throughout the day. The most anticipated is the feeding time and visitors get to feed the baby elephants.

There are so many awesome experiences one can gain in Udawalawa National Park. It is difficult to select one experience out of it and call it the best one. Because the park lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones, it is framed by soaring highlands and comprised of grasslands and bush forests. Explorers get to see a collection of Flora, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Fish in their natural habitats. While we cannot select one favourite activity, however when we go on safari to Udawalawa, it would be unfair if we do not bring up our gentle giants of the earth, Elephants. Udawalawa is one famous destination to see elephants up close and personal in their natural habitats.