Those who
know me know how much I love pachyderms. There’s something about these gentle
giants that takes my breath away.
It is no
surprise that my visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka will
remain one of my most memorable travel experiences. The orphanage houses and
cares for over 80 wild elephants that are orphaned or found abandoned. We
stopped at Kegalle en route Kandy from Colombo on an overcast day.
After having
spent the morning in the vast orphanage, the entire herd walks across to the
Oya River to bathe. I remember having butterflies in my stomach because I could
actually feel slight tremors as the herd walked along the small lane off the
highway into the river. It is a sight to behold and reminds you how small and
helpless human beings are in front of nature!
There are a number of restaurants that dot the lane leading upto the river. We dined at a restaurant offered panoramic views of the river and allowed guests to get up close and personal with the bathing elephants.
A memorable day, which reinforced my belief that we humans take ourselves too seriously, while being quite minuscule in the larger scheme of things. Literally :)
Sounds like a beautiful experience. I'd love to be able to see animals someday outside the confines of a zoo. Thanks for stopping by my blog and good luck AtoZ'ing
ReplyDeleteSeeing animals in their natural habitat is beautiful. Pinnawala is not exactly their natural habitat, but it is the closest they can get while being cared for by humans Thanks for visiting my blog! Good luck to you as well!
DeleteHow wonderful that there are orphanages to care for these wonderful, kind, gentle animals! Also, do I know you? Your name is familiar...
ReplyDeleteVery true Udita. It is indeed wonderful. I'm not able to figure out if we have met before. Some where in the blog world perhaps?
DeleteWhat a fascinating experience! I love that there is an orphanage to take care of the ones who have been orphaned.
ReplyDeleteIt is a one of a kind experience. You must visit the place if you get a chance to travel to Sri Lanka
DeleteHi Aarthi, I too love elephants. I have written many children's stories featuring my favourite elephants. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Rachna. Please share links to your stories. Would love to read them.
DeleteAmazing! This is definitely a place to add to my bucket list. It must have been such a great place to visit. Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie
ReplyDeleteOh yes Elle! It will be worth your while. Thanks for visiting my blog and good luck with rest of the challenge!
DeleteVery nice! I liked your perspective in the end - puny humans against giants! :-)
ReplyDelete:) Nature always teaches us that lesson - over and over again
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