City: Sabaragamuwa Province
Top Things to do in Sabaragamuwa Province
Top Restaurants in Sabaragamuwa Province
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
The Sabaragamuwa Province, (Sinhalese: සබරගමුව පළාත Sabaragamuwa Palata, Tamil: சபரகமுவ மாகாணம் Sabaragamuwa Maakaanam) is one of the nine provinces of Sri Lanka, the first level administrative division of the country. The provinces have existed since the 19th century but did not have any legal status until 1987 when the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka established provincial councils. The Sabaragamuwa Province contains two districts: Ratnapura and Kegalle. It is named after its former indigenous inhabitants, namely the Sabara, an indic term for hunter-gatherer tribes, a term seldom used in ancient Sri Lanka. Sabaragamuwa University is in Belihuloya.
Restaurants in Sabaragamuwa Province
1. Elephant Freedom Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 521 reviews
Visit us and experience a special elephant encounter which is suitable for young and old, families, couples and single travelers. This is your chance to get a memorable impression of a day in the life of a Sri Lankan captive elephant who is not being used for working nor riding. The small family run Elephant Freedom Project offers refuge, freedom from work and hardship to the elephant Kumari. At the project she is free from working in the riding industry and the wood logging. The Elephant Freedom Project aims to give Kumari a good and safe home, which is made possible thanks to your visit! Booking in advance required.
Reviewed By lucyc832 - Auckland, New Zealand
The Elephant Freedom Project was the first stop in my 10 days in Sri Lanka, and it was the best thing I could have started with! Everything, from the lovely driver who collected me from Negombo - and stopped along the way to get fresh coconuts, to the incredible hosting family and amazing experience with Kumari the elephant, exceeded expectations. Everyone involved in the project is so respectful of the welfare of Kumari and it was beautiful to be able to spend time with an elephant whilst her keeper (the lovely Kumar) was taking her through her daily cleaning, walking and feeding - rather than seeing an elephant be forced to take rides and be in chains. The coordinator Kasun was also so helpful and informative (plus a great photographer) and I learned so much about Kumari along the way. As a solo traveler, I felt so welcomed as part of the family and highly recommend staying the night - even just for the AMAZING food prepared & lovely company of Ananda, Mali and Shashini. Absolute highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka!!
2. Theliella Falls
3. Udawalawe Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By RKimNYC - New York City, United States
I don't even quite remember how I found out about Lahiru (somewhere on Trip Advisor), but I'm so glad we did. I contacted him via WhatsApp literally two days before our safari, and he was immediately responsive and available. Our driver (for the 9-day itinerary -- not Lahiru) was a bit nervous about us using a guide he was not familiar with, but after a quick phone conversation, Lahiru put our driver/guide's mind at ease. Lahiru met us early in the morning and brought us a box breakfast and water. The safari was just my husband and I, which was wonderful. We were able to spend time on the animals of interest, and forego animals that were of less interest to us. He extended our safari by an hour so we could see more elephants (we had seen only a handful prior to the extended hour), and courteously called our driver/guide to ask "permission" to take us for the additional hour. Everything about the safari was professional and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend Lahiru for safari.
4. Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Cbarnes91
Following the safari next door, we visited the orphanage and loved every second of seeing orphaned elephants being looked after. Like the safari, the visitors weren’t allowed up close to the elephants allowing them to act naturally. Great work being done by the team here and long may it continue, and hopefully be an education to all.
5. Makandawa Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By billpam56 - London, United Kingdom
I took the boat across the river three times and the followed clear paths into the forest . The paths wind up and down through the forest providing a good work out in the humid conditions . I saw a good variety of birds and on an evening night walk heard both the endemic Frogmouth and Serendip Scops Owl .
6. Pinnawala Jumbos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
This is a place where you can enjoy an Elephant Ride. it is situated in a acres spread Rubber plantation. 3KM from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. A great place for nature and Elephant Photography
7. Millennium Elephant Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,249 reviews
A family Run NGO working to improve the lives of domesticated elephants throughout Sri Lanka. Charity number 457. Home of the exclusive Elephant Walk Experience, A personal safari that allows you to follow the elephant around the 15 acre coconut estate as they foragae and wander and graze as they would in the wild. The alternative to elephant riding option and the most ethical, u close and personal experience you can have with captive elephants in Sri Lanka Offering a volunteer program where guests can have the hands on experience of caring for these gentle giants, and the opportunity to learn all about the situation for elephants in Sri Lanka and the hard work of Millennium Elephant Foundation Located half way between Colombo to Kandy this is the ideal stop for a unique elephant experience. We also offer accommodation, refreshments and meals for our visitors to enjoy in our traditional colonial house, surrounded by luscious grounds and greenery for you to enjoy
Reviewed By LindaSZYI
M.E.F. is one of the projects, which makes sense and should be more and more supported and developed! Areal is just perfect for visitors, volunteers and of course elephant too. You will got first introduction in elephant anatomy and basic facts and then you can feed animal with fruit, which is probably their favourite part :D Then guided through the little jungle, elephant's home.Watch the communication of Mahut and elephant, how beautiful elephant is and come back to the river... You will have great fun if you won't be shy to scratch and wash elephant and let him give you a shower :D ... At all, I had such amazing time! ... BIG THANKS to Mr. Sena, my guide for the Elephant walk. He's very nice person, who remembers that place when he was a kid and can tell you lots of interesting facts and stories. Highly recommended is to visit the ELEPHANT POO paper factory just next door, it's fascinating to see how can be paper made ecologically and you will have opportunity to see and buy handcrafted items for still very good price!
8. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4,018 reviews
Reviewed By Tono52 - Newport, United Kingdom
We visited the orphanage during our Xmas holiday to Sri Lanka it was an amazing experience to see these wonderful animals as if they were in the wild They are looked after by the staff and to see them trundle across the road to the river and bathe something they do four times a day is awesome Tony and Michele Kelly
9. Elephant Village
Elephant Riding, Visiting the Museum of Asia's Longest tusker, Photography, Filming, Feeding, Bathing & Observation of Elephants
10. Peak Wilderness Protected Area
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