Millennium Elephant Foundation
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for captive Asian elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact ethically.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Millennium Elephant Foundation
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for captive Asian elephants, offering visitors a chance to interact ethically.
"A heartwarming experience getting close to elephants, feeding them, and learning about their care."
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by arriving early. Visit the museum before peak hours! :clock1:
Clarify All Costs Upfront
Inquire about entrance fees and extra charges for feeding or zoo access to avoid surprises. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elephant Feeding and Interaction
Main enclosure
Get up close to feed and touch these gentle giants. A truly heartwarming and memorable experience for all ages.
Elephant Bathing Experience
River/bathing area
Join the elephants for a refreshing bath. A fun and interactive way to bond with these magnificent creatures.
Learning About Elephant Care
Educational areas/museum
Discover the history and conservation efforts for Asian elephants. Gain insights into their welfare and the foundation's work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding Fees and Optional Extras
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by arriving early. Visit the museum before peak hours! :clock1:
Clarify All Costs Upfront
Inquire about entrance fees and extra charges for feeding or zoo access to avoid surprises. :moneybag:
Short Elephant Rides
Rides are very short (about 1 min). Consider walking with elephants instead for a more meaningful interaction. :walking:
Cash for Fruits Recommended
While cards are accepted for entry, having cash for fruit purchases is advised. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by arriving early. Visit the museum before peak hours! :clock1:
Clarify All Costs Upfront
Inquire about entrance fees and extra charges for feeding or zoo access to avoid surprises. :moneybag:
Short Elephant Rides
Rides are very short (about 1 min). Consider walking with elephants instead for a more meaningful interaction. :walking:
Cash for Fruits Recommended
While cards are accepted for entry, having cash for fruit purchases is advised. :moneywithwings:
Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and potentially getting wet. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the heartwarming experience of getting close to elephants, feeding them, and learning about their care. The staff are generally seen as knowledgeable and helpful in creating memorable moments. However, some find the elephant rides to be too short and not worth the cost, and a few have reported feeling pressured for tips, which can detract from the overall positive experience.
"Overall, it was a great experience at the Millennium Elephant Foundation. We enjoyed being close to the elephants, feeding them, and learning about their care and history. The staff were friendly and informative, and the place felt welcoming.
However, the elephant ride was not very good – it was extremely short, lasting only about one minute, so it’s not really worth it. Everything else was enjoyable and memorable."
Nawaf ALHOSANI
"I would not recommend this elephant sanctuary. Before entering, there’s a clear sign that says “tipping is optional,” and bear in mind that the entrance fee is already quite high. At first, our guide was great, friendly, informative, and happy to take our pictures. But things took a turn when we asked if we could pay by card for fruits (since they accepted card for the entrance fee). He said we needed cash, then immediately seemed upset we didn’t have any, asking, “How could you come to a place like this without any cash?”
I explained that we had just landed a few hours earlier and hadn’t had the chance to get cash yet, but he just brushed me off. From that point on, his attitude completely changed! No more smiles and he clearly wanted us to know he was unhappy. To make matters worse, he went and complained to one of the elephant handlers about us not bringing cash, and they both sighed loudly and made dramatic faces. He even said, “Well, people usually tip the hard-working guides, but you didn’t bring anything.”
It completely ruined the experience. What should have been a memorable visit turned into an uncomfortable tour. They may say tipping is optional, but it’s very clear they expect it, and will make you feel horrible if you don’t. This felt like an attempt to take advantage of visitors, and I can’t recommend it."
Zaina Mahseen Zamiruddin
"Lovely experience with an elephant - got to feed, wash and walk with her. The staff seem knowledgeable and to care for the elephants. The elephants are extremely well trained and the staff is expert at taking and creating photo ops.
That said some of the conditions seem a little below western animal welfare standards. It does seem like they are making an effort to balance improving conditions while maintaining tourist revenue to help to continue to care for the elephants. They limit rides to a couple minutes for a photo op and offer alternatives such as walking with the elephant to help transition away from rides."
Gemma M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Millennium Elephant Foundation is located near Rambukkana, about 10 km northwest of Kegalle, and is roughly an hour's drive from Kandy. You can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk for the journey. Some visitors mention it's a scenic drive through the Sri Lankan countryside.
The foundation is situated on a 15-acre estate called Samaragiri. While it's a bit outside the main city, most local drivers will be familiar with the Millennium Elephant Foundation. It's advisable to have the address or a map handy.
Besides taxis and tuk-tuks, you might consider local buses if you're on a budget, though this can be less direct and more time-consuming. For convenience, especially if coming from further afield, pre-booking a private car is a good option.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination, especially from Kandy or Colombo. Many visitors spend a few hours to half a day here, enjoying the interactions and learning about the elephants.
The foundation is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province. While not a major landmark, the Samaragiri estate itself is a significant feature. Local drivers will know the route to the 'Millennium Elephant Foundation' or 'Elephant Orphanage Rambukkana'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee varies, but it's generally considered quite high by some visitors. It's recommended to inquire about the exact fee upon arrival or check their official channels. Some reviews mention a fee range.
Yes, there are often additional charges for activities such as feeding, bathing, and elephant rides. It's crucial to ask for details regarding these 'zoo charges' before purchasing your main ticket to ensure you're aware of all potential costs.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Millennium Elephant Foundation. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for group tours or specific packages, it might be advisable to inquire.
The entrance fee usually grants you access to the grounds and the opportunity to see the elephants. Specific interactions like feeding, bathing, or rides are often separate costs. It's best to clarify what's included when you buy your ticket.
While a sign may state that tipping is optional, some visitors have reported feeling pressured to tip guides and handlers. It's a sensitive topic, and while not mandatory, be prepared for this expectation.
🎫 🐘 Onsite Experience
You can feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants. Some videos show handlers teaching elephants tricks, though this practice is debated. The focus is on providing a close encounter with these gentle giants. 
While some sources suggest elephants are not chained and are in natural settings, others express concerns about animal welfare standards. The foundation aims to balance tourism revenue with elephant care.
The elephant rides are reported to be very short, lasting only about a minute, and some visitors feel they are not worth the cost. Walking with the elephants is often recommended as a more meaningful alternative.
Yes, the staff are expert at creating photo opportunities. You'll have ample chances to take pictures, especially during feeding and bathing sessions.
Yes, it's generally considered a family-friendly destination. Children often enjoy the interactive experiences like feeding and bathing the elephants.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. The interactions during feeding and bathing sessions also provide great photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of the elephants' comfort and avoid using flash photography directly in their eyes.
You can capture close-ups of elephants eating, bathing, and interacting with handlers. Candid shots of their gentle nature and majestic presence are also common.
The feeding and bathing areas are prime spots. The handlers are often happy to assist in creating memorable photo opportunities, sometimes even guiding the elephants for specific poses.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is versatile for close encounters. A wide-angle lens can be good for capturing the overall environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The interactive nature of the experience makes it engaging for younger visitors. It's advisable to arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds, ensuring a more comfortable experience for everyone. While elephant rides are available, they are very brief. Consider focusing on the feeding and bathing activities, which are generally more substantial and enjoyable for children. Be prepared for potential additional costs for these activities and clarify them upfront.
Ethical Travelers
It's recommended to research current practices and visitor feedback thoroughly. Consider focusing your visit on the feeding and bathing opportunities, which are generally viewed more favorably than rides. Be aware of the potential for pressure regarding tips, which can impact the perception of the foundation's transparency.
Budget-Conscious Visitors
To maximize value, consider arriving early to make the most of your time and potentially avoid some of the peak rush. While elephant rides are offered, they are very short and may not be worth the expense for many. Opting for the feeding and bathing experiences might offer a more fulfilling interaction for the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mission of MEF
The foundation operates on a 15-acre estate named Samaragiri, located near Kegalle. MEF's mission is to provide a sanctuary for elephants that have been subjected to difficult conditions, offering them a safe environment. They focus on rehabilitation and care, with proceeds from visitor activities contributing to the elephants' welfare. While the foundation strives to improve conditions, it navigates the challenge of balancing tourist revenue with evolving animal welfare standards.
Visitors can learn about the individual stories of the elephants, some of whom have faced hardships like miscarriages or past trauma. The foundation aims to educate the public about elephant conservation and the importance of ethical tourism practices.
Ethical Considerations and Visitor Experiences
However, ethical concerns have been raised by some visitors regarding certain practices. While elephant rides are offered, they are described as extremely short and some feel they are not worthwhile.
Some reviews mention feeling pressured for tips, which can detract from the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit