Elephant is an important animal in Sri Lanka. They play a major role both culturally and economically as they are the main attraction of tourists to the national parks in the country. Did you know that Sri Lankan elephants are unique and different from other elephants?
At a glance you will notice the Asian elephant’s ear and head shape is different from the African elephant. Asian/Sri Lankan elephant’s head is twin domed with an indent in the center.
Asian elephant’s ear is smaller and semi-circular, while the African elephant has a much larger ear. In general elephant’s ears are larger than other animals in order to keep their body heat low. They flap the ear to keep them cool. African elephants’ ears grow as long as six feet and 4 feet wide as they need to endure extreme temperatures. Opposed to them, Asian elephants live in shady forests therefore their ears are not that large. They love to roll in the mud and stay in the water since their large bodies emit more heat than other animals.
Sri Lankan elephant is the largest when compared to other four subspecies of Asian elephants, however the African elephants are larger growing up to 4 meters tall. Sri Lanka’s Elephas maximus maximus do not grow more than 3.5 meters.
We know that in Sri Lanka, the male elephants are taken for cultural and religious parades because they have large tusks. The female elephants have just rudimentary tusks called the tushes. However, in Afrika, both male and female are mostly tuskers.
Elephant herds in Sri Lanka contain about 12 to 20 elephants which are led by the oldest female in the herd called the matriarch. If you visit Minneriya National Park you will witness hundreds of wild elephants travelling towards the ancient reservoir. Elephants from all over the region come here to bathe, mate and socialize. July to early November considered as the dry season when the water in this reservoir recedes. The area covers up with lush green grass which also becomes a feast for the hungry jumbos. While serving themselves with the grass they head towards the reservoir’s remaining water holes from time to time and spray themselves with muddy water. This elephant march that’s happening during the dry season is called “The gathering”. Make sure you visit this park with a reliable tour guide who is educated and has the certification to take visitors to the park. Such guides know how to guide the visitors without disturbing the animals in the wilderness.
If you wish to have the entire safari trip and stay in Sri Lanka arranged for you, call Pradeep at 0772261530 as he is the most sought after tour guide at Earth Lanka Events (Pvt) Ltd., He will customize your vacation in Sri Lanka in the most practical and economical way allowing you to get the maximum of your stay in Sri Lanka.
Get Started With A Safari At The Minneriya National Park
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