Day 04 – 16 October 2024
From the Highlands to the Coast – Pinnawala and Bentota
The following morning brought a dramatic change in scenery.
Leaving behind the cool mountain climate of Nuwara Eliya, we slowly descended toward Sri Lanka’s warmer lowlands.
Our first major stop along the route was the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Established in 1975, Pinnawala was created to care for orphaned and injured wild elephants rescued from across Sri Lanka. Today it is home to one of the world’s largest captive elephant herds.
Watching dozens of elephants walk peacefully toward the Maha Oya River for their daily bath was truly unforgettable.
Young elephants splashed playfully in the water while older ones stood calmly along the riverbanks. Visitors from around the world gathered quietly to witness this remarkable scene.
Leaving the cool misty hills of Nuwara Eliya behind, the road slowly descended toward Sri Lanka’s warmer lowlands. Along the way, we stopped at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where dozens of elephants wandered peacefully to the river, creating one of the most unforgettable moments of our journey.
After nearly four hours of driving from Nuwara Eliya and another long journey toward the southwest coast, we finally arrived in Bentota.
The transformation in landscape was incredible.
Palm trees swayed in the warm sea breeze, the tropical air felt heavy with humidity, and the Indian Ocean stretched endlessly beyond golden beaches.
We checked into Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known beach resorts.
After days spent among mountains and tea plantations, the coastline felt wonderfully relaxing.
