Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage for injured, maimed or abandoned elephants who wouldn't be able to rehabilitate themselves in the wild. Established in 1975 with only seven orphaned elephants, the orphanage is successfully growing in numbers to help and protect the elephants. The orphanage plays a crucial role in the conservation and protection of the endangered Asian elephant species. Many of the elephants in the sanctuary were rescued from dangerous situations, such as injuries inflicted by poachers or abandoned by their herds. The dedicated staff at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provide these charismatic creatures with care, nutrition and the environment they need to recover and thrive. Visitors can observe these magnificent animals up close. You can watch the elephants bathe and play in the nearby river, feed them and even bottle-feed the adorable baby elephants. This experience includes transportation. It's an unforgettable experience that allows you to appreciate the intelligence and beauty of these gentle giants. While travelling, it can be very rewarding to make a positive impact at your travel destination. By booking a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage through our website, you'll support a crucial conservation effort for endangered Asian elephants.

The Mirissa Whale Watching adventure takes you up close and personal with whales- the world’s largest and most magnificent creatures. Mirissa is known to be one of the best places for whale watching. This day trip will not only be a memorable one but also an ethical experience, spotting the Blue Whales of Sri Lanka. You might also find yourself spotting sperm whales, turtles, dolphins and many more. The Whale Watching tour is one of the most exciting water activities that we offer at Kima, we highly recommend it as it is a rare experience and a must-do! Watching these breathtaking animals surface, breach and dive is a truly awe-inspiring experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your Sri Lanka trip. The best times to do the Whale Watching tour are from November to April (also the best time to visit Sri Lanka in general) but since it is a wildlife experience it is not always a 100% guarantee. If you want to explore the beauty of Sri Lankan marine life the Mirissa Whale Watching experience is for you.

Sri Lanka is home to 102 different types of snake species. Across the island, you will find a few snake farms, which primarily are dedicated to rehabilitating the snakes in hopes of eventual release, though some farms serve educational purposes with demonstrations. The Snake Farm in Telijjawila is located 15 minutes away from our Camp in Weligama. The snake farm is owned by locals with indigenous knowledge. The farm consists of non-venomous and venomous snakes that visitors can interact with. This is a rehabilitation centre where the main goal is to prevent the snakes from extinction and nurse the ones that are injured, they later relocate the snakes back into the wild. The snake farm homes snakes such as rat snakes, pythons, vipers and cobras. In addition to observing the snakes, the farm offers its visitors the opportunity to select a non-venomous snake to handle under the supervision of experienced staff.