What is the best ethical elephant experience near Udawalawe?

The Elephant Transit Home (ETH), which is near the park entrance, is considered one of the most ethical elephant experiences around, and it focuses almost entirely on mending orphaned calves so they can be released back into the wild later on.

In contrast with typical commercial set-ups, the ETH does not allow any direct human contact with the animals, no riding, no washing, or bathing. Guests are allowed to only watch the calves during specific feeding hours, from an elevated viewing platform. That careful follow-through on conservation principles helps the elephants keep their natural wild habits, which supports their eventual return to the national park.