Because we advocate for ethical travel to Sri Lanka, we have chosen to no longer include activities involving captive elephants in our tours.

Ethical travel to Sri Lanka for more responsible tourism

Elephants are part of the collective imagination associated with Sri Lanka. Majestic, spiritual and cultural symbols, they attract the attention of travelers from all over the world. Elephant rides, guided swimming sessions, traditional festivals like the Perahera in Kandy… These are all popular activities, but often little known in their reality.

At Voyage O Sri Lanka , we have made the choice to no longer offer activities involving captive elephants . A well-considered, ethical, and fully deliberate decision.

🚫 Why refuse activities with captive elephants?

The majority of elephants used for tourism are taken from their natural environment or born in captivity. They undergo early training, based on coercion, in order to be able to interact with humans in a "safe" way.

These elephants spend their lives tied up, isolated, and exposed to unsuitable conditions: noise, heat, crowds, stress… Even in the context of the Kandy Perahera , which is highly symbolic, the elephants are costumed and exhibited for hours in a noisy and overwhelming atmosphere.

🏞️ What do you think of elephant orphanages like Pinnawala?

Some places present themselves as orphanages or sanctuaries , like the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Although some animals have been taken in there, the way these establishments operate raises questions .

Elephants are often constantly visible there, chained up, participating in public baths and tourist feedings. Their reintegration into the wild is rarely considered. In this context, the line between conservation and attraction becomes blurred.

👉 That's why we, for ethical travel to Sri Lanka , no longer offer these visits in our tours .

🐘 Observe elephants in a different way during an ethical trip to Sri Lanka

We remain convinced that it is possible to experience a magical encounter with elephants, but in conditions that respect their well-being.

That is why we favour safaris in Sri Lanka's national parks :

• Udawalawe

• Minneriya

• Gal Oya

• Kaudulla

Here, elephants live freely in family groups within their ecosystem. An unforgettable experience, without cruelty or staging.

✅ Our position

We pledge to no longer offer the following in our tours:

• Elephant rides

• Organized bathing or feeding times

• Participation in religious festivals involving chained elephants

• Visits to orphanages in captivity

🙏 This choice reflects our values: respect for life, authenticity of experiences, and protection of biodiversity .

🌱 Towards a more ethical trip to Sri Lanka

We know this choice may seem surprising. Yet it's essential. More and more travelers want to give meaning to the way they explore the world. Traveling differently is possible—and it's possible now.

📩 Would you like to learn more about our ethical tours in Sri Lanka ?

Contact us.