Millennium Elephant Foundation
Millennium Elephant Foundation
3.7
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A family Run NGO working to improve the lives of domesticated elephants throughout Sri Lanka. Charity number 457. Home of the exclusive Elephant Walk Experience, A personal safari that allows you to follow the elephant around the 15 acre coconut estate as they foragae and wander and graze as they would in the wild. The alternative to elephant riding option and the most ethical, u close and personal experience you can have with captive elephants in Sri Lanka Offering a volunteer program where guests can have the hands on experience of caring for these gentle giants, and the opportunity to learn all about the situation for elephants in Sri Lanka and the hard work of Millennium Elephant Foundation Located half way between Colombo to Kandy this is the ideal stop for a unique elephant experience. We also offer accommodation, refreshments and meals for our visitors to enjoy in our traditional colonial house, surrounded by luscious grounds and greenery for you to enjoy
Duration: 2-3 hours
Does not meet animal welfare
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.7
1,330 reviews
Excellent
675
Very good
198
Average
121
Poor
85
Terrible
251
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Alina L
13 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I don’t understand much about elephant keeping. But as a visitor I can give a few tips:
-Wear slippers and shorts to do elephant bathing.
-Elephant walk will be just you following the elephant who is walked by the keeper.
-packages are quite expensive for what you get. You might as well get the cheapest package to watch the whole happening as I paid the most expensive one but I refused to ride an elephant. I think it is terrible even for the elephants who are in the sanctuary and considered to be treated well.
I can’t understand people who offer and who get elephant riding “experience”. It should be banned all over the world.
Staff was very nice and friendly though. Elephants seem to get all they need for their wellbeing… but once again, I don’t understand much about elephant keeping, some elephants has chains and it was explained as a safety for elephants and everyone around them.
I was expecting elephants doing their own thing and visitors just interacting with them. What I saw wasn’t really that. Elephants are pushed to entertain (washing them didn’t seem to me like something elephants wanted, but were made to do). The keeper explained that they do like it. I really hope so.
Feeding part was the best part I think because this is the only time when elephant was definitely enjoying the process.
-Wear slippers and shorts to do elephant bathing.
-Elephant walk will be just you following the elephant who is walked by the keeper.
-packages are quite expensive for what you get. You might as well get the cheapest package to watch the whole happening as I paid the most expensive one but I refused to ride an elephant. I think it is terrible even for the elephants who are in the sanctuary and considered to be treated well.
I can’t understand people who offer and who get elephant riding “experience”. It should be banned all over the world.
Staff was very nice and friendly though. Elephants seem to get all they need for their wellbeing… but once again, I don’t understand much about elephant keeping, some elephants has chains and it was explained as a safety for elephants and everyone around them.
I was expecting elephants doing their own thing and visitors just interacting with them. What I saw wasn’t really that. Elephants are pushed to entertain (washing them didn’t seem to me like something elephants wanted, but were made to do). The keeper explained that they do like it. I really hope so.
Feeding part was the best part I think because this is the only time when elephant was definitely enjoying the process.
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley A
9 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We had mixed feelings about the Millennium Elephant Foundation. While we really enjoyed meeting Raja the elephant, and interacting with him, I tend to agree with other comments that it did feel like he, and the other elephants are, cash cows, trained to perform tricks for paying customers. We were also placed under huge pressure, from the outset, by our guide, and later, by Raja's trainer to give a tip, in direct contradiction to the rules we were asked to read at the start of the tour, which clearly stated we were under no obligation to give a tip. And, when we explained that we did not have cash and felt, having paid $60USD for the two of us already for the experience (a not insignificant amount given we'd already paid a huge amount just to be there), that we had given enough, Raja's trainer stormed off in a huff, and the guide, continued putting pressure on us, including suggesting we borrow cash from our driver, until we shut the door to the car and drove off. This only added to our impression that the entire experience was a money making scheme, with little concern for the elephants, and customers. Overall, it left a very bad taste in our mouths, and undermined what might otherwise have been a really fun experience.
Written December 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Екатерина О
11 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
The kennel is private. Elephants are about 10. They looked, then stroked, took a ride 20 meters back and forth, food for feeding costs not a large plate of 500 rupees ($1.5), then in the river that is in the grounds of the nursery washed the type of elephant. Change your clothes and eat showers to wash yourself.
Automatically translated
Written March 3, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark and angela G
16 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
it has always been my dream to interact with an elephant, i wouldn't however do this with an elephant in chains or one i deemed to be there just for other peoples pleasure. I read several negative reviews about this place but decided to go and give it a try, im so glad we did. There was one elephant in chain but he was aggressive and the guide explained to us that it was kinder for the elephant as well as those caring for him
we were blessed to spend some time with Raja who was clearly looked after and happy in his environment. He was sassy enough to know to drink directly from the tap rather than the bucket for the freshest water and when we got in the river with him and he sprayed us with water he knew what he was doing and was enjoying himself
I cried with happiness at spending this time with Raja and i happy that he is well cared for and content.
These elephants are here because they cant be released into the wild after being in captivity all their lives, so they are used to human interaction, your admission fee helps to look after them and pays for food and medication, they have a good life here and whilst it doesn't excuse the life they have lived in the past their captivity here is necessary for their survival, keeping them away from maltreatment working as logging elephants and owners which use them only as status symbols not considering the elephants needs or harm they are effectively causing.
we were blessed to spend some time with Raja who was clearly looked after and happy in his environment. He was sassy enough to know to drink directly from the tap rather than the bucket for the freshest water and when we got in the river with him and he sprayed us with water he knew what he was doing and was enjoying himself
I cried with happiness at spending this time with Raja and i happy that he is well cared for and content.
These elephants are here because they cant be released into the wild after being in captivity all their lives, so they are used to human interaction, your admission fee helps to look after them and pays for food and medication, they have a good life here and whilst it doesn't excuse the life they have lived in the past their captivity here is necessary for their survival, keeping them away from maltreatment working as logging elephants and owners which use them only as status symbols not considering the elephants needs or harm they are effectively causing.
Written October 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire O
40 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
We volunteered for one week at the foundation and have had the most amazing experience. I would definitely recommend volunteering with these amazing animals and working with the staff who were just amazing. To spend a week here, you really get to see and appreciate the love the mahouts have for the elephants and the dedication the staff have to care for the elephants. You work with the mahouts cleaning the elephant beds, assisting with medications, washing the elephants and feeding them. The 6am morning walk through the villages is such an unforgettable experience. We were made to feel so welcome the minute we arrived and everyone at the foundation welcomed us with open arms. Friendships we will cherish. Accommodation at the main house was lovely and the 3 meals a day were absolutely amazing and we even had a cooking class from the boys at the garden bar. Nothing was too much trouble. We had such a fantastic experience that our once in a lifetime week will now become a two yearly occurrence. Could not recommend volunteering at the foundation enough!!!
Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hussain A
Dammam, Saudi Arabia120 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
In this place you can see a small museum for an elephant statue. And experience to ride an elephant.
The charged me the following:
The ticket is 15 US Dollar
Or the ticket with elephant ride is 20 US Dollar.
You might spend around 30 min in this place.
The charged me the following:
The ticket is 15 US Dollar
Or the ticket with elephant ride is 20 US Dollar.
You might spend around 30 min in this place.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade S
14 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
This was our second visit to MEF and the experience is just as amazing the second time around.
The hands on experience you can have with the elephants is unbelievable. To be able to get so close to these beautiful animals is something I will never forget.
The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer any questions.
Highly recommend to anyone that wants to get close to these fantastic creatures.
The hands on experience you can have with the elephants is unbelievable. To be able to get so close to these beautiful animals is something I will never forget.
The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can answer any questions.
Highly recommend to anyone that wants to get close to these fantastic creatures.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adele C
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
To flee !
Above all, don't go to a place like this!
To begin with, we were ripped off on the price of entry. They charged us $30 even though our local driver guide told us it was normally $20! We tried to negotiate but to no avail, we had to pay full price!
A little reminder so you don't get fooled like us: single entry $15 and entry with full visit, walking with the elephants, washing and feeding them $20.
Then we noticed that the elephants were all tied up... horrible
During the visit to the museum the person who gave us the tour told us that it was forbidden to ride on the backs of the elephants, and that this could hurt and tire them, imagine our faces when 20 minutes later we we saw 2 elephants with 3 people on their backs each!!!!
And then the guide asked us (in addition to the $30 entry fee) for tips for him... we gave him a ticket because we felt like we didn't have much choice, and then he asked us again once again tips for his colleague, we refused.
In short, the elephants are not happy there, tied up all day, swinging from all sides.
Above all, don't go to a place like this!
To begin with, we were ripped off on the price of entry. They charged us $30 even though our local driver guide told us it was normally $20! We tried to negotiate but to no avail, we had to pay full price!
A little reminder so you don't get fooled like us: single entry $15 and entry with full visit, walking with the elephants, washing and feeding them $20.
Then we noticed that the elephants were all tied up... horrible
During the visit to the museum the person who gave us the tour told us that it was forbidden to ride on the backs of the elephants, and that this could hurt and tire them, imagine our faces when 20 minutes later we we saw 2 elephants with 3 people on their backs each!!!!
And then the guide asked us (in addition to the $30 entry fee) for tips for him... we gave him a ticket because we felt like we didn't have much choice, and then he asked us again once again tips for his colleague, we refused.
In short, the elephants are not happy there, tied up all day, swinging from all sides.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandre B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
The elephants are tied by chains and some were stressed. They were constantly moving from right to left!
The team member explained to us that it was forbidden to ride on the backs of elephants and that it could hurt them (in the museum). At the end, we saw people riding on the backs of 2 elephants (3 people per elephant). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
In addition, being in high season for Europeans, they inflate prices. Our driver confirmed to us that the price is $15 for single entry and $20 for entry with elephant care. They charged us $30 instead of $20 and the base rate was $20. Impossible to negotiate with them!!
At the end, the trainer asked us for tips even though we already paid $30 each and they were not volunteers! We felt compelled to give!
In short, to escape, instead go on safaris to see them in freedom.
The team member explained to us that it was forbidden to ride on the backs of elephants and that it could hurt them (in the museum). At the end, we saw people riding on the backs of 2 elephants (3 people per elephant). THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
In addition, being in high season for Europeans, they inflate prices. Our driver confirmed to us that the price is $15 for single entry and $20 for entry with elephant care. They charged us $30 instead of $20 and the base rate was $20. Impossible to negotiate with them!!
At the end, the trainer asked us for tips even though we already paid $30 each and they were not volunteers! We felt compelled to give!
In short, to escape, instead go on safaris to see them in freedom.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matteo L
Siena, Italy3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The cost is €20 per person plus food for the elephants (insignificant price) plus some tips for those who work there. At the ticket office they told us that the tour would last 45 minutes but the guide was in an incredible hurry and after a ride on the elephant and a few photos taken by him he seemed to want to send us away. He also prevented us from taking a photo of one of the elephants who was bathing in the river.
Overall the visit lasted 20 minutes (€40).
The visit to the museum is considered in these 20 minutes where if you had a question to ask they were annoyed to answer.
At least 5 times we were told: "sir, madame, fast!"
I don't call it a scam but it's close.
Overall the visit lasted 20 minutes (€40).
The visit to the museum is considered in these 20 minutes where if you had a question to ask they were annoyed to answer.
At least 5 times we were told: "sir, madame, fast!"
I don't call it a scam but it's close.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, how do you book this? I've not been able to reach anyone.
Many thanks
Holly
Written October 2, 2023
Hello Jeff,
Did you stay overnight at the Elephant Foundation or eat there? This is an option I am considering.
I have read a review by someone who was working for the Foundation for 3mths, who said accommodation & food are good; however, I would like to know from a visitor/tourist's point of view.
I am a hardy traveller, & my Mother is also, but too a degree :)
I would appreciate your feedback.
Regards,
Rachel.
Written November 28, 2019
The MEF has proved to be an interesting attraction in Sri Lanka. Our clients usually experience this during their travel to the cultural capital or the hill country. During the visit the travellers will get the opportunity to take part in an Elephant walk and Elephant bath. The lunch at the site is highly recommended. For further information please contact us at
silvertreetravel
Written November 29, 2019
How it is with a small kid? Our daughter is 4yrs old...
Written September 28, 2019
she will love it. Just walking behind these beautiful elephants watching them eating. She will also get to feed them. No riding of course as they explain this is so cruel. This experience is even better and of course you get into the river and wash them down. Wonderful memories and have fun.
Written September 29, 2019
Hi there, visiting some family in SL next summer and travelling with a few friends. Just wondering how much a week's volunteering would cost per person? Thank you in advance 😊
Written August 3, 2019
Sorry you will have to contact them directly and they will be able to help you. The helpers are quite active there and the accom. looks fine. Good luck guys.
Written August 4, 2019
how many hours does this visit take? and do we have to contact them before coming or is it a walk in situation?
Written July 1, 2019
HI. It usually lasts 2-3 hours. We were there about 4 hours. You can go fast or slowly! People mainly just turned up but we preferred to book in advance by e-mail. This can fast track you if busy. It is cheap, you can book the walk without lunch. We chose to adopt 3 elephants as we then got the walk and entrance and lunch for free. This is more expensive than 2 fees but it was only about £100, which we thought was a bargain. We chose our elephant in advance and got adoption packs for each. They arranged our taxis at a good rate too. One of the best experiences of my life and we are thinking of doing it again. See their website for email and bank details, it was all very smooth.
Written July 6, 2019
Hello, I have a few questions please!
1 - are there facilities there to change, freshen up etc?
2 - do you have to pay extra to get the elephant shower?
3 - who do you tip whilst you are there and how much is acceptable? this is my first visit to Sri Lanka.
Thanks in advance
Written April 3, 2019
1. yes we have a basic but cold shower but you wont get too dirty
2. no extra for the shower and we o notencouragethis as some people see it as circus act so we have taken it off our options menu
3. tips are totally up o you but 10% for good service would be standard same as the rest of the world, you can tip whoever you felt like gave you the experience
please book the elephant walk experience via the website,
we look forward to your visit
many Thanks
Jade
Written April 26, 2019
Is the MEF the same venue as Pinnawala Elephant orphanage . ? I.e.two names for the same place ? thanks
Written January 17, 2019
No 2 very different places
Pinnawala is a government run Elephant park, we are a family Run Charity trying to improve the welfare of domesticate Elephants
2km apart from each other 2 very different experiences easily can do both places in one day we also have accommodation available if you need it
Written January 21, 2019
Is the MEF Millenium Elephant Foundation the same venue as the Pinegalli Elephant Orphanage ......if not, which is the most ethical establishment in terms of elephant welfare ...we are not interested in riding on elephants, just spending quality time with them in a small group environment. We are visiting various nature reserves separately to see them in the wild, thanksinadvance for your comments.
Written January 17, 2019
No it is different. This place is amazing, and they take great care of their elephants. No riding them, as it actually hurts them to have that great big saddle under their ribs. Just make sure you get to the right one as they are pretty close together. If leaving Kandy, it is after the Orphanage. I hope you get as much out of this experience as we did. The staff too are amazing with their knowledge. Have fun!
Written January 17, 2019
Is it possible to do both the millennium elephant foundation and the temple at Kandy in one day from Colombo? Thinking of hiring a driver!
Written December 21, 2018
Very easily.1.5 hours Kandy to.the foundatiom
1 or 2 hours at the temple 2 hours for the Elephant walk experience at MEF
Written January 11, 2019
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