BVOL - Budget Volunteering

Right from being collected from the airport, I could not have been looked after any better. I arrived on the Saturday at lunchtime, and on the Sunday, Niranjala, the organiser, invited myself and the other two volunteers to her private house for a meal.
On the Monday morning, Mike, an American student, and I started work with the elephants. Since my visit last year, two babies had been born, and they were now about 8 months old, and such a joy to be with. They were so friendly and playful, and even tried to steal Mikes bootlace.
Every day after doing the shed cleaning we spent time hosing some of the elephants, and they even hosed us in return! We were allowed to feed them fruit directly into their mouths, and in order to do this you have to put your arm, up to the elbow, into her mouth. Luckily, they are not meat eaters!!
The week passed far to quickly, but on my final day there, I was able to take the staff out for a meal to help me celebrate my 68th birthday.

My Daughter and I had a wonderful 7 days on our Sri Lankan Elephant Experience.Our Accomodation was basic but clean.Staff were helpful and very friendly.All meals were amazing and filling.We had 3 to 4 hours Manual labour at the Orphanage, each day,which is hot and dirty work,mainly,mucking out huge Carport type sheds where Elephants stay of a night.We also got to wash and hose down several Elephants.The Orphanage workers are very friendly and appreciate the help.
After work,about late morning,we were taken to the Beautiful river and spent about 3 hours,amongst the Elephants.Watching and sometimes helping them bathe.
This is a Beautiful and life changing experience,as the Elephants are very family orientated and the young ones love fun.If you love animals and don't mind some hard work for some wonderful memories.I highly reccomend this project.