As you drive from Colombo to Galle, about 100 kms out of Colombo, you come across this grim reminder
at
Hikkaduwa - a reminder of the tsunami that hit the coast of Sri Lanka.
On
that fateful day the train, going from Colombo to Galle, stopped at
Hikkaduwa as the driver saw vehicles strewn on the tracks. That's when
the first wave had hit. People climbed on to the train thinking it would be
safe but the second bigger wave proved to be fatal resulting in huge casualties.
The battered train stands as a grim memorial to the lives lost in this tragedy.
..................
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Nursery.... Sri Lanka
....even the name is so endearing.......
In
case you are looking for something different , see if you can visit the
Pinnawala elephant orphanage..It is about 90 kms from
Colombo and is known to have the largest number of captive elephants......they look after orphaned or abandoned baby elephants,
really old elephants and ones injured in land mines.
Some data...
-about 90 kms from Colombo on the Colombo-Kandy Road,
-lots of gift shops selling elephant souvenirs,
-restaurants for a quick bite - try the egg hoppers if you can,
-check about the feeding timings or you'll end up waiting for a long time.
At the river for their daily bath.....
Feeding time at the orphanage......
This lady, below, is Radha who broke her leg in a landmine blast in the jungle - her leg never set properly and she has to hobble around......
A blind tusker......
They are herded to the
river Oya for a daily wash and soak.....it has a viewing
platform for you to sit and gaze at these majestic pachyderms......
The highlight
of the day was watching them feed the really cute orphan babies with
huge feeding bottles - I am sad I couldn't a picture of that......it was a beautiful experience visiting this nursery.
The little babies were the cutest of the lot depending totally on the caretakers to feed them..:)
A great place for a memorable visit - put it on your 'must-see' list for Sri Lanka.
Ciao!!
On
that fateful day the train, going from Colombo to Galle, stopped at
Hikkaduwa as the driver saw vehicles strewn on the tracks. That's when
the first wave had hit. People climbed on to the train thinking it would be
safe but the second bigger wave proved to be fatal resulting in huge casualties.
The battered train stands as a grim memorial to the lives lost in this tragedy. 
..................
