Elephant encounters during early morning Pidurangala hikes

Yes, wild elephants frequently use the roads around Sigiriya, Habarana, and Minneriya as corridors at night and in the early hours. If you are driving a tuk tuk or scooter to the trailhead at 5 AM, go very slowly and stay alert. If you see an elephant on the road, keep your distance, turn off your high beams, and wait for it to pass safely into the jungle.