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Wild elephant encounters driving from Pidurangala at dusk

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J
Jaxon B.•11685 rep•2

We are doing the sunset hike at Pidurangala Rock and plan to drive our rental scooter back to Habarana in the dark. I heard wild elephants cross the roads there at night. Is this actually dangerous.

1
sigiriyawildlifehikingtransportationsafety

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Yes, it is highly dangerous and I strongly advise against driving a scooter from Sigiriya or Pidurangala to Habarana after dark. The Minneriya and Kaudulla elephant herds frequently use the forest corridors that cross the main road. The stretch known locally as Kalu Kale or black forest is completely unlit, and you will not see a dark grey elephant standing on the asphalt until you are right on top of it. Hire a tuk tuk or a taxi for safety.

3
R
Ranger Kamal.•2730 rep•1

If you absolutely must drive, tuck your scooter in close behind a local bus or a large truck. Let their heavy headlights clear the path and illuminate any wildlife ahead of you.

43
N
Nimal S.•8000 rep•1

It is not just elephants. Wild boars and roaming cattle also sleep on the warm asphalt at night. Hitting a sleeping cow at 40kmh on a scooter will ruin your trip.

26
N
Noah H.•11110 rep•2

We saw two massive bulls on the side of the road at 7 PM last night just outside the Sigiriya sanctuary boundary. They blend into the shadows perfectly.

21
C
Chloe T.•8070 rep•1

Even tuk tuks get flipped by angry lone elephants occasionally. A scooter offers zero protection. Just pay the 1500 LKR for a safe ride back to your hotel.

1
M
Mia L.•6965 rep•2

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