I have mixed feelings of the famous elephant orphanage that is just outside Kandy. Beyond a shadow of a doubt the orphanage is a good thing and is literally a healing sanctuary for elephants that are orphaned, injured or in trouble. Although the rates are a little high for the foreigners it is still a wonderful opportunity to get close to elephants, touch them and support a good cause. What I don’t like is that this has turned into a tourist trap - as we were constantly barraged with request for tips, begging and buying cheap souvenirs!