Young ones stay close to their mothers. They are all tethered to their spot. Most are oblivious to the odd tourist who wanders up the hill to stand quietly and observe. Some are untethered by their mahouts and led to the grounds in front of the Temple. There, they perform in front of curious and bemused tourists, while their mahouts eagerly await the expected tip.
Small boys offer plaited bracelets for sale.
Elephant hair they say is very auspicious. The tourists buy, innocent of the possibility that their purchase may not be the presumed elephant hair, but rather fibre of the kitul palm. It is mid afternoon, and time for the elephant dressing to begin. Each elephant is led slowly down the hill, past the Vishnu Devale. In Sri Lanka, Vishnu is the protector of Buddhism.