Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Elephant sanctuary

Description

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a wildlife conservation facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for orphaned and injured elephants in Sri Lanka. Established in 1975, it is home to the world's largest captive elephant herd, with over 75 elephants. Visitors can observe elephant feedings, river bathing sessions, and baby elephants playing, making it a popular attraction for wildlife lovers.

Visitor Fee

• Foreign Visitors: 3,000 LKR ($10) per adult, 1,500 LKR ($5) per child.
• SAARC Nationals: 1,500 LKR ($5) per adult, 750 LKR ($2.50) per child.
• Local Visitors: 250 LKR ($0.80) per adult, 125 LKR ($0.40) per child.
• Elephant Feeding Experience: Extra charge applies.

Transportation

• By Air: Nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) (~80 km).
• By Train: Take a train to Rambukkana station (~2 km from the orphanage).
• By Bus: Direct buses from Colombo, Kandy, and Kurunegala.
• By Car/Tuk-Tuk: Private taxis and tuk-tuks are available.

Things to Do

1. Watch the Elephant Bathing – Daily at the Maha Oya River (~10:00 AM & 2:00 PM).
2. See the Feeding Sessions – Baby elephants are bottle-fed three times a day.
3. Walk Among the Herd – Observe elephants in their semi-natural habitat.
4. Learn About Conservation – Visit the education center to learn about elephant protection.
5. Shop for Elephant-Themed Souvenirs – Handcrafted products made from elephant dung paper.

Why People Enjoy Coming Here

• Close-up elephant encounters in a natural setting.
• Heartwarming experience seeing rescued elephants thrive.
• Scenic views of elephants bathing in the river.
• Educational value about elephant conservation efforts.
• Fun activities for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Age of the Orphanage

Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation.

List of Activities

• Watching elephant bathing in the river.
• Observing baby elephants being bottle-fed.
• Walking along pathways with elephants.
• Learning about conservation programs.
• Taking wildlife photography.

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Millennium Elephant Foundation (~5 km) – An alternative elephant conservation center.
2. Kandy (~40 km) – Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
3. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya (~35 km) – Famous for diverse flora.
4. Alagalla Mountain Range (~20 km) – A great spot for trekking.
5. Ambuluwawa Tower (~60 km) – A scenic viewpoint near Gampola.