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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
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Landmark
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the care and protection of orphaned Asian elephants in Sri Lanka. Established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the orphanage was founded to provide refuge for calves found abandoned or injured in the wild. Located in Rambukkana on a 10-hectare site that was originally a coconut plantation, Pinnawala now houses one of the largest captive elephant herds in the world. A central part of the daily routine is the bathing of the animals in the nearby Maha Oya River, which serves as a vital social event for the herd. The facility combines animal welfare with scientific research and educational programs focused on conservation. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the primary focus remains on the wellbeing of the animals and the preservation of this endangered species. Visitors can witness the feeding of young calves and learn about the challenges of elephant conservation in Sri Lanka.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Top sights: Elephant bathing place · Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Gotabhaya Raja Maha Vihara
- Nearby: Kegalle (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 116 | 89 | 96 | 155 | 133 | 73 | 62 | 70 | 101 | 228 | 279 | 243 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The orphanage is open to the public, allowing visitors to observe the elephants both inside the facility and during their daily routines. Guided tours are not strictly required, but following the designated paths ensures a safe and comprehensive experience.
Typical hours
Typically open from early morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. The most popular times to visit coincide with the scheduled feeding and river bathing sessions, usually occurring in the morning and early afternoon.
Photography
Photography is widely permitted and warmly encouraged throughout the grounds. Be sure to use a zoom lens to capture the elephants safely from a distance, especially when they are bathing in the nearby river.
Time needed
A typical visit requires at least two to three hours to fully experience the site. This timeframe allows you to watch the feeding sessions, observe the river bathing, and walk around the various enclosures at a relaxed pace.
Combine with
Makes an excellent combination with the adjacent Pinnawala Open Zoo for a full day of wildlife observation. You can also explore the nearby town of Kegalle or visit local tea and spice gardens on the way back.
Getting there
Situated near the town of Kegalle, it is easily reachable by car or organized tour from major cities like Kandy or Colombo. Parking is generally available nearby, and the walk from the main road down to the river is straightforward.
Insider tip
Plan your arrival times carefully to coincide with the bathing times at the Maha Oya river, as this is often considered the highlight of the trip. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for the journey between the enclosures and the water.
Geography
Facts
- The orphanage was opened in 1975 with only five orphaned elephants.
- The facility covers an area of approximately 10 hectares of land.
- The elephants are taken to the Maha Oya River for bathing twice a day.
- It is home to often over 80 elephants of various ages in a single herd.
- The first captive birth at the orphanage occurred in 1984.
- The site is located roughly 13 kilometers away from the town of Kegalle.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When are the elephants fed?
Bottle feeding of the calves usually takes place at 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM.
When do the elephants go to the river?
The daily bath in the Ma Oya River is around 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM.
How much is the entry fee?
Foreign adults pay about 3,000 LKR (prices are subject to change).
Are you allowed to touch the elephants?
Direct contact is usually not allowed for safety reasons, but close-up photos are possible.
How to get there from Kandy?
It is about a 1-hour drive by bus or taxi (approx. 40 km).
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: where is it located?
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Sri Lanka.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: what is there to see?
Highlights include Elephant bathing place, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Gotabhaya Raja Maha Vihara.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: why is it worth visiting?
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the care and protection of orphaned Asian elephants in Sri Lanka.
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