Why Visit Pinnawala?

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is unique to Sri Lanka and offers an up-close experience with rescued elephants. If you’re an animal lover or someone fascinated by wildlife conservation, this destination should be at the top of your list. Here, you can:

• Watch elephants bathe in the river twice a day.
• Bottle-feed baby elephants under supervision.
• Learn about elephant conservation efforts.

The orphanage was established in 1975 to care for orphaned elephants, many of whom were found injured or abandoned in the wild.

Best Time to Visit Pinnawala

To get the most out of your visit, try to arrive at Pinnawala by 9:00 AM. The elephants walk to the river for bathing at 10:00 AM, and watching them splash around in the water is a highlight. Another session occurs around 2:00 PM. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours here to fully enjoy the experience.

How to Get to Pinnawala

Pinnawala is located about 90 km from Colombo and 37 km from Kandy. The most convenient way to get there is by car or a private van, which you can easily book through SriLankaGetaway.com. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Colombo and 1 hour from Kandy. Alternatively, you can take the train to Kegalle Station and grab a tuk-tuk to Pinnawala, but keep in mind that trains can be slower.

Feeding and Bathing Times (Don’t Miss These!)

• Feeding Times: 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 4:15 PM
• Bathing Times: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM

These are the best times to visit, as you’ll get to experience both elephant feeding and bathing. Pro Tip: The earlier you arrive, the better your chance of finding a good spot near the river to see the elephants bathe.

What to Expect at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Once inside the orphanage, you’ll have the chance to witness these majestic creatures up close. The space is large and relatively open, so you can walk around at your own pace. The real treat is seeing the elephants walk through the streets to the river for their daily bath. Here’s what to expect:

• Elephant Feeding: Watch staff bottle-feed the young elephants and hand-feed the adults. You might even get the chance to help.
• River Bathing: The elephants are led to the river twice a day to cool off and play in the water. This is a must-see experience.
• Interaction Areas: You may be allowed to pet or get closer to the elephants under supervision. Just ensure you follow the guides’ instructions to avoid disturbing the animals.

Insider Tips for Visiting Pinnawala

• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak travel season.
• Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for the heat, as most of the experience is outdoors.
• Bring a camera! Pinnawala offers countless photo opportunities, from the elephants bathing to the beautiful landscape.
• Stay for lunch at one of the riverside restaurants where you can eat while watching the elephants.
• Consider a half-day tour from Colombo or Kandy, which often includes a stop at Pinnawala as part of a broader itinerary.