Sabaragamuwa · Kegalle · Est. 1975
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife attractions, located in the village of Pinnawala in the Kegalle District. Established in 1975, it was created to care for orphaned and injured elephants that were unable to survive in the wild. Today, it also functions as a conservation and breeding center under the Department of National Zoological Gardens.
The orphanage is home to one of the largest captive elephant herds in the world. Visitors can observe elephants at different stages of life, from young calves to fully grown adults. One of the most popular daily activities is the bathing ritual, where elephants are taken to the nearby Maha Oya river to bathe and drink water. This usually happens twice a day and is one of the best times to visit.
Feeding sessions are also part of the experience, especially for younger elephants that are bottle-fed milk several times a day. The center plays an important role in rehabilitation, especially for elephants that have been separated from their herds due to injury, human-wildlife conflict, or abandonment.
Key highlights of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage include:
- Elephant bathing at the Maha Oya river, a signature visitor experience
- Bottle-feeding sessions for baby elephants
- Observation areas where visitors can view elephants up close
- Breeding program contributing to Sri Lanka’s elephant population conservation
The orphanage also includes basic educational displays about elephant behavior, diet, and conservation challenges in Sri Lanka. Elephants here are mainly Asian Elephants, a species classified as endangered due to habitat loss and human conflict.
Pinnawala is located about a 2-hour drive from Colombo, making it a popular day trip destination. Pinnawala is open year-round, daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the morning or early afternoon when feeding and bathing activities are scheduled.
While it is a major tourist attraction, visitors are encouraged to be mindful of animal welfare and choose responsible viewing practices. The experience offers a close look at Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation efforts, blending tourism with wildlife protection.
