Pinnawala

The Heart of Elephant Conservation

📍 District: Kegalle | Province: Sabaragamuwa
🧭 Location: Approximately 90km from Colombo, ideally located halfway between Colombo and Kandy.

Introduction

Established in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage began as a sanctuary for orphaned and unweaned wild elephants. Today, it has grown into one of the most visited destinations in Sri Lanka, home to a large herd of these majestic creatures. The orphanage is world-famous for its captive breeding program and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness elephants in a semi-natural environment, socialising, bathing, and being cared for by dedicated mahouts.

Top Attractions

  1. The River Bath: The highlight of any visit. Twice a day, the entire herd is led down to the Ma Oya River to bathe and play. Watching dozens of elephants in the water is a spectacular sight.
  2. Bottle Feeding: Visitors can witness the younger elephant calves being bottle-fed by the keepers, a heartwarming experience that showcases the care provided at the orphanage.
  3. Elephant Dung Paper Factory: An eco-friendly initiative where elephant waste is recycled into unique, high-quality stationery. It’s an educational stop showing sustainable tourism at work.
  4. Pinnawala Open Zoo: Located nearby, this is the first open zoo in Sri Lanka, featuring endemic species in spacious, natural enclosures.

Transportation

🚆 Rail

Take the train from Colombo towards Kandy and get off at Rambukkana Station. Pinnawala is just a short 2km tuk-tuk ride from the station.

🛣️ Road

Private transfers from Colombo take about 2.5 to 3 hours. It is a popular “halfway stop” for travelers heading from the capital to the Hill Country.

Activity Schedule

Time Activity
08:30 AM Orphanage opens to visitors.
09:15 AM Morning bottle feeding of the calves.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Morning River Bath (Ma Oya River).
02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Afternoon River Bath (Ma Oya River).

💡 Pro-Traveler Tips

  • Timing: Plan your visit to coincide with the 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM river bath times. This is the best time to see the elephants at their happiest.
  • Observation: For the best view of the river bath, head to the restaurants along the riverbank. You can enjoy a meal or drink while the herd bathes directly below you.
  • Ethical Note: Remember that this is a sanctuary for orphans. While interaction is possible, always follow the mahouts’ instructions and maintain a respectful distance.
  • Combo Visit: Combine Pinnawala with a visit to the Millennium Elephant Foundation nearby if you are interested in elephant volunteer programs.

Nearby Attractions

  • Saradiel Village: A themed park that recreates 19th-century life and the story of the “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka,” located in Uthuwankanda.
  • Bible Rock: A dramatic flat-topped mountain offering hiking trails and breathtaking views of the central plains.
  • Kandy: The sacred city of Kandy is only an hour’s drive further east from Pinnawala.

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