Pinnawala

Home to the world-famous Elephant Orphanage. Witness the heartwarming sight of large elephant herds bathing in the river, making it the perfect stopover on your way to Kandy.

About Pinnawala

Located in the Kegalle district, about halfway between Colombo and Kandy, Pinnawala is synonymous with its renowned Elephant Orphanage. Established in 1975 to protect and care for orphaned and unweaned wild elephants found wandering in the forests, it has now grown into one of Sri Lanka's most beloved tourist attractions. Watching the massive herd march down to the Maha Oya river for their daily bath is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Top Places to Visit & Activities

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The main sanctuary. Visitors can observe the elephants being fed, and if you time your visit right, you can watch baby elephants being bottle-fed milk by their caretakers.

Elephants bathing in Maha Oya River Pinnawala

Maha Oya River Bathing

Twice a day, the entire herd is guided across the main street down to the Maha Oya river for a two-hour bath. You can relax at a riverside café and watch them play in the water.

Millennium Elephant Foundation

Located close by, this non-profit organization focuses on the welfare of captive elephants. Visitors can participate in the 'Elephant Walk Experience' and help wash an elephant.

Elephant Dung Paper Factory

Visit the 'Maximus' paper factory to see an incredible eco-friendly process. Learn how elephant dung is recycled and transformed into beautiful, high-quality paper and souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The elephants are usually taken to the river for bathing twice a day: from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning, and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the afternoon. Make sure to schedule your visit around these times for the best experience!

No, elephant riding is strictly prohibited at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The facility focuses on observation and conservation. However, you can watch them, take photos, and watch them bathe.

Yes, it is perfectly located as a halfway stopover. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to drive from Colombo to Pinnawala, and from there, it is another 1.5 hours to Kandy.

Plan Your Kandy Trip with Crown Tours

Don't miss out on seeing the elephants. Book a direct taxi from Colombo or the Airport to Kandy, and let our drivers seamlessly include a stopover at Pinnawala.

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