About Pinnawala
Pinnawala is a village in Sri Lanka known for its elephant orphanage, a popular tourist attraction. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of orphaned and injured elephants. It's located in the Sabaragamuwa Province, about 90 km from Colombo and is a place where visitors can observe and interact with elephants, including feeding and bathing them. The orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation to help orphaned baby elephants.
Featured Activities
Choose from our carefully curated selection of unforgettable travel experiences.
River Bathing Tour
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the entire herd playing and bathing in the Maha Oya River, complete with photo ops.
Elephant Feeding Experience
Under the supervision of an expert, take part in fruit-feeding sessions with adult elephants and bottle-feeding sessions with baby elephants.
Elephant Experience
All everyday operations, like as feeding, bathing, and conservation teaching sessions, are covered in this extensive tour.
Pinnawala at a Glance
Peak
December to April
Weather
Dry season
Duration
Half-day
full experience
Timing
Feeding times:
9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 5:00 PM
Pinnawala Location
Home to Sri Lanka's famous elephant orphanage in the Kegalle District
Address
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Rambukkana, Kegalle District, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
Region
Kegalle District, Sabaragamuwa Province
Established in 1975 to care for orphaned elephants
Distance from Major Cities
- Colombo: 90km (2hr drive)
- Kandy: 40km (1hr drive)
- Negombo: 110km (2.5hr drive)
Train Access
Rambukkana Railway Station (Main Line from Colombo)
Short tuk-tuk ride (3km) from station to orphanage
Key Experiences
- Elephant feeding times: 9:15am & 1:15pm
- River bathing: 10:00am & 2:00pm daily
- Baby elephant feeding: Special viewing area
- Elephant museum: Learn about conservation
- Souvenir shops: Ethical elephant-themed products