Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

See Sri Lanka’s famous elephants up close at Pinnawala, known for its elephant orphanage, riverside setting and daily elephant care.

Pinnawala is a popular stop for visitors interested in Sri Lanka’s Asian elephants, located between Colombo and Kandy. The elephant facility and surrounding area are commonly included in journeys towards the hill country.

Visiting Pinnawala

The main attraction is seeing elephants during their daily routines, including feeding and bathing. The riverside setting also gives visitors opportunities to observe the animals from designated viewing areas.

 

What to see nearby

Pinnawala can be combined with Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya or other attractions around Kegalle. Allow a few hours for the visit when planning it as a stop between destinations.