Highlights
- Home for elephants that were orphaned or injured in the wild
- Started by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975
- Watch the young elephants bottle fed at set times
- See the herd walk down to bathe in the Maha Oya river
- Widely known, though visitors should weigh up animal welfare concerns
- An easy stop on the road between Colombo and Kandy
Overview
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is near Kegalle, on the road between Colombo and Kandy, about 90 km from Colombo. It was set up by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for orphaned and injured elephants found in the wild. It is one of the most visited attractions in Sri Lanka, and one of the most debated.
History
The orphanage started in the early 1970s, first at Wilpattu, then briefly in Bentota and at the Dehiwala zoo, before moving to Pinnawala in 1975. It is set on a former coconut estate of about 25 acres beside the Maha Oya river. Starting with a handful of calves, it has grown into a herd of several dozen elephants. Many were born at Pinnawala, as the orphanage has a breeding programme.
Why elephants come here
Calves are found alone after their mothers die, are killed or are separated from the herd. Some fall into pits or wells while searching for water, and others are hurt in conflicts with farmers.
What you see
- Bottle feeding: young elephants drinking milk at set times.
- River bathing: the herd walks through the village to the Maha Oya river to bathe, usually twice a day.
- The herd: elephants of all ages in the main enclosure.
Ethical concerns
Animal welfare groups have criticised Pinnawala for keeping elephants in captivity for life, chaining some animals, and close contact with crowds. Unlike the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe, Pinnawala does not generally release its elephants into the wild. Many travellers now prefer to see elephants in national parks. If you visit, observe from a distance and avoid paid rides or handling.
How long it takes
Two to three hours, timed around feeding and bathing.
When to go
Check feeding and bathing times on the day, as schedules change. Opening hours are usually from morning to late afternoon.
Getting there
Pinnawala is about 2 to 2.5 hours from Colombo and around 1 to 1.5 hours from Kandy by road. Rambukkana is the nearest railway station.
Practical tips
- An entry fee is charged; check current rates.
- Stay behind barriers; elephants are large and unpredictable.
Visit Udawalawe or Minneriya for wild elephants. See things to do in Kandy and Kandy hotels.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
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