Encounters with Gentle Giants
If you are looking for elephant encounters in Sri Lanka and don’t have time to go on a safari, then the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the place for you.
Planning Your Trip
One of the most popular family attractions in Sri Lanka, this site is close to Kegalle town; it’s also within easy reach of the hill capital, Kandy. It is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm and after your visit, you can head back and choose from some of the best restaurants in Kandy for a yummy lunch or dinner!
In the Beginning
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was launched in 1975 and initially took care of five abandoned baby elephants. Set-up to care for orphaned, injured or abandoned elephants, this site grew in popularity and today, those on a visit from Kandy properties the likes of Hotel Topaz can see over 90 elephants!
At the Orphanage
The elephants here vary in ages from babies to adults and seeing such a large number at this 25-acre site will be unforgettable indeed. At certain times (usually from 9:00am to 9:45am and 12:00pm to 1:45pm) you can also witness feeding sessions too.
Time For a Bath!
One of the highlights of a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is getting the chance to witness these lovable creatures being taken for a bath (10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm). You can watch as they are led to the adjoining river where they cool off in the water and their mahouts give them a good scrub too!
