Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Giants in every sense of the word, though gentle just as much as they are majestic, elephants have long captured the hearts of those who have come across this most regal animal. If you have watched the latest adaptation of the Jungle Book, you may recount that even in the animal kingdom, elephants are treated with much respect! However, things are not going too well for our dear friend the elephant, with factors such as loss of habitat and poachers posing a very real threat.

But all is not lost! Places like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are engaged in active conservation of this species in Sri Lanka. Hotels can be found within easy reach of this popular attraction which is located around an hour and a half drive away from the hill capital Kandy. Travellers generally opt to stop by at the orphanage on the way up to the hill country from Colombo or plan an excursion here while staying in Kandy itself at properties such as the one belonging to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

So what can one expect at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? The orphanage operates as a kind of sanctuary and provides orphaned and injured elephants with a wide open space where they receive all the TLC they need. There are close to 100 elephants here including young calves and seeing these amazing giants of the wild up close is bound to be one of your best holiday memories.

The highlight of a visit here will undoubtedly be the chance to witness two rituals that take place every day; plan your visit to coincide with the daily milk feeding of young elephants (9:15 am and 01.15 pm) and the bathing of the elephants in the nearby river (10 am and 2 pm) where you can see these lovable animals interact, frolic and enjoy cooling off while getting a good scrub!

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+