The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is located in the town of Kegalle; it is well placed between Colombo and Kandy the hill capital. Interact and enjoy time with elephants across many ages.
About the Orphanage
The Elephant orphanage was set up in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department. It spreads across a beautiful 25 acre coconut plantation that runs along the beautiful Maha Oya River. The main aim of the sanctuary was to provide a haven for the orphaned elephants of Sri Lanka. By 1978 the National Zoological Gardens took over the place and initiated a captive breeding programme, that today is a very successful endeavour. Since the initiation of the system in 1982, over 20 elephants have been bred in captivity.
A Natural Habitat and Safe Sanctuary
The main ambition of the breeding programme was to offer the animals a safe and natural habitat to thrive. They are not just held within the camp but are given a daily outing when they trek to the river for a refreshing bath. This is probably one of the most rewarding aspects of the day for visitors. The elephants head across the road to the Maha Oya River bathing spot; around this there are many restaurants and look out spots that eager tourists gather at for a glimpse of the gentle creatures; playfully frolicking in the water.
Feeding Time is Quite a Reward
Feeding time at the orphanage means you get to witness and sometimes take part in the feeding rituals of baby elephants. Enjoy watching the bottle feeding routines of these utterly adorable creatures as they nuzzle up to feeders eager for a swig at the milk bottles. Mind you feeding time is scheduled within specific hours and it is convenient to get there from a Kandy hotel; in fact visiting Pinnawela is one of the favourite things to do in Kandy. Like a popular choice amongst travellers, Hotel Hilltop Kandy overlooking the city centre you can look for well-placed accommodation in the hill country.
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+