Overview
Pinnawala is a small town in the Kegalle District best known for its Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka's most visited attractions and home to one of the largest captive herds of elephants in the world. Established in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured wild elephants, the sanctuary today numbers around 80 elephants across several generations, many born within the herd itself. Visitors gather along the Maha Oya river as the herd is walked down for its twice-daily bathing session, while the on-site nursery cares for the youngest calves, some still bottle-fed by keepers.
LOCATION
Kegalle District
TYPE
Elephant Sanctuary
BEST TIME
Dec - Apr
VISIT TIME
2 - 3 Hours
Why Visit Pinnawala
➤ Watch the herd bathe together in the Maha Oya river
➤ See baby elephants bottle-fed at the on-site nursery
➤ Observe one of the world's largest captive elephant herds
➤ Learn about the orphanage's conservation and rescue work
➤ Photograph elephants up close from the riverbank
➤ Combine easily with a Kandy or Sigiriya day trip
Things to Know Before You Go
The elephants are walked to the river for bathing twice daily, typically around 10am and 2pm, and these sessions are the best time to visit, arrive a little early to get a good spot along the riverbank. Pinnawala sits roughly midway between Colombo and Kandy, making it a convenient stop when travelling between the two, or an easy half-day add-on to a Kandy-based itinerary. Some travellers raise ethical concerns about captive elephant tourism, so it's worth researching current welfare practices if this is a consideration for your trip.
Nearby
➤ Kandy
➤ Kegalle
➤ Sigiriya
➤ Kitulgala
➤ Ridi Vihara Temple
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the elephants bathe at Pinnawala?
Bathing sessions typically take place around 10am and 2pm daily in the Maha Oya river, though times can shift slightly, so it's worth checking on arrival.
How far is Pinnawala from Kandy?
It's about an hour's drive, making it a popular half-day trip from Kandy or a convenient stop between Colombo and Kandy.
How many elephants live at Pinnawala?
The herd numbers around 80 elephants, including several generations born within the orphanage itself, making it one of the largest captive herds in the world.
Can I visit the elephant nursery?
Yes, the on-site nursery cares for the youngest orphaned calves, some of which are still bottle-fed, and is included in a standard visit.
