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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage A Heartwarming Sanctuary for Sri Lankas Majest

Experience the Majestic Beauty and Compassion at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Beauty and Compassion

Situated in the serene town of Pinnawala, just 13 kilometers from Kegalle, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique and heartwarming experience for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Founded in 1975, this sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of Asian elephants and provides a safe home for orphaned, abandoned, and injured elephants. Today, it is home to over 80 elephants, making it one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in the world.

An Unforgettable Experience with Sri Lanka’s Majestic Elephants
At Pinnawala, visitors are given the rare opportunity to witness these incredible creatures up close in a safe, natural environment. The elephants roam freely within the sanctuary, with daily routines that include feeding, bathing, and roaming the lush green grounds. One of the highlights of the visit is watching the elephants’ daily bath in the Maha Oya River, which is a true spectacle. Visitors can stand along the riverbanks and see these majestic animals splashing, bathing, and socializing in the water, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a close-up encounter with nature.

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What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

By keeping these tips in mind, visitors can fully appreciate the lush landscapes and rich diversity of plant life, ensuring a memorable experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Dress Comfortably

The gardens cover a large area, so wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. As the gardens are often warm and sunny, a hat and sunscreen are also recommended to stay protected from the sun.

Elephant Bathing Sessions

The elephants are bathed in the Maha Oya River at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM daily, making it a prime time to see them.

Elephant Feeding Time

The elephants are fed three times a day: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM

Distance from Colombo

Pinnawala is located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Colombo, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive.

Opening Hours

The orphanage is open to visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the morning or early afternoon, especially to witness the elephant bathing session in the river.

Photography

Whether you’re admiring the elephants bathing in the river or feeding them by hand, the opportunities for stunning photographs are endless.

Educational and Fun Experience

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is not just a sanctuary, but also a place where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts surrounding elephants in Sri Lanka. There are informative signs and displays throughout the sanctuary, educating visitors on the life cycle, habits, and challenges that elephants face in the wild. Additionally, the orphanage offers feeding sessions where tourists can watch the elephants being fed by the caretakers, providing insights into the elephants' diet and needs.

Feeding Time

Every day, visitors can experience the thrill of feeding the elephants. Watch as the elephants use their trunks to reach out for food, and feel the connection between these gentle giants and their caretakers.

Elephant Bathing

A must-see event during your visit is the elephant bath at the river. The elephants, including young calves, splash around in the water, showcasing their playful and social nature.

Elephant Nursery

For those visiting with children, the elephant nursery is a perfect spot to see the baby elephants, many of which are just a few months old. You’ll also see them interacting with their mothers and caregivers.

Get Close to Majestic Elephants

Experience these incredible creatures up close and personal, in a natural, safe, and compassionate environment.

Gift Shop

The orphanage has a souvenir shop where you can purchase elephant-themed gifts, handicrafts, and local products to support the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.

Conservation and Welfare

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is dedicated to the welfare and conservation of its resident elephants. Over the years, the sanctuary has worked to rehabilitate and release elephants back into the wild, where they are monitored to ensure their safety and well-being. The sanctuary also participates in breeding programs, helping to preserve the endangered Asian elephant species. By visiting the orphanage, tourists directly contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and conserve these incredible animals.

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