Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a world-famous elephant care and conservation centre in Sri Lanka where visitors can observe rescued and orphaned Asia...
09:00 - 17:00
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nikesh madhani
Pinnawala Elephant Orphange is managed by the govt of Sri Lanka and is one of the largest elephant park having hundreds of elephant. The entry fee of LKR 3000 for adultd and LKR 1500 for kids is found to be on a higher side given the small portion of the park which is open for public viewing. There is a feeding point where you can feed fruits to elephants, a viewing deck where you can watch the many elephants together. A souvenier shop is at the exit and you buy lot of stuff there. These elephants are bathed in a reservoir which is across the road and you need to exit the park first. At the reservoir you can watch the elephants cooling down in the water. Please avoid feeding these cute beasts without asking the caretakers. There are many food outlets around, but we did not find any pure veg hotel, nor did we find any jain options. The approach road to the reservoir have many local shopping outlets. Please do visit this place when you are in sri lanka. Avoid visiting private elephant farms which the tour operator might take you, and are at least 3 times expensive.
Srdjan
An extraordinary place. There is a section where the elephants are housed and where they are brought to bathe. Those two places are separated by a street with very busy traffic. It is very impressive when they are being led or brought back from swimming through a narrow alley very close to you or across a pedestrian crossing. In agreement with the guide (mahut) you can touch them and walk with him. A small complaint - maybe there should be more benches to rest because it can be very tiring if the humidity is high. Foreigners pay a higher ticket price, 5000 rupees (15 euros). Souvenirs - standardly more expensive in places like this, as everywhere else in the world. An interesting workshop-shop of ecological paper and various paper products. The paper is made by a special process by mixing elephant dung and different grasses. A free friendly guide will explain everything to you. A place for every recommendation.
Md Fardin Fattah
It was an amazing experience in Sri Lanka. Even the entry fee was little bit high. But it’s worth it. You can enjoy elephant activities . Even you can feed the elephant yourself. Also you can watch them taking shower in the driver . It’s govt operated and this is the best elephant orphanage.
Rasith Wijesuriya
I visited the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on a weekday, and it wasn't very crowded, which made for a more peaceful experience. I arrived just in time to see the elephants heading to the river for their bath, which was a beautiful sight. The kids absolutely loved watching them! There are plenty of restaurants around the area, so you won't have trouble finding a place to eat. Additionally, you can explore the museum and the herb garden, which is free to visit. There are knowledgeable guides available to offer information and enhance your experience. A walk through the orphanage itself is also a great way to learn more about these incredible animals. Overall, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours, and I highly recommend it!
Chamika Jayamini
I visited this place on last month and I really enjoyed. I loved to see One my favorite animal. This place is great see elephants. Before going to this place visit their website to aware the time table Because unfortunately I missed to see feeding.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife attractions, offering visitors the rare chance to see Asian elephants up close in a setting focused on care, conservation and education. Established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, this sanctuary was created to protect orphaned and injured elephants found in the forests and grasslands of Sri Lanka. Over the decades, it has grown into a globally recognized destination with one of the largest herds of captive elephants in the world.
Situated in the lush environs of Pinnawala village in the Kegalle District, conveniently located between Colombo and Kandy, the orphanage occupies approximately 25 acres of land adjacent to the gently flowing Maha Oya River. This river plays a central role in daily life at the sanctuary, providing the water that sustains the elephants and serving as the backdrop for their much-anticipated bathing sessions. elephantorphanagesrilanka.com
Visitors to Pinnawala are welcomed into a world where these majestic animals take centre stage. The daily schedule revolves around structured feeding and bathing routines that allow guests to observe elephant behaviour and natural interactions. Feeding sessions generally take place several times per day, with the most popular times in the morning and afternoon, when baby elephants are fed milk from bottles under the supervision of trained mahouts. elephantorphanagesrilanka.com
Perhaps the most memorable experience for many travellers is watching the herd as it makes its way down to the Maha Oya River. Twice daily, at approximately 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, groups of elephants—ranging from towering adults to playful calves—parade through the sanctuary grounds toward the riverbanks. Once there, they splash, swim and cool off—a spectacular display of strength and grace that provides excellent opportunities for photography and observation. travelstosrilanka.com
While the orphanage itself is not a traditional “zoo,” it emphasizes the welfare and care of elephants that otherwise might not survive in the wild. Information is provided to visitors about elephant conservation issues in Sri Lanka, including human-wildlife conflict and the challenges facing wild elephant populations. Many tourists choose to support the orphanage by purchasing feeding opportunities or educational materials, though it is important to engage responsibly and respectfully with these activities. elephantsanctuarysrilanka.com
Practical information for visitors includes daily opening hours—typically from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM—and a tiered pricing structure that reflects different categories of visitors. Fees for Sri Lankan citizens are modest, while SAARC nationals and international visitors pay higher rates. Optional interactions such as feeding or guided activities incur additional charges. Tripoto
Beyond the core experiences at the orphanage, the surrounding area also offers amenities such as riverside restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic spots where one can relax and reflect on the visit. Many tours to Pinnawala are combined with other regional attractions, making it a natural inclusion in broader Sri Lankan itineraries that explore the cultural and natural richness of the island. sltraveller.com
In planning your visit, aim to arrive early in the day to make the most of the structured feeding and bathing schedule. A typical visit lasts a few hours, but wildlife enthusiasts may wish to linger longer, soaking in the sensory experience of seeing elephants in this unique setting. Whether you travel independently or through a guided tour, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage remains a compelling destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage and conservation efforts.
Visiting Pinnawala offers not just the chance to encounter these gentle giants, but also an opportunity to understand the broader efforts to protect and care for elephants in a changing world. Wikipedia
08.30 hours – Open to visitors
09.15 hours – Bottle feeding
10.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river
12.00 hours – Return from the river
13.15 hours – Bottle feeding
14.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river
16.00 hours – Return from the river
17.00 hours – Bottle feeding
17.30 hours – Ticket counters close
18.00 hours – Close to public
Transport Cost :
Package Cost (1Pax) : USD 160.00
Package Cost (2Pax) : USD 80.00 Per Person
Package Cost (3Pax) : USD 60.00 Per Person
Package Cost (4Pax) : USD 45.00 Per Person
Private tour in an A/C car or van with an English speaking chauffeur-guide
Vehicle Options:
Car (up to 2 persons): Toyota Axio, Prius Hybrid, Premio/Honda Fit Shuttle or similar
Van (3 to 6 persons): Toyota KDH/Nissan Caravan or similar
USD 15 Per Person
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Ticket offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with elephants in a natural setting. Entrance fees vary based on nationality and age:
Sri Lankan Nationals:
Adults (12 years and above): Approximately LKR 295
Children (below 12 years): Approximately LKR 120
SAARC Nationals:
Adults: Approximately USD 11
Children: Approximately USD 06
Foreign Nationals:
Adults: Approximately USD 16
Children: Approximately USD 8
Please note that exchange rates are approximate and may vary.
Additional activities, may incur extra charges. It’s advisable to confirm current rates and any additional fees before planning your visit, as prices are subject to change.
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