Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Kegalle, Sabaragamuwa

Founded in 1975 to care for orphaned wild elephants, Pinnawala now holds the largest herd of captive elephants in the world — around 70, spanning three generations, many born right here through a breeding programme running since 1984. The signature moment is the twice-daily walk to the Maha Oya River, when the whole herd wades in together to bathe. It's a working conservation site rather than a show, though it does draw large crowds at bath time.

Wildlife safaris

Best time to visit

Arrive before the 10am or 2pm river-bathing sessions to get a spot along the riverbank.

Visitor tip

Observe animal-welfare rules and verify current visiting arrangements before travelling.

Local pick

The Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe, a sister facility, rehabilitates and releases orphaned elephants back into the wild — worth knowing about if captivity concerns you.

Quick answers

Where is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is in Kegalle, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Arrive before the 10am or 2pm river-bathing sessions to get a spot along the riverbank.

How far is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Colombo?

About 71 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.

What is near Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Nearby places include Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya (about 23 km away), Embekka Devalaya (about 23 km away), Ambuluwawa Tower (about 25 km away), Hanthana Mountain Range (about 26 km away).

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