Established in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage cares for orphaned and injured elephants in a riverside setting between Colombo and Kandy. Home to over 80 elephants — including calves born in the programme — it offers one of the most accessible and intimate elephant encounters in Asia.
The River Bath
Twice daily, the entire herd is walked down to the Maha Oya river for a communal bath — a spectacular sight as dozens of elephants wade, splash, and play in the water. The morning session (10 AM) and afternoon session (2 PM) are the highlights of any visit. Riverside cafes offer front-row seats.
Feeding Time and Baby Elephants
Young calves are bottle-fed milk by keepers, and visitors can observe (and sometimes assist with) the feeding. Watching a baby elephant wrap its trunk around a giant milk bottle is a memory that stays with you. The nursery section houses the youngest orphans, some just weeks old when rescued.
Ethical Considerations
While Pinnawala has drawn some criticism from animal welfare groups, it has successfully bred elephants in captivity and rehabilitated injured wild elephants. For travellers seeking more natural encounters, the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe National Park offers a rehabilitation-and-release model. Lion Voyages can help you choose the experience that best matches your values.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Pinnawala is an easy half-day stop between Colombo and Kandy. Combine with a visit to the nearby Millennium Elephant Foundation for a smaller-scale, hands-on experience.
