Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

About Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was originally started to care for orphaned. And abandoned baby elephants that were found in the wild. 

Over time, it has grown into a full-fledged conservation center. That not only rescues and rehabilitates elephants but also runs breeding programs to help their survival. 

Today, the orphanage is home to one of the largest herds of elephants in the world. With over 80 elephants of all ages living on its grounds.

In fact, the main goal of the orphanage is to provide a safe space for elephants. That is quite gone due to human activity, natural disasters, or other challenges. 

When it comes to the heroes in here. The staff at Pinnawala work hard to ensure that each elephant receives the care it needs. This includes of medical attention, proper food, and opportunities to socialize. 

Moreover, the staff also plays a key role in educating the public about the difficulties that elephants face in the wild. Such as habitat loss, poaching, and interactions with humans.

Speaking of which, one of the most special things about the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is its goal on creating a natural environment for the elephants. 

Whereas, the spacious grounds are perfect to support their natural habitat. By allowing the elephants to roam freely, bathe in the river, and interact with each other as they would in the wild. 

Location

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, about 90 kilometers northeast of Colombo. 

This place is in the village of Pinnawala, which is easy to reach by road. 

Whereas the trip from Colombo to Pinnawala takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. By making it a convenient day trip for those who are staying in the city.

Speaking of which, the orphanage’s location is especially meaningful because this place is with lush greenery, rolling hills, and the Maha Oya River. Which provides a natural water source for the elephants.

In addition to that, the peaceful and scenic setting makes the visit more enjoyable for guests whereas it creates a perfect environment for the elephants to roam freely. 

Note: The village of Pinnawala itself is a quiet and charming place. In fact, this village has a glimpse into rural life in Sri Lanka. Whereas visitors can explore local markets, meet friendly villagers, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Ticket Prices

Visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an affordable trip, with ticket prices that suit visitors’ budget. 

As of the latest information, the entrance fee for foreign tourists is around 16 US dollars for adults 8 US dollars for children from 3-12. 

On the other hand, local residents have a reduced rate, with tickets costing about 295 rupees per adult and 120 rupees per child from 3-12. 

Kindly note that, these fees go directly towards the orphanage’s conservation efforts by making your visit both enjoyable and impactful.

In addition to the standard entrance fee, the orphanage has some special packages and experiences that allow visitors to get even closer to the elephants. 

For an extra cost, you can join feeding sessions, where you can hand-feed the elephants and learn about their diet. 

Moreover, you can also watch the elephants during their daily bath in the river, which is a truly magical experience that allows you to see these amazing animals in their habitat.

Anyway, for those who want a more practical experience, the orphanage has a “Mahout for a Day” program. 

Whereas, this allows you to spend a full day with a mahout (elephant caretaker) and learn about the daily routines and responsibilities that they have. 

Note: This program gives you a deeper understanding of the bond between humans and elephants. 

Opening Times

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. 

As for the time, it is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 

Speaking of which, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning to make the most of your visit, as the elephants are most active during this time.

Furthermore, one of the highlights of visiting the orphanage is watching the elephants’ daily bath in the Maha Oya River. 

This happens twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and is a must-see moment for any visitor. 

This is because seeing the elephants enjoying their time, and interacting with each other in the water is a truly wonderful moment to watch.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is more than just a tourist destination. In fact, it’s a place of love and interaction with wonderful animals. 

What’s interesting is that this orphanage gives you a rare chance to connect with one of nature’s most remarkable creatures and to see the incredible work being done to protect and help them. 

Anyway, from the moment you arrive, you’ll be fascinated in a world where elephants are respected, cared for, and given the chance to live with freedom.

It’s a place where the bond between humans and elephants are celebrated, and where the importance of conservation comes to life.

Remember that as you leave the orphanage, you’ll take all the memories of a unique experience and a greater understanding of the need to protect these animals. 

This is because it’s a place that inspires, educates, and reminds us of our responsibility to protect the future of our planet’s wildlife.