https://ten.lk/listings/national-parks-safaris?format=rss&page=1&category_id=120 Ten.lk - Sri Lanka Listings en About Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageEstablished in 1975 by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Kegalle, approximately halfway between Colombo and Kandy. Set along the Maha Oya River on a 25-acre coconut plantation, the facility houses over 70 elephants that have been orphaned, rescued, or injured. It is renowned for housing the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and provides a unique opportunity to witness elephant care, feeding, and bathing in a natural environment. Visit Official WebsiteElephant Care & Breeding ProgramPinnawala operates one of the world’s most successful elephant breeding programs, which began in 1982. To date, over 75 elephants have been born within the facility. The elephants are fed a healthy diet including jackfruit, coconut, grass, sugarcane, and tamarind, with calves receiving special milk feedings. Care is provided by trained mahouts, and the facility supports veterinary care, shelter, and daily routines for the animals. View Photo GalleryDaily Visitor ExperienceThe orphanage is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Highlights include bottle-feeding baby elephants at 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM, as well as watching the entire herd bathe in the river at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Visitors can also observe feeding routines and stroll along riverbanks where elephants relax and play. Explore Daily ActivitiesFacilities & AmenitiesOn-site facilities include cafes, restrooms, a museum, souvenir shops (notably offering paper made from elephant dung), and guided tours. There are observation decks, shaded viewing areas, and educational boards for better understanding elephant behavior and conservation. It’s a popular stop on day tours from Colombo, Kandy, or Sigiriya. Contact for Group VisitsEthics & Conservation NotesPinnawala’s reputation is mixed—many appreciate its conservation and educational mission, while critics raise concerns about elephant chaining and space limitations. The facility continues to evolve, focusing more on animal welfare education and controlled interactions. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and choose eco-conscious tour operators. 09.15 hours – Bottle feeding10.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river12.00 hours – Return from the river13.15 hours – Bottle feeding14.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river16.00 hours – Return from the river17.00 hours – Bottle feeding17.30 hours – Ticket counters close18.00 hours – Close to publicContact InformationLocation: Pinnawala, Kegalle District, Sri LankaOpen Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMPhone: +94 77 912 6482Email: info@elephantorphanagesrilanka.comWebsite: https://elephantorphanagesrilanka.com/ https://ten.lk/listings/pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-sanctuary-elephant-breeding-centre-in-sri-lanka 0e65972dce68dad4d52d063967f0a705 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:03:35 +0000 National Parks & Safaris Yala Sri Lanka is a premier wildlife tour operator offering expertly guided safaris in the heart of Yala National Park - Sri Lanka's most iconic and biodiverse wildlife sanctuary. Renowned for having the highest density of leopards in Asia, Yala provides the ultimate setting for close encounters with nature’s most elusive predators. The park’s landscape is a dramatic mix of dry forests, open plains, coastal lagoons, and untouched beaches - creating an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.Yala Sri Lanka’s safari experiences are carefully curated for travelers who value both adventure and responsible tourism. Visitors can choose from half-day or full-day jeep safaris, all conducted by professional local guides who possess deep knowledge of the park’s ecosystem and animal behavior. Each journey is designed to maximize sightings - from majestic elephants and sloth bears to crocodiles, jackals, wild boar, peacocks, and over 215 species of birds.What sets Yala Sri Lanka apart is its commitment to eco-conscious practices. The team operates on a low-impact model - ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife, promoting silence and patience during sightings, and following designated paths to protect fragile habitats. In a bid to give back to the environment, they plant a tree for every safari booked - a powerful promise of conservation in action.Based near Tissamaharama, the gateway town to Yala, the company offers seamless service including hotel pick-up and drop-off, flexible timings, and private tour options. Whether you're a solo traveler, wildlife photographer, honeymooner, or a nature-loving family, Yala Sri Lanka promises an experience that is as thrilling as it is respectful of the wild.Each safari with Yala Sri Lanka is more than just a drive - it's a deep dive into the soul of Sri Lankan wilderness, guided by those who call it home. https://ten.lk/listings/yala-national-park 38b3eff8baf56627478ec76a704e9b52 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:53:37 +0000 National Parks & Safaris