About Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Elephant Care & Breeding Program Daily Visitor Experience Facilities & Amenities Ethics & Conservation Notes Contact Information
Established 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 Website
Pinnawala 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 Gallery
The 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 Activities
On-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 Visits
Pinnawala’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.
Location: Pinnawala, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +94 77 912 6482
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://elephantorphanagesrilanka.com/
| Accepted Currencies: | Sri Lankan Rupees |
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| Payment Types: | Cash |
| Mon |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
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| Tue |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Wed |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Thu |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Fri |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Sat |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Sun |
08:30 AM - 05:30 PM |
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