Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a well-known place in Sri Lanka located in the village of Pinnawala, about 13 kilometers northeast of Kegalle town in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Established in 1975, it is an orphanage, nursery, and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Pinnawala is famous for having the largest group of captive elephants in the world. Many tourists visit this unique sanctuary to see elephants up close and learn about their conservation.
History and Purpose
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was set up by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for orphaned, injured, or abandoned elephants. Many of these elephants lost their parents due to poaching, conflicts with humans, or accidents. The orphanage provides these elephants with food, medical care, and a safe place to live. It also plays an important role in breeding elephants, helping to increase the endangered Asian elephant population.
What Tourists Can See and Do
Pinnawala attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tourists can watch the elephants being fed, playing, and bathing in the river. The bathing time is a highlight, where elephants splash around and cool off in the river. A sight that many find unforgettable.
Visitors can also interact with the elephants by feeding them fruits or milk bottles, which allows people to get close to these gentle giants. The orphanage educates visitors about the importance of saving elephants and the problems they face in the wild.
Visiting Hours, Ticket Prices, and Rules
Ticket Prices:
- Local Adults: LKR 500
- Local Children: LKR 250
- Foreign Adults: USD 20 (approx. LKR 6,500)
- Foreign Children: USD 10 (approx. LKR 3,250)
Note: Prices may change, and special rates are available for school groups or local residents with ID.
- Be Quiet Around the Elephants: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that might scare them.
- Feed Only with Guidance: Only feed the elephants when guided by the staff with food provided by the orphanage.
- Do Not Touch Without Permission: Touching elephants is only allowed when supervised by caretakers.
- Stay in Visitor Areas: Visitors must stay in designated areas for safety reasons.
- No Littering: Keep the orphanage clean by disposing of trash properly.
- Photography: Avoid using flash as it may disturb the elephants.
Why Tourists Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Close Interaction with Elephants: Tourists love getting close to elephants, feeding, and watching them in their daily routines.
- Watching Elephant Bathing: Seeing the elephants bathe and play in the river is a fun and calming experience.
- Learning About Elephants: Visitors learn about elephant behavior, conservation, and the challenges these animals face in the wild.
- Supporting Conservation: The entrance fees help fund the care and protection of the elephants, making each visit meaningful.
- Great Photos: The orphanage offers amazing opportunities for taking photos of elephants in a natural setting.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a sanctuary that plays a crucial role in caring for and conserving elephants in Sri Lanka. Visitors not only enjoy seeing elephants up close but also contribute to their protection. The experience combines learning, fun, and the joy of watching these magnificent creatures in a safe and loving environment, making Pinnawala a must-visit place in Sri Lanka.
If you are a tourist planning to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, you can book a tour through a website that offers one-day tours to the orphanage. You can easily make a reservation online, and the tour service will pick you up from your location and return you to your destination at the end of the day.
Book online: elephant orphanage day tour
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