Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: What to Know Before You Visit

The Elephant Orphanage: What to Know Before You Go

About Pinnawala

Pinnawala, near Rambukkana between Colombo and Kandy, is home to Sri Lanka's best-known elephant orphanage, set on the banks of the Maha Oya river. It was set up to care for orphaned, abandoned and injured wild elephants and has become a major tourist stop, with elephants led to the river to bathe in the middle of the day and a large crowd watching from the bank. For many visitors it is the first elephant encounter on the island.

It is also a controversial place. Animal welfare groups have raised concerns about chaining, the parade to the river, close contact with tourists and the facility's commercial side, while its managers say the animals cannot be returned to the wild and depend on its care. Because standards matter to many travellers, we think it is fair to give you the full picture. If you prefer to see elephants in more natural conditions, a safari at Udawalawe, Minneriya or Yala is a stronger choice, and the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe offers a government-run viewing option.

Pinnawala at a glance

  • Type: Attraction
  • Region: Sabaragamuwa Province
  • Best time: Any time; midday for bathing
  • Suggested stay: One to two hours
  • Part of: Cultural Triangle

Understanding Pinnawala

The Pinnawala orphanage was founded to protect wild Asian elephants found orphaned, injured or abandoned, and it has also bred elephants in captivity. It is operated by the national department that manages zoos and is located in the Kegalle district.

Welfare groups and responsible-travel specialists have criticised aspects of how it is run, including the use of chains, the daily parade to the river and the contact allowed between tourists and animals. Some visitors and the managers see these concerns differently. We recommend that you read both sides and decide for yourself.

Things to do in Pinnawala

Choose a wild safari instead

Udawalawe, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Yala let you watch wild elephants from a vehicle, usually from a respectful distance.

See the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe

Calves are fed at set times and watched from a viewing platform, without contact.

If you visit Pinnawala

Do not ride, touch, feed or pay for photographs. Keep your voice low and stay behind barriers.

Ask us about alternatives

We can suggest ethical ways to see elephants in the wild, such as a safari in Udawalawe, Minneriya or Gal Oya, and fit them into your route.

Highlights

  • Wildlife
  • Nature

Things to see and do

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

A well-known facility on the Maha Oya river that cares for orphaned and injured elephants, and a debated visitor attraction.

Best time: Feeding and bathing times, usually morning and midday

Tip: Read the welfare concerns on this page first, and do not ride, touch or feed the elephants.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

A government-run centre that rears orphaned calves with the aim of releasing them to the wild, commonly suggested as an alternative.

Best time: Feeding times

Tip: Visitors watch from a viewing platform, without contact.

Read the full guide to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Best time to visit Pinnawala

Pinnawala can be visited year-round. The river bathing sessions are usually at set times each day, and the weather is humid, with rain possible in the wet zone.

  • December to March: Drier and more comfortable for a short stop.
  • May to September and October to November: Wetter, with showers in the afternoon. Bring rain gear.

How long to stay

One to two hours

Most visitors allow one to two hours on the way between Colombo and Kandy.

How to get to Pinnawala

Pinnawala lies on the main road between Colombo and Kandy and is a short detour from the highway. A private car with a driver can include it as a stop, adding an hour or two to the journey.

We recommend tying your decision to your views on animal welfare, and we can include a wild safari at Udawalawe or Minneriya instead.

Where to stay in Pinnawala

Most visitors do not stay at Pinnawala. Kandy, Colombo or hotels near the Cultural Triangle are the usual bases.

Who Pinnawala suits

  • Families: Children often enjoy seeing elephants, but consider the welfare debate and the alternatives.
  • Responsible travellers: A wild safari or the Udawalawe transit home may fit your values better.
  • Photographers: The bathing scene is photogenic, but the setting is crowded.
  • Muslim and halal-conscious travellers: Tell us in advance if you need halal meals or prayer-time stops, and we confirm arrangements before you travel.

Experiences in Pinnawala

  • Udawalawe Elephant Safari - A half-day jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Asia to see wild elephants, with herds seen on almost every drive. Includes the option to visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time.

Combine Pinnawala with

More in Cultural Triangle

Tours and itineraries that include Pinnawala

Frequently asked questions

What is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

It is a facility near Rambukkana that cares for orphaned and injured Asian elephants and keeps a breeding herd. It is a popular stop between Colombo and Kandy.

Is it ethical to visit Pinnawala?

Opinions differ. Welfare groups have raised concerns about chaining, tourist contact and the way elephants are managed, while the facility says the animals cannot be released. If welfare matters to you, consider wild-elephant safaris instead.

What are the alternatives to Pinnawala?

Jeep safaris at Udawalawe, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Yala show wild elephants, and the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home offers a government-run viewing of orphaned calves from a platform.

If I decide to visit, what should I do?

Do not ride, touch, feed or pay for photographs with the elephants, and keep your distance. We can include a short stop on request and help you plan respectfully.

Can I do Pinnawala on the way from Colombo to Kandy?

Yes, it lies on the main road, though it adds time to the drive. Most visitors spend one to two hours.

Plan your trip to Pinnawala

Tell us your dates and what you enjoy and we will plan a private trip that includes Pinnawala. Send an enquiry, ask for a tailor-made tour or message us on WhatsApp.