About Pinnawala
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 to care for abandoned and orphaned wild elephants. What began as a small rescue facility now houses over 90 elephants — the largest captive elephant herd in the world — and has become one of Sri Lanka's most-visited attractions.
The highlight of any visit is the twice-daily bathing session (10 AM and 2 PM), when the entire herd walks the 500m from the orphanage to the Maha Oya River and spends an hour bathing, playing, and socialising in the water. Visitors can stand on the riverbank — sometimes within metres of the elephants — and watch. It's one of the most accessible elephant encounters anywhere in Asia.
Pinnawala also has a successful elephant breeding programme — more than 30 calves have been born here — and the orphanage has played a significant role in Sri Lanka's conservation efforts. The facility is run by the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka.
Pinnawala sits on the Colombo–Kandy route, making it a natural half-day stop on the way to or from the hill country. Most visitors pair it with Kandy (35 km) or use it as a break on the journey from the airport.
Highlights
- Twice-daily river bathing — 90+ elephants walk to the Maha Oya River at 10 AM and 2 PM
- World's largest captive elephant herd — observe elephants of all ages from calves to bulls
- Watch baby elephants being bottle-fed by caretakers throughout the day
- Perfect stopover on the Colombo–Kandy road (35 km from Kandy)
- Elephant conservation success story — 30+ calves born in the programme
- Short visit format — 2–3 hours covers the full experience including bathing
Plan & Book
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What to See & Do
River Bathing Session
Twice daily (10 AM and 2 PM), the entire herd walks from the orphanage to the Maha Oya River. The spectacle of 90+ elephants bathing, splashing, and socialising in the water — with visitors watching from the riverbank — is extraordinary. Lasts approximately one hour.
Elephant Orphanage Grounds
Walk through the grounds to observe elephants being fed, calves with their caretakers, and bulls in separate enclosures. Baby elephants are bottle-fed on a schedule throughout the day — a highlight for families.
Getting There from Colombo
Via Kegalle on the A1 highway toward Kandy. Pinnawala is 13 km off the main road near Kegalle.
Bus to Kegalle, then local bus or tuk-tuk to Pinnawala (13 km).
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round. Visit at 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM to catch the herd walking to the river for bathing.
Traveller Tips
- ▸Time your visit to arrive 30 minutes before the 10 AM or 2 PM bathing — it fills up fast
- ▸The riverbank restaurant opposite the crossing gives elevated views over the bathing elephants
- ▸Avoid mahout elephant-ride offers nearby — these are not affiliated with the ethical orphanage
- ▸Pinnawala pairs perfectly with Kandy (35 km) — do Pinnawala on the way up or back
- ▸The orphanage shop sells elephant-dung paper products — a legitimate sustainable souvenir
Entry Fee
Tickets at the orphanage gate. Includes full day access and both bathing sessions.
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