Pinnawala: The Sanctuary of the Giants

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations. Established in 1975 to care for abandoned and orphaned calves, it has grown into one of the largest captive elephant herds in the world.

The Daily Rituals

The highlight of any visit is witnessing the carefully scheduled daily activities:

Bottle Feeding: Watch the youngest calves being fed milk by their keepers at 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM.

River Bathing: The most iconic sight is seeing the entire herd (over 60 elephants) trek across the road to bathe in the Maha Oya river (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM).

Up-close Interaction: Visitors can observe the elephants from the riverbanks and learn about their social structures and conservation.

A Family Favorite

Pinnawala is perfect for families with children, offering an educational and emotionally moving experience with these magnificent creatures.

Travel Guidance from BIA

Distance: 75 km from the airport.

Logistics: The drive through the Kegalle district is scenic. A car rental with H.B.S allows you to arrive in time for the morning feeding and river bath without the stress of public buses.