Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s verdant jungles, you’ll find a place of refuge for some of the most magnificent creatures on earth. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an institution that has become a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants. As you step into this sanctuary, you become part of an inspiring journey that speaks volumes about conservation, love, and survival.
Location
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Pinnawala village, around 90 km northeast of Colombo and 50 km northwest of Kandy, two of Sri Lanka’s major cities.
Hours of Operation
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage opens its gates to visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Fees
As of June 2023, the entrance fee for foreign adults is approximately 3000 LKR and 1500 LKR for children.
Review
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to get close to these gentle giants in an environment that prioritizes their welfare. Seeing the elephants in their natural habitat and witnessing their daily routines of feeding, bathing, and socializing is a memory to cherish.
Things to Do and See
- Elephant Feeding: Witness the heartening sight of baby elephants being bottle-fed by their caretakers.
- Elephant Bathing: Watch the elephants enjoy their daily bath in the Ma Oya river, a sight that brings sheer joy to the onlookers.
- Educational Display: Learn more about elephants, their conservation, and the orphanage’s efforts through an informative display.
Accessibility
Most areas within the Orphanage are wheelchair accessible, though certain terrains might be slightly challenging. For visually impaired visitors, tactile experiences such as elephant feeding can be especially rewarding.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (January to April) is usually considered the best time to visit, as the weather is more predictable. However, watching the elephants take their river bath, typically between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, is a highlight at any time of year.
Travel Tips
- Early Arrival: It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the elephant bath.
- Comfortable Attire: Sri Lanka’s tropical climate calls for breathable, light-colored clothing. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also advisable.
- Respect Boundaries: While it’s an exciting experience, remember that the elephants are not pets. Always maintain a safe distance and respect the guidelines provided by the staff.
Culture and Etiquette
While the Elephant Orphanage isn’t a religious site, it’s still important to respect Sri Lankan norms. Dress modestly, and avoid any actions that could stress or provoke the elephants.
Conclusion
A visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is more than just a unique wildlife encounter; it’s a touching testament to humanity’s ability to care for nature’s gentle giants. This inspiring journey will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the efforts to ensure their survival.
FAQ
Q: Can we ride the elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? A: No, the Orphanage emphasizes ethical treatment and does not support elephant riding.
Q: Is it suitable for children? A: Absolutely! Children tend to find the elephants fascinating. However, always supervise your children and ensure they respect the safety guidelines.
Q: Are there places to eat near the Orphanage? A: Yes, there are several restaurants nearby offering a range of local and international cuisine.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – a journey that promises to delight, educate, and inspire.
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samara haddad
a month agoAround noon, we visited the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where our guide purchased tickets for us at the entrance, costing $10 per person. The orphanage functions as a park where visitors can stroll around, read about the elephants, observe them feeding, and find some scenic spots to relax. However, the range of activities available inside was somewhat limited. The cleanliness of the place didn't meet our expectations, with elephant droppings on the paths and some tourists leaving garbage behind. It's worth noting that there are individuals who may try to entice you with promises of seeing baby elephants or other attractions, likely with a charge involved. We received a warning about this and thankfully avoided falling for it. If you're interested in witnessing the elephants bathing, it's essential to inquire beforehand as this activity only takes place around noon for a limited time, not throughout the day. The bathing area is located outside the orphanage, across the street, down by the river, and can get quite crowded, with limited visibility of the elephants from a distance. It's important to be aware that interacting with or riding the elephants, or bathing with them, is strictly prohibited. In the vicinity, there are some local shops to explore. All in all, I would recommend this place for a brief visit rather than an extended stay. It's a nice opportunity to see the elephants, but there's not much more to do there.
Sajeev Jose
3 weeks agoThis is a centre run by the government to take care of abandoned elephants. Apart from the old elephants there are also some young ones which were born here including twins. There is a lot of place for the elephants to walk around people to visit and feed them. It is a beautiful sight to see the elephants taking bath in the river running close by.
Aritra Ghosh
2 weeks agoThis is a centre run by the government to take care of abandoned elephants. Apart from the old elephants there are also some young ones which were born here including twins. There is a lot of place for the elephants to walk around people to visit and feed them. It is a beautiful sight to see the elephants taking bath in the river running close by.
Paramee M Rathnaike
a month agoThe place houses quite a lot of elephants in both sexes and in many age categories. Elephant is a peculiar animal with many interesting behaviours. Even though this is not equal to their natural habitat, their behaviours can be observed in close proximity. Since the bathing river of the animals is situated across the street, you can watch how a herd travels and how they enjoy their bathing time. Since wandering elephants here are semi tamed and wild, aggressive members are kept separately, the safety of the place is also not a major issue.
Angela C
2 months agoA great experience. You can see the elephants play in the water and move freely to the area. Gets a bit crowded as it is just for 1-2 hours everyday. Although you can easily move closer as it is an open space. Beware of some workers that will offer to get you closer in order to touch/feed the elephants and then ask for money.