Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: elephants (239) Pinnawala (52) orphanage (49) visit (45) time (43) elephant (42) bathing (40) Lanka (36) Elephant (35) feeding (35)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Nikita S. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a very thin moral border of keeping them alive and letting them be free. Anyways it is nice for kids to see that many elephants that close, however for adults picture of chained animals being held for entertainment is pretty sad. 3000 rupee is definitely too much, it is better to book a room riverside and have a breakfast from a distance when it at least feels that those lovely animals are free and not chained.
    22 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sathmina W. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a very spacious place for elephants to roam. Elephants have different times for different activities. You can feed fruits to elephants. It can be seen that the elephants are well kept and fed. In order to bathe the elephants, you need to go a short distance of 350 meters from the orphanage where the river is. It takes only 5 minutes to walk.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nirmani S. 1 month ago on Google • 660 reviews New
    It was one of a kind unique experience to visit the elephant orphanage. By the time we visited, all the elephants were taken to have a bath. So with the same ticket we were allowed to go to the bathing site to watch them. The elephants were having a lot of fun and my little one enjoyed it a lot. Better to check the time schedule of the elephants before visiting so that you can enjoy and observe them being fed. Prices are also reasonable for the experience you get. If you want to bring a memory home there are lot of souvenir shops around. Don’t forget your hat and the sun screen.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DAMITH C. 2 years ago on Google
    The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25 acre coconut property adjoining the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Subhalakshmi D. 1 year ago on Google
    The elephants looks like they are well kept and fed. Some of the elephants are completely wild, while a few of them you can feed and pet. You can also give the elephants a bath, which is cool.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jatin A. 4 years ago on Google
    I came with lot of expectations but sadly it's just a regular place where you can see elephants tied up with chain or some roaming around ticket prices are like they will entertain you and all but nothing no instructions nothing has given. So kindly if you specifically planning to visit don't waste the time.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sajeev J. 4 months ago on Google • 534 reviews
    This 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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travel with T. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow how awesome is the Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala I stood there for ages watching the mum with her twin baby elephants You can feed the elephants or bathe them I didn’t do these things as I was too mesmerized with the mum elephant and her babies The man said I can come and work as a volunteer. I have to stay outside for one week then I can go in and help bathe feed and look after them. I really want to do this They do an awesome job looking after the elephants
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 samara h. 5 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    Around 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.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanjeewa W. 2 months ago on Google • 212 reviews New
    Amazing experience, ticket prices and elephant-feeding fruit basket prices increased due to recent taxes. You can use the entry tickets also to see elephants taking a bath. DO NOT get tricked by people who allow you to take pictures with elephants if you want to do it, first ask how much it costs. You can also ask for an official ticket when buying an entry ticket. All together best experience with elephants.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dhinesh S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the marvelous place to visit and joy with those elephants. It will create good feelings inside the heart when you visit to this place. Very clean, staffs and cleaners are very supportive. Visit to this place and spend your time
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roshan Kalpa T. 2 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage can be considered as an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding place for many wild Asian elephants. It was founded to care and protect wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests in srilanka. It is located at Pinnawala village 13 km northeast to Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa province in srilanka . Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in world. In 2011 there were 96 elephants including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations in Pinnawala . The natural environment and healthy care and feeding in Pinnawala made the elephants breeding successful. Most of elephants in Pinnawala are healthy and attaining their adulthood. A few disable elephants are given residential care . One tasker, Raju is blind and one female named Soma lost her front right leg to a land mine. Pinnawala has arranged all facilities to attract local and foreign visitors. From that income they used to maintain the Orphanage. The Pinnawala Orphanage has become a very attractive place for tourists. Visitors to the park can see the care and daily routine of elephants such as bottle feeding of elephants calves , feeding the other elephants and bathing in Ma oya ( river ). So, don't forget to list this place down in your travel journal as a place you should visit one day!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amasha T. 2 years ago on Google
    It was really nice to see herd of elephant walking fearlessly and freely. They were not being captive in cages. It was us who were being captive actually i like that we are just visitors and we only hang out for a few hours then walk away. So not seen elephants are captivating in there is a good view . They were treated nicely. Well that's what i saw that day . Some of them were chained. Mostly male elephants because they were having their " time" i don't know how to say it. But it is reasonable reason to chain them. Cuz if they didn't chain them, no one able to control theses specific elephants. Also we are lucky to see twin elephant babies. They are so cute and loving. Anyone would be love to see this little twins. I recommend you to this place. Everyone should visit there at least one time. Trust me you wouldn't get tried of seeing them. When they bath you can see lot's of funny things from elephants. Some are get playful with their mahout. Some are love to having a good rest while their mahout rub their huge body. However We have to obey some simple rules over there like - Do not touch or feed elephants. - Do not take photos of baby twins while flash light ( they are harmful to their tiny eyes). Other than that elephant pavilion are good also washroom they have 2 type of washrooms. 1 = Dry washroom * they don't have water only tissue papers which mean they are for foreigners. 2 = wet washroom * they are for locals. They have water access.( good condition.) You can take your own water bottle but do not throw it. Don't pollute there. And workers did a greet job keeping it clean and beautiful So if you are reading this then you might get wanted information over here. And journey to pinnawala elephant orphanage is so lovely
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kasthuri Arachchi J. 1 year ago on Google
    Personally I'm against animal caging, no matter what the size of the cage is. On the other hand I'm so glad that they have got a place to stay free from human abuse. You can buy the tickets at the counter. I'm not sure about the time of the performance time, but there's time, if you are interested you can watch elephants perform (freedom in exchange for performing). Photos are bit dated by the way ;).
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Udevni P. 9 months ago on Google
    Awesome place. Very spacious for elephants to stay and roam. People can also feed and bathe elephants Fruit feeding is at 12noon and bathing is at 2pm everyday. Certain gates, through which we need to enter, are small, making it difficult for a wheelchair or stroller to go through. But appreciate the entrance for facilitating the path for wheelchairs and strollers. Certain elephants are chained and kept in solitide, which they had reasoned out claiming those elephants were ill and treated seperately. Highly recommended to visit👍
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Fadi I. 7 months ago on Google
    It is a good place to see many elephants but you need to follow the time schedule as on each time slot elephants will be doing something different. for example at 8 AM bathing at 9: feeding etc. So if you are interested check their schedule online and come early. Regarding Elephant bath it is located outside the site, and it is not easy to find. inside Guides will ask you if you want to take a photo with the elephant and after the photo all workers will start asking for money. Take care when getting outside to the bathing area, many locals will try to guide you in order to take some money or exchange dollars.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucie F. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    We really enjoyed our visit to Pinnawala and went with our driver as part of a tour. Tickets are now $15 per adult but this was well worth it. We had a short visit to the orphanage and were able to feed the elephants some fruits which was a great experience! It was 500 rupees for a fruit basket. We then went down to the river as the elephants were bathing and it was lovely to see them roaming around, feeding, cleaning and the babies playing. We also then saw them walk back to the orphanage which was great to see. Well worth a visit - a couple of hours is probably about right time wise.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sajid M. 2 months ago on Google • 244 reviews New
    One unique place you can see how elephants are brought up. Kids will enjoy alot. Make sure you be there during the bathing times 4pm is the last
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hashir M. 2 years ago on Google
    Known to give elephants to Zoos in other countries. This place is purely a for-profit organization. Do not support the exploitation of these gentle giants by going here.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amalan Dhananjayan (. 10 months ago on Google
    It's a must place to see the elephants. You can see elephants free roaming in the Orphanage. You can buy food for them and feed them. Its recommended to do so. It costs more than 15 000 Rs to fully feed an elephant for a Day. So every contribution helps the orphanage. Around 10.30am you can follow them across the road and go to the bath. It's a nice experience to see the elephants playing around the water.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc W. 1 month ago on Google • 75 reviews New
    Beautiful elephant sanctuary to visit and affordable for locals and tourists. Time it for the elephant bathing usually mornings and afternoons. For the most part they do seem treated well. Some elephants are chained when bathing, as the males are usually more aggressive during musth.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 James R. 3 years ago on Google
    At this very moment I am thinking of booking Shri Lanka for our holiday. This place was on our list to visit. Until I did a little research. apparently the name of this place and what happens is misleading. It is run as a tourist trap under the guise of conservation, but the poor elephants pay the price for this, a lifetime of servitude and torment. apparently no elephant would willingly do the things they are made to do and they all go through a disgusting practice of being "broken" some elephants here are chained for months on end they are prodded with spikes to force them to do what they are instructed. Even the bathing session I have learned that they are chained in the river for that photo shoot everyone wants. Its a disgusting spectacle. None of these animals are ever released and some are sold off to temples for people to ride them. If you have any humanity or love in your heart for these magnificent noble creatures do not continue the misery for them by helping this place to continue to treat elephants this way.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guide to travel Sri L. 1 year ago on Google
    Do you love to watch elephants? Yes, this is the right place. Excellent place to visit with family. You can enjoy a lot.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yashodha S. 1 year ago on Google
    Spacious environment for the elephants to roam free. Situated in a huge land and felt elephants are staying calm and relaxed as most of them are not caged. There are different timings for different activities. Usually fruit feeding is at 12pm and bathing at 2pm. To watch the bathing of elephants, we need to go out of the orphanage where the river is found. They also allow you to pose for pictures with those elephants when a payment is done. Certain elephants are chained and kept in solitide.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Irosha P. 3 months ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    We went later in the day. It was time for elephants to bathe. My kids had a wonderful time watching the elephants. There are plenty of restaurants near the bathing site and you can sit down, enjoy your food while watching the elephants bathe. We were asked if we are from Sri Lanka at the ticket counter; we are guessing it was to increase the price. Over all we had a wonderful time and will be back someday.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Durga G. 2 months ago on Google • 84 reviews New
    Must visit this place. It's treat to feed the Elements. With kids adults also can enjoy at this place. Very well maintained place. Washrooms are clean. Beautiful garden so that one can spend quality time here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nadeesha D. 3 months ago on Google • 137 reviews New
    You can stop by this place while going to Kandy. It's a nice experience to see the elephants playing around the water. The place houses quite a lot of elephants in both sexes and in many age categories.The Baby elephants look so cute and cuddly.🐘🦣❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sajad V. 3 years ago on Google
    ✳️ Big number of elephants that you can observe all their daily activities in a natural habitat The elephants are taken to the river twice daily for bathing for 2 hours each time. must see for all Elephant lovers. Breathtaking watching these beautiful creatures in a natural environment.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimio K. 3 years ago on Google
    Elephant orphanage. Here is over 50 elephants are. If you pay some tips, you can give milk to baby elephants. Some of the big elephant are dangerous. 3 time a day ( May be AM6:00, AM11:00 n PM3:00) , Elephants are bathing at river. At the road, you will be watch the marching.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A.M. K. 2 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great and nice place in Sri Lanka. Little elephants, orphanages and injured elephants are kept here. We can see how little elephants drink milk there if we go there. Really, a attractive place. And also it is a nice place to visit. Superb place.👌👌👍👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dinusha S. 2 years ago on Google
    Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants which is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation on a 25-acres coconut plantation on the Maha Oya River. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate the natural World. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice daily for a bath, and all the babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. Each animal is also given around 76 kilograms of green manure a day and around 2 kg from a food bag containing rice bran and maize. This elephant orphanage is also a breeding place for elephants. More than twenty-three elephants have been born since 1984, and the orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. The orphanage is very popular among local and foreign tourists. The main attraction is the opportunity to observe the bathing elephants from the broad river bank as the herd interact socially, bathing and playing. The orphanage is open to the public daily, and all admission fees are used to look after the elephants. Visitors to the park can view many different aspects of the care and daily routine of the elephants, such as bottle feeding of elephant calves, feeding of all other elephants, and bathing.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dilini R. 1 year ago on Google
    Largest elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka with many wild / partially tamed elephants. Baby elephants can be found freely roaming, and you can get up close and feed them, as well as other elephants if needed. Large gatherings of elephants can be seen crossing and near the riverside for bathing. Good experience overall.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henoshan A. 2 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    Amazing tourist spot. Wonderful environment. Elephants at various age categories are there. Most famous elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka. Ticket is needed to enter the orphanage. Not too large. Can feed elephants for money. In the opposite side inside a lane there is place where you can go with this ticket to enjoy elephants’ bath scene.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sachinda S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a place which injured or orphaned child or adults elephants are taken care. It is located in Kegalle District.You can easily access this place even by public transport service.There is a time table for feeding , bathing elephants and elephant show. Milk feeding for little elephants is very attractive event of that time table.Visitors can give fruits , sweets for elephant on a special stage.Not only local visitors but also lot of foreign people are visiting daily.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hoai T. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. All are good, better you can come at the elephants bath time ^^, the only thing is the ticket for foreigner is quite expensive 3000 R.s. almost 16 USD
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kamlesh s. 3 years ago on Google
    This amazing zoo is very nice this place is mind fresh ZOO
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruchira G. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good place for watch for you & teach your kids about elephants.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SL C. 2 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO) ; just as the name suggests holds a unique disposition in the ex-situ animal care.Pinnwala Elephant Orphanage can be reached via the A1 Colombo-Kandy main road.  Turn off at the 82km post at Karandupana junction and then get on to a Rambukkana bus and get off in front of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kasun B. 2 years ago on Google
    The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25 acre coconut property adjoining the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. Each animal is also given around 76 kg of green matter a day and around 2 kg from a food bag containing rice bran and maize. The orphanage, which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is of course to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna S. 2 years ago on Google
    "The shelter for elephants." The Elephant Nursery in Pinnawala - is a haven for wild elephants, which was opened in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka on the territory of a coconut plantation on the Maha Oya river. Initially, the shelter was opened to rescue and care for many patients, injured and orphaned elephant calves of which are in the wild. In 1978, the shelter was in charge of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, in 1982 launched a program for the breeding of elephants in the territory of the orphanage. One of the tasks of the shelter is to recreate the natural habitat of elephants, however, there are some deviations, for example, elephants twice a day sent to swim in the river, all the elephants up to 3 years of feeding bottles. Each animal receives approximately 76 kg of grass per day and 2 kg of rice bran and corn. Over time, the shelter turned into a nursery; since 1984 there were born more than 20 elephants. The shelter has become a very popular tourist destination. The main entertainment is swimming elephants, there is also the possibility of contact with the animals and feeding. Entrance to the shelter is open every day, the entry fee is used for the maintenance of elephants. If you have a winning opportunity to visit Sri Lanka, take a trip to Pinnawala not regret it. It's really worth to see by own eyes. :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Shan D. 2 years ago on Google
    This is not a home, this is torture. They may be fooling you into thinking that they are big animals that need to be led. But it is so transparent that the they have drowned in his own lies. This is only to make money. All five star reviews are local government employees who have been informed that they need to review the highest rating and it is included in their employment contract to do so.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Go L. 1 year ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great and nice place in Sri Lanka. Little elephants, orphanages and injured elephants are kept here. Really, a attractive place. Superb place.😍❤️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Didulanka I. 1 year ago on Google
    The largest elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka wich located in pinnawala having infants to huge ones. Some of them are kept safely for medication prior to release into jungle. Others are maintained here. At 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm you can watch elephants bathing in nearby river which is just other side of road. You can buy so many monuments around here specially the papers made out of elephant poop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manolis L. 11 months ago on Google
    A must-see attraction, if you are anywhere nearby. Riding or feeding an elephant is an unforgettable experience offered in only few areas in the world.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ajay V. 8 months ago on Google
    The timings of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. However, the best time to visit the popular sanctuary is from 9 am to 1 pm as this is when the elephants come out to proceed with their daily activities. The elephants are fed milk at 9 am and 1 pm and given a bath from 10 am to 12 pm.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dinal Supun P. 3 months ago on Google New
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has accommodated a large number of elephants of different sexes and ages. We arrived around 2:00 p.m. It was time for the elephants to take a bath. Me and my family had a great time observing the elephants. There are numerous restaurants around where you can sit and enjoy your meal while watching the elephants wash. At the ticket booth, we were questioned if we were from Sri Lanka; we assumed this was to raise the price. Overall, we had a great trip and hope to return someday.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jihan F. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage can be considered as an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding place for many wild Asian elephants. It was founded to care and protect wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests in srilanka. It is located at Pinnawala village 13 km northeast to Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa province in srilanka . Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in world. In 2011 there were 96 elephants including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations in Pinnawala . The natural environment and healthy care and feeding in Pinnawala made the elephants breeding successful. Most of elephants in Pinnawala are healthy and attaining their adulthood. A few disable elephants are given residential care . One tasker, Raju is blind and one female named Soma lost her front right leg to a land mine. Pinnawala has arranged all facilities to attract local and foreign visitors. From that income they used to maintain the Orphanage. The Pinnawala Orphanage has become a very attractive place for tourists. Visitors to the park can see the care and daily routine of elephants such as bottle feeding of elephants calves , feeding the other elephants and bathing in Ma oya ( river ).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chamika K. 3 years ago on Google
    This is Elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka. Nice place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Onisha Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Well if you like a closeup to elephants😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Péter H. 3 years ago on Google
    It was an unforgettable experience to see the elephants up close. They could be observed in a wonderful environment. Unfortunately the Pinnawala is really crowded due to the tourists, but a tour is definitely recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pravika R. 3 years ago on Google
    I was initially worried about going to this place. A lot of reports talk about the elephants being chained up which seriously could prevent any form of enjoyment. We did not actually go into the actual orphanage but merely paid (the full admission price) and watched them crossing the road and bathing at the bottom. Yes, the bull elephants were chained I guess for their and my safety. These were big animals that you would not wish to charge you. The younger and better behaved marched down the road and seemed well looked after and showed no discomfort that I could see. Ok far better that they are free totally in the wild and this would really be the way I would like to see them. They seemed to enjoy their trip and bathe and we did not see any rough handling by any of the Mahoots . All in all a wonderful morning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Danushka B. 3 years ago on Google
    I went to this place after a Ten years. I have noticed during that time period lot more things developed. I’m so happy to see that they let elephants to live freely without any chains in their legs. Looks they treating really well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 #czworonas 3 years ago on Google
    You can see and learn more about elephants there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vladimir B. 3 years ago on Google
    An extremelly popular attractiion. Expect plenty of people. Experience with elephant bathing is unforgettable. I have been twice and liked it much. There is a lot of cafés on the river bank. You can sip tea and enjoy viees on elephants bathing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dasun M. 3 years ago on Google
    Peradeniya Gardens is a spacious 147 acre of natural extravaganza consisting of more than 4000 species of plants, and 10,000 varied kinds of trees, incidentally serves as the largest garden in Sri Lanka and is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. The unique and rarest collection in these gardens is the Giant Bamboo of Burma which grows 12 inches each day to a height of 40 meters. Apart from this other amazing collections include Javan fig tree, Cannonball tree, Double Coconut Palm and about 200 other varieties of palm trees and versatile collection of flora. Highlight: One can pack some food to enjoy an open-air picnic here or can relish the cafeteria inside serving local and western cuisine. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one prime tourist attraction of hill country and remains quite flooded with tourists every weekend. Timings: Opened daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 praveen k. 3 years ago on Google
    Second time I seen lot of elephants in a one place after guruvayuru such beautifull and senary while elephants while bathing is amazing to see
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Himashi K. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant orphanage look after orphan elephants carefully and feed them..🐘🐘🐘🐘
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theekshana S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit an elephants Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala.The orphanage was founded to care and protect the many orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).At the time it was settled, the orphanage had five baby elephants which formed its nucleus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 U S (. 2 years ago on Google
    The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975 for feeding and providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild. If you travel to Sri Lanka , you should not miss this place. Make sure to visit and feed baby elephants
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shazli A. 2 years ago on Google
    My 5th Experience Great
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Suresh J. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved watching Bonding between mother and baby elephant...captured their moments of love and cuddling... would love to visit once again. Late post.. summer 2018. Captured on my Apple Iphone. River side could see more elephants enjoying the sun ☀️ and water 💦.... should spend more time.. Stop over for short time enroute to Kanndy from Srilanka airport. Would love to rate 5 stars...for all the care they have taken care of elephants.. but sometimes feel Elephants are used maximum for attracting tourists and make it more commercial.. Hats off to those who selflessly taking care of this beautiful elephants...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Iryna V. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrible experience. It’s really like a circus-zoo where they keep those elephants in chains, beat them with sticks and keep in cage for show-feeding. I can’t understand why those beautiful creatures can’t freely move… I regret that I paid for that. BTW you can’t feed or wash them here, just watch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Rishabh S. 2 years ago on Google
    I don't know what's the hype for, coming from India I can safely say there's nothing special here. It's just elephants. That's all. You can check out elephant bathing from 12-2 & 3-4. Not worth your time and money. Tickets were costly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 akila j. 2 years ago on Google
    feeding and bathing times are awsome
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohamad F. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, a wonderful place to see baby elephants and adult elephants live, also we can see elephants bathing in the river it’s very beautiful and enjoyable for families.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 H B. 2 years ago on Google
    It desires five stars but i lowered my rating because of the entry ticket which is 3000 lk for adult. There is a free space to see elephants in their nature and twice a day they will transfer the elephants to the river crossing the village to take a shower there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vikasitha R. 2 years ago on Google
    Must visit place in SL. There are so many wild untamed/partially tamed elephants in here. If you can visit just before 10AM, there's a nice view of elephants crossing the street to bathing. They take a bath for around 2hrs there. Parking available. If you have some spare time try visiting pinnawala zoo also. It's also nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nazeeha N. 1 year ago on Google
    A very spacious place for the elephants to roam around. There are different timings for different activities. Usually fruit feeding is at 12pm and bathing at 2pm. To watch the bathing of elephants, we need to go out of the orphanage where the river is found. In order to feed fruits, we need to make a payment to the staff who will give us a basket filled with fruits. These could be fed to the elephants. They also allow you to pose for pictures with those elephants, only if you had made the earlier payment. Only downside is that there's no water tap there, if we need to wash our hands right after the fruit feeding or touching the elephants. Also people can get confused to find the path to the pavilion to watch the elephants, as the space is open and at first glance seems like elephants are roaming around along with humans. I wish proper directions and borders or fences were put so that harm to the people from elephants and vice versa could be minimized. Also certain gates, through which we need to enter, are small, making it difficult for a wheelchair or stroller to go through. But appreciate the entrance for facilitating the path for wheelchairs and strollers. Certain elephants are chained and kept in solitide, which they had reasoned out claiming those elephants were ill and treated seperately.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gayan K. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are an Elephant enthusiast, this is the place to be in Sri Lanka. They have a range of activities involving Elephants. Make sure that you are there by at least 9AM. Otherwise you are going to miss some activities. Check the timetable in photos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela C. 6 months ago on Google
    A 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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Indumathi R. 7 months ago on Google
    It was really a very great experience. We can watch elephant eating and roaming around from 8.30 AM in the morning. We can feed and also take pictures with them. We can also enjoying elephant taking bath in the river. Must visit place in kandy it was really good experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aritra G. 4 months ago on Google
    This 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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 புவி P. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice experience with the elephants and the guides

  • 5/5 Ken P. 3 years ago on Google
    I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the orphanage. It was a positive experience and seeing the elephants enjoy themselves, both in the park and in the river, I wondered how anyone could find fault with the place.

  • 4/5 sachi w. 3 years ago on Google
    “Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage” is one of the places where the elephants injured or orphaned taken care by Wildlife Department. It is a very famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. The best part of the visit is elephant bathing time and feeding the cubs. The charges are Rs. 110/= per adult.

  • 4/5 JA J. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good care of elephant

  • 5/5 Mohamed S. 3 years ago on Google
    Best place to visit with family Nd friends for elephant entertainment

  • 4/5 Imesh A. 3 years ago on Google
    Love This place. Elephant watching is never enough 😅❤️ waht a lovely animal.

  • 5/5 Moragalla B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful place to contemplate elephants, how they bathe and enjoy time in one with nature (Original) Красивое место ,чтоб лицезреть слонов, как они купаются и наслаждаются временем на едине с природой

  • 5/5 Siraj A. 3 years ago on Google
    It was an interesting place

  • 4/5 kolitha h. 3 years ago on Google
    You’ll see elephants everywhere you go in Sri Lanka: working on a tea plantation, running wild in national parks, and leading the Esala Perahera parade in Kandy in all their bejewelled and sequined glory. Udawalawe National Park offers you one of your best chances of seeing elephants roaming free. Created to protect the watershed of the enormous Udawalawe Reservoir, this park is home to around 400 pachyderms and has extensive stretches of grassland as well as scrub jungle and riverine forest. It is one of the best places to go birdwatching in Sri Lanka too. Gal Oya National Park receives fewer visitors than many of the other parks and also offers a unique experience. Here, the elephants commonly swim across Senanayake Samudra lake - Sri Lanka's largest body of water - and you can take a boat safari to see them. And to see the world's largest congregation of Asian elephants visit Kadulla or Minneriya NP in the dry season (June/July to September) when what is known as "the Gathering" takes place as hundreds of the pachyderms cluster around water.

  • 5/5 Asanka C. 3 years ago on Google
    Tourists are very attractive on this location.. the best place to visit..

  • 4/5 Thines K. 3 years ago on Google
    More then elephant and most beautiful place

  • 5/5 Asanthika H. 3 years ago on Google
    My Fav <3

  • 5/5 Gennadii L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You will not see such a large number of elephants in one place anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Watching elephants bathe is a delight and emotion for all tourists! (Original) Такої великої кількості слонів в одному місці ви не побачите більше ніде на Шрі-Ланці. Спостереження за купанням слонів у всіх туристів викликає захват і розчулення!

  • 5/5 Shamal S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful location Parking available Service good

  • 5/5 Sujith R. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant orphanage was established in the year 1975 with five orphan elephants in an area of 25 acres at pinnawala, Rambukkana. The pinnawala elephant orphanage is located in kegalle diatrict and its around two and a half hours(2.5h) drive from Colombo. Being the first elephant orphanage and its unique way of maintaining a large free head of elephants, this elephant orphanage has become famous among international tourists and a place of vital importance in tourist itineraries. At present, the elephant orphanage serves as a conservation and breeding center as well as a place of informal education on elephants and their conservation. 🌿🌿 🐘🐘🐘🌿🌿 Time Table of the activiy 09.15 am bottle feeding baby elephants and fruits. 10.00 am parade to the river 12.00 head returns from the river 01.15 pm Bottle feeding baby elephants and fruits. 02.00 pm parade to the river 04.00 pm herd returns from the river and fruit feeding 05.00 pm Bottle feeding baby elephants 🌿🌿🐘🐘🐘🌿🌿 Visitirs can participate in bottle feeding and feeding fruits to selected calves and adults. Milk feeding Rs. 250.00 Elephant bath (adult) Rs. 750.00 Fruits feeding Rs. 250.00 Elephant bath (Children) Rs. 375.00 :|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|:|::|:|:|:|:| The Pinnawala Orphanage is Open from 08.30 a.m. to 06.00 pm on all days the year. Now Pinnawala Orphanage has about 128 elephants and is the largest captive elephants breeding center in the world. In 1984 the first baby elephant of the orphanage, named SUKUMALI was born and therefore 87 calves were born. Visitors can see the elephant in and around the Ma-Oya River and Bathing in flowing water. Entrance Fee for Foreigners Adults - Rs. 3000.00 Child -Rs. 2000.00 SAARC Country adult -Rs. 1500.00 SAARC Country Child - Rs. 1000.00

  • 5/5 Shanuka Shehan K. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a popular place among tourists. This is a great place to see elephants, study about elephants, do research and have fun.

  • 5/5 Kurt W. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) wonderful facility, very educational if you take the time and talk to people is definitely worth a visit 👍👍 (Original) wunderbare Einrichtung, sehr lehrreich wenn man sich die Zeit nimmt und mit den Leuten spricht ist auf jedenfall einen Besuch wert 👍👍

  • 5/5 Laki m. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place.

  • 5/5 Rizan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy elephants and their lifestyle

  • 5/5 Oshini U. 3 years ago on Google
    A must visit place in Sri Lanka ! Don't leave without riding an Elephant, great experience !

  • 5/5 Dieter Q. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Experienced a lot of elephants up close (Original) Sehr viele Elefanten hautnah erlebt

  • 5/5 aneesh m. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala.

  • 5/5 Marijana S. 3 years ago on Google
    🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

  • 4/5 Prasad J. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice....

  • 5/5 Travel A. 3 years ago on Google
    Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala. The orphanage was founded to care and protect the many orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).

  • 5/5 Abby 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic experience at the Orphanage. Many chances to see both adult and baby elephants. Truly a magnificent experience. Visited in May 2015

  • 4/5 pam r. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a fun time...in Sri Lanka...visited my home country...enjoyed the zoo...the hotels...the resort's. Loved the vanilla milkshake...if you have connections here...I highly recommend you visit Sri Lanka....just be careful of pickpockets.

  • 3/5 Francesca 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Orphanage for injured elephants found in the jungle but above all tourist attractions. The center, certainly useful for the community (these beasts would otherwise be dangerous for the rural villages and probably also for themselves), has good spaces for the animals even if the impression is that they are prisoners rather than guests. Nice to see and photograph the bath in the river in a pack ... but this too seems a bit forced for the sole purpose of entertaining visitors. (Original) Orfanotrofio per elefanti feriti ritrovati nella giungla ma soprattutto attrazioni turistica. Il centro, certamente utile per la comunità (questi bestioni sarebbero altrimenti pericolosi per i villaggi rurali e probabilmente anche per loro stessi), possiede dei buoni spazi per gli animali anche se l'impressione è che siano prigionieri più che ospiti. Bello da vedere e fotografare il bagno nel fiume in branco... pure questo però sembra un po' forzato al solo scopo di divertire i visitatori.

  • 4/5 Sachini K. 3 years ago on Google
    My first visit to Pinnawala and some elephants has chains in their legs. I think some of them has wounds. Please let them free.

  • 5/5 Manish K. 3 years ago on Google
    A place where disabled, old, injured and abandoned elephants are cared for with pure tender loving care. You get an opportunity to feed these giant yet loving animals. Must visit. Good place to click photos.

  • 4/5 Vishwa B. 2 years ago on Google
    A place where orphan elephants are taken care of. Not much activities to do rather than watching the elephant bath and feeding of the younger ones. Little bit crowded even amidst the current corona pandemic. Parking space is available but it is charged. Elephants roam freely inside the park but are guarded by the staff. Visit during feeding or bathing hours for a better experience. All elephants are asian elephants. 🐘

  • 4/5 Hasintha E. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good place to see elephants.

  • 5/5 Christopher 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit.

  • 5/5 Salman K. 2 years ago on Google
    Densely populated with elephants :) I was awed to see more than 80 elephants in one place - all shapes and sizes :) Definitely a must visit for somebody who loves animals. When I heard that they actually pick injured elephants from the wild and then that the entry fees is half for SAARC countries - it just enhances the overall experience. Visited: October 2012

  • 5/5 Thilini P. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place... Great experience....

  • 4/5 Ca S. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit. The taxi operators will try to drive you to other private elephant centers. This is govt run, worth it and inexpensive if you are from Sri Lanka or India.

  • 4/5 Dr.Abas N. 2 years ago on Google
    Enterence fee for foreigners is 3000 Ruppe, you should wash hands this step is new due to covid regulations Then enjoy seeing many elephants of different age according to your time of visit It is 3 hours far from colombo and 3 hours far from Habrana I see some elephants chained which make me sad

  • 5/5 Dhiyaa H. 1 year ago on Google
    We stopped in the Elephant Orphanage in our way to Kandy because it is kind of in middle way between Colombo & Kandy. It is very amazing place with stunning landscape all around you. We spent around one hour in it since we're traveling to Kandy. Make sure to tell your taxi/driver about that in Colombo because some drivers will say it wasn't in the deal so you will buy more. In the same area there are many elephants zoos just make sure you go for this one as it is the main one with +100 elephants while some of others only have three or five elephants and let you pay high price to only take pictures which is tourism exploitation

  • 4/5 Abeeshan S. 10 months ago on Google
    If you go make sure to go at the right time since the elephants are only let out at certain times of the day. We went a little late but still got to see the elephants from afar. Nonetheless still a cool experience

  • 5/5 Tharindra A. 9 months ago on Google
    Must have experience in life. It really is a lovely experience to see those marvellous giant creatures having their bath, the lil ones having milk, going to their huts in a line and almost everything they do.

  • 5/5 Dinesh M. 7 months ago on Google
    My visit to the Elephant Orphanage was genuinely unforgettable. Watching the elephants roam freely and feeding them was incredible. I especially enjoyed following them to the bath area around 10.30 am, where I witnessed these majestic animals playing in the water, a must visit place for elephant lovers.

  • 4/5 Samrat M. 7 months ago on Google
    We stopped by this place while going to Kandy from Colombo air port on a Wednesday in the month of Aug '23. We taken the tickets on the spot over the counter and for SAARC countries per person is 10 USD per ticket for adult. There is no extra charges for camera. Place is good and covers a huge area. Activities with the elephants like bath in the lake, walking back to shelter and feeding them etc. are very organized and done by a professional team out there. Movement of the visitors are also quite efficiently managed. Out side the place there are several restaurants and few bars, souvenir shops incase you are hungry or wants to buy a small nice gift for your loved ones. Overall an OK place to visit but for animal lovers and wildlife photographers this could be an amazing place to visit.

  • 4/5 Paramee M R. 5 months ago on Google
    The 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.

  • 5/5 Pasindu M. 4 months ago on Google
    It's a beautiful place to see the elephants. You can see both calfs and elephants. You must visit the place if you are an elephant lover. Evening time is the best time to go there. It's a nice experience to see the elephants playing around the water.


Call +94 352 266 641 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Zoos nearby

Elephant Bathing Site image
1
Elephant Bathing Site
Tourist attraction
👍👍 This is the best place to view elephants up close They walk the elephants down to the river so they can roam around and play in the water It is fantastic just to watch them play and you are very close to them I could watch them for hours this way just doing what they love to do
4.70 (141 reviews)
Bolthumbe Waterfall image
2
Bolthumbe Waterfall
Tourist attraction
👍👍 Beautiful waterfall situated inside a jungle area. Very cool water. Entrance free. If you are going by a vehicle you have to stop you vehicle at end of the waterfall and climb top. Not very crowded and very calm place. Highly recommend to visit and keep the environment clean
4.60 (43 reviews)
Elephants Bathing Place image
3
Elephants Bathing Place
Tourist attraction
👍👍 Elephants in the orphanage are brought here to shower. All the elephants are given a bath once a day, so make sure to check the time with the ticket counter. You also can enjoy the scene while eating something as there are places you can grab a snack in the area.
4.90 (33 reviews)
Last updated:
()