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The Elephant Orphanage, located in Sri Lanka, was established by the local Wildlife Department and now boasts a decades-long history. Its primary purpose was to house injured, sick, and struggling elephants separated from their herds. Over the years, the elephants housed there have been meticulously cared for. Later, to reduce the government's financial burden, the orphanage began offering elephant performances to attract visitors and raise funds. Because of the close encounters with the elephants, the orphanage has become a must-see for tourists. The orphanage is also famous for its paper made from elephant dung. This product has been exported to Japan, Europe, and the United States, and has even been used by some world-renowned politicians. Visitors often buy some of the paper as souvenirs.
1-3 hours
Foreign tourists: 2500 rupees for adults, 1000 rupees for children, and an additional 1500 rupees for taking photos;
500 rupees per person for South Asian Confederation nationals
08:30-17:30
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured elephants. It is one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, providing a safe environment for elephants to live and breed. The orphanage is also dedicated to conservation efforts and educating the public about the importance of protecting elephants.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Pinnawala, about 13 kilometers from Kegalle, in the central part of Sri Lanka. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or private vehicle. There are also buses from Colombo and other major cities that go to Kegalle, from where you can take a local transport to the orphanage.
The orphanage is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning around 9:00 AM when the elephants are fed and bathed, or in the late afternoon when they return to their enclosures.
The entrance fee for foreign visitors is approximately 2500 LKR. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the orphanage. It is advisable to buy tickets directly on-site, as online purchases are not commonly available for this attraction.
Advance booking is not required for general visits. You can purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Typically, visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the orphanage, watching the elephants, and visiting the surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in English and other languages. You can hire a local guide on-site to learn more about the elephants and the orphanage's work. Audio guides are not typically provided.
Start by visiting the elephant nursery and watching the baby elephants. Then, proceed to the river to see the elephants being bathed. Afterward, take a walk around the sanctuary, where you can interact with the elephants and visit the museum to learn more about their conservation.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The main activities happen during the day, particularly around feeding and bathing times.
The orphanage can be crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon when most of the tourists have left.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. However, the terrain can be uneven in some areas, so it might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. There are no special provisions for wheelchairs, but staff may assist if needed.
Cash is required for entrance fees and most transactions. Credit cards and mobile payments are not commonly accepted on-site, so it is best to carry cash in Sri Lankan rupees.
Vegetarian food options are available at the nearby restaurants. Halal food options can be found in some eateries in Kegalle, though they may not be as common near the orphanage itself.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the orphanage selling elephant-related items such as plush toys, wooden carvings, and Sri Lankan handicrafts.
