Tourist-favorite, though some prefer ethical sanctuaries.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular stop between Colombo and Kandy, where visitors can watch elephants being fed and walking to the river to bathe. It was set up in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured elephants.
Highlights
- Elephants bathing in the Maha Oya river
- Feeding time for the baby elephants
- A short walk to nearby spice gardens and craft shops
Travel tips
Bathing and feeding times are fixed, so plan to arrive before them. Some travellers prefer to see elephants in their natural habitat, and we are happy to suggest alternatives such as a safari in Udawalawe or Minneriya.