Pinnawala
Pinnawala is a small village in the Sabaragamuwa Province that has gained global recognition for its dedication to elephant conservation. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, it was created on a 25-acre coconut plantation near the Maha Oya river to house just five orphaned elephants. Today, it has grown into a vital breeding ground and conservation center, boasting one of the largest captive herds of Asian elephants in the world. For visitors, Pinnawala offers a unique opportunity to observe elephant social behavior up close, which is difficult to do in the wild. The town revolves around the daily routine of the herd, particularly their march through the village streets to the river for bathing. It is a place where you can watch calves playing in the water and adults socializing, providing an educational and heartwarming experience for families and animal lovers.
Any of our experiences can be included in your travel itinerary when planning your trip with our travel specialists as we help you plan the best way to include Sri Lankas destinations and experiences into your trip.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
This institution was originally founded to care for unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and around forests without their mothers. Over the decades, it has evolved into a successful captive breeding program, seeing the birth of many calves. It serves as a living laboratory for researchers studying elephant behavior and biology, maintaining a delicate balance between conservation and tourism. The highlight of any trip here is the scheduled bathing hours, typically at 10 AM and 2 PM. Visitors gather on the river banks to watch the massive herd splash, roll, and play in the Maha Oya. Seeing the younger elephants interact with the matriarchs in such a relaxed, aquatic environment offers incredible photographic opportunities and a chance to witness the gentle nature of these giants.