Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
One of the Most Popular Places to Visit Near the Capital Colombo
This elephant sanctuary not only entertains visitors as one of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, but above all offers a safe haven to many elephants.
One of the most outstanding tourist attractions in Sri Lanka is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This is a refuge for orphaned and abandoned elephants that lies in Kegalla between the capital Colombo and Kandy. The orphanage was established in 1975 and is now government run.
Photos with Elephants
The orphanage is set in 24 acres of land, but there is a map as you first enter to help you wind your way around the paths. The public are requested to stay on these paths. When on site you will find yourself surrounded by palm trees and sun-scorched ground, which provides a natural habitat for the elephants. There are plenty of photo opportunities with elephants during a tour of the orphanage, but expect to tip the people that are accompanying them.
Bathing in the River Maha Oya
Apart from being able to walk around amongst the elephants, there are also set times of day when they eat and bathe. Lots of food is brought into the orphanage each day and you can watch the baby elephants, as they are bottle fed milk. In a country where elephants are kept as pets, the keepers know how to look after the animals.
The elephants are also taken to the nearby River Maha Oya to bathe twice a day. On the walk down to the river from the orphanage there are an array of shops and stalls, selling elephant souvenirs. Once at the river you might choose to eat in the café that overlooks the water. It is lovely to see these rescued creatures splashing around in the water. Some of the animals have been clearly scarred. For example there is an elephant that has been run over by a train. Although his walking is impaired, it is satisfying to see that like all the other animals he was being cared for so well.
One of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, yet still the elephants are the priority and this is not one of the places in Sri Lanka that tourists can go on elephant rides.
There is a small shop on site that sells drinks and other essentials. Outside the orphanage is a cash point.
Spice Gardens
Apart from the elephants on site tourists can also visit the spice garden. Although there is no extra charge for this, there will be a guide on hand willing to describe all the different spices, but as usual in Sri Lanka, expect to tip him.
