Pinnawala – Home of the Gentle Giants

Located midway between Colombo and Kandy, Pinnawala has earned worldwide fame thanks to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most visited attractions. Established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the orphanage was created to care for abandoned and injured elephants. Over the decades, it has grown into a sanctuary where visitors can witness one of the largest herds of captive elephants in the world.

The orphanage sits along the Maha Oya River, where daily bathing sessions are a highlight. At set times, the elephants are led to the river, and crowds gather to watch the majestic herds splash, play, and cool off in the water—a truly unforgettable sight. Bottle-feeding sessions for elephant calves, once part of the experience, have been scaled down in recent years to focus on the welfare and more natural care of the animals.

Beyond the orphanage, Pinnawala also features nearby attractions such as elephant riding farms (though increasingly discouraged due to animal welfare concerns), spice gardens, and handicraft shops selling elephant-themed souvenirs. The area has become an educational stop as well, with opportunities for travelers to learn about Sri Lanka’s long history of human–elephant coexistence, conservation challenges, and cultural reverence for these animals.

Pinnawala is not just a stopover on the way to Kandy—it is a destination where visitors can connect with Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife in an intimate and accessible way.