Pinnawela is an elephant sanctuary located 37 km from Kandy, in the Kegalle district (Sabaragamuwa province). Founded in 1975 by Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation, the site today houses around a hundred elephants across 10 hectares of land, near the Maha Oya river.

Why visit Pinnawela

Pinnawela offers the chance to observe several generations of Asian elephants in a semi-open environment. The highlight of any visit is the daily bath, organized twice a day in the Maha Oya river, as the herd crosses the main road to reach the water.

The center is also a captive breeding program: over 100 elephants have been born or raised there since its opening. Note that captive conditions (presence of chains, tourist interactions) are subjects of debate among animal welfare organizations; we invite you to form your own opinion during your visit.

History

The orphanage was founded in 1975 by Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation to care for orphaned, injured or abandoned elephant calves, victims of deforestation and human-elephant conflict. At its opening, the site had just five baby elephants.

Since then, over 100 elephants have been raised there, making Pinnawela one of Asia's largest captive elephant breeding programs. The center has progressively added research and conservation awareness missions to its role.

What to see and do

The visiting route spans around ten hectares and allows you to follow the different stages of herd life:

• Bathing in the Maha Oya river: the most striking moment, organized twice daily. The elephants descend as a group from the main enclosure to the river.
• Bottle-feeding the calves: the youngest are fed at set times by the keepers.
• Observing the herd: three generations coexist, which is rare in captivity. You can watch males, females and young interact.
• The breeding center: informational panels on elephant gestation, which lasts between 20 and 22 months, and efforts to increase the captive population.

A gift shop (keychains, mugs, textiles) helps support the center financially.

Practical information

• Duration: allow 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the site and watch a bathing session.
• Admission: paid entry, moderate rates for foreign visitors, payable on-site.
• Hours: open daily, full day. Bathing times attract the most visitors.
• What to bring: hat, water, closed-toe shoes (ground can be muddy near the river).

When to visit

Pinnawela enjoys a humid tropical climate. The dry season, from December to March, offers the best visiting conditions: sunny weather, rare rainfall, easier herd crossing.

The rainy season, from May to September, can complicate visits: flooding of the Maha Oya river, sometimes shortened bathing sessions. April, October and November offer a good compromise to avoid crowds.

How to get there

• From Colombo by car or taxi: 2 to 3 hours by road via the A1 route.
• By train: Colombo–Kandy line to Kegalle station, then tuk-tuk or taxi for the final kilometers to Pinnawela.
• From Kandy: about 1 hour by bus, taxi or private car. This is the simplest option if you're staying in the region.

Nearby attractions

Pinnawela is easily visited as a day trip from Kandy, less than an hour away. The region offers several cultural extensions:

• Kandy, the ancient royal capital and home to the Temple of the Tooth.
• Kandyan dance, an emblematic traditional performance of the region.
• Embekke Devalaya, a temple renowned for its wood carvings.
• Gadaladeniya Vihara, a 14th-century Buddhist temple.

Frequently asked questions

Including Pinnawela in your trip

Pinnawela fits naturally into an itinerary combining the Kandy region, the Cultural Triangle and the highlands. To build a tailor-made stay, check our itinerary suggestions on trips to Sri Lanka.