Pinnawala: One of the World's Largest Elephant Herds in Care
Founded in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage cares for orphaned and injured elephants, including a large multi-generational herd that has bred in captivity over the decades. Set on the banks of the Maha Oya river between Colombo and Kandy, it's one of Sri Lanka's most visited attractions — best known for the twice-daily spectacle of the whole herd ambling down to the river to bathe.
1. The River Bathing
Best for: Photographers and families
The highlight of any visit is the herd's procession to the Maha Oya, where dozens of elephants wade, drink, spray and wallow together. Watching the babies splash among the adults from a riverside café terrace is the iconic Pinnawala experience. Bathing usually happens mid-morning and early afternoon.
2. Feeding Time
Best for: Families with children
At set times, the youngest calves are bottle-fed large quantities of milk — a popular, photogenic moment. The mahouts also distribute fruit and foliage to the herd. Check the day's schedule on arrival and plan around the feeding and bathing slots.
3. Watching the Herd
Best for: Casual visitors
Between the scheduled events, you can watch the elephants in the main grounds. The size of the herd — and the chance to see calves, juveniles and great tuskers together — gives a real sense of elephant family life.
A Note on Ethics
Pinnawala is a government-run breeding and tourism facility rather than a release-focused sanctuary. Travellers who prefer to see elephants in the wild may favour a safari at Udawalawe or a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphans for release. Pinnawala remains popular for its accessibility and the chance to see a very large herd up close — decide what fits your values.
Practical Tips
- Timing: Aim to arrive before a bathing session (mid-morning or early afternoon) — it's the centrepiece of the visit.
- Tickets: Around LKR 3,000 for foreign adults.
- Getting there: About 90 km from Colombo and 40 km from Kandy, just off the main road near Kegalle — an easy stop between the two cities.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the schedule.
- Combine with: Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, or a spice garden en route.
Where to Stay Near Pinnawala
Many travellers visit Pinnawala as a day stop between Colombo and Kandy, but there are guest houses and hotels in nearby Kegalle and Rambukkana if you'd like to catch the morning bathing without rushing. Browse verified Kandy-region stays on SLAccommodation to build it into your hill-country trip.
Quick Facts
| Region | Sabaragamuwa (near Kegalle) |
| Famous for | Large herd, twice-daily river bathing |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Best moments | River bathing & calf feeding |
| Distance from Kandy | ~40 km (~1 hr) |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bathing and feeding times at Pinnawala? River bathing typically takes place mid-morning and early afternoon, with calf bottle-feeding at set times in between. Schedules can change, so confirm the day's times when you arrive.
Is Pinnawala ethical? It's a government breeding-and-tourism facility, not a release sanctuary. For wild elephants, consider an Udawalawe safari or the Udawalawe Transit Home. Pinnawala suits those who want to see a large herd up close and accessibly.
How far is Pinnawala from Kandy and Colombo? About 40 km from Kandy (around 1 hour) and 90 km from Colombo, making it a convenient stop on the journey between the two.
How long should I spend at Pinnawala? Around 2 to 3 hours is enough to catch a bathing session and a feeding, plus time to watch the herd in the grounds.