Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique wildlife sanctuary located in Sri Lanka, which was established in 1975. It is home to over 80 orphaned elephants, most of whom were found abandoned or injured in the wild. The orphanage is situated along the banks of the Maha Oya river, and visitors can watch the elephants get fed and bathed in the river. The facility also has a nursery and veterinary clinic dedicated to the care of the elephants. It is an important conservation effort to protect and rehabilitate these majestic animals and has become a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.

What to visit in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Here are some popular tourist attractions to see at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka: 1. Elephant Bathing: Visitors can watch as the elephants take a dip in the nearby river. This is typically done in the early mornings and evenings, and is a great opportunity to see the elephants enjoying themselves and cooling off in the hot weather.
2. Feeding: Another popular attraction is watching the elephants being fed. Visitors can purchase fruit and vegetables to feed the elephants, which provides a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants.
3. Elephant Rides: Visitors can also take a ride on the elephants, which is typically done through the jungle or around the orphanage. However, it's important to note that these elephant rides can be controversial, as some animal welfare groups believe that elephants should not be ridden by tourists.
4. Elephant Museum: The orphanage has a museum that features information about the history of the orphanage, as well as the culture and history of elephants in Sri Lanka in general.
5. Photography: There are plenty of opportunities to take photos of the elephants and the surrounding scenery. Visitors can capture photos of elephants bathing, feeding, or even just lounging around in the sunshine.
Overall, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great destination for anyone interested in elephants and their welfare. Visitors should be conscious of ethical tourism practices and ensure that they don't engage in activities that could harm the welfare of the elephants.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The best time to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka is from August to September, when the weather is dry, and there is less chance of rain. This is also the time when you can witness the active movement of elephants, and the feeding and bathing sessions. However, keep in mind that the orphanage is open year-round, so you can visit anytime according to your schedule. If you plan to travel during the monsoon season (October to January and April to June), be prepared for heavy rains and possible flash floods.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

To get to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, you can take a public bus or hire a private taxi. If you choose to take a public bus, you can board a bus from Colombo to Kegalle, then take another bus from Kegalle to Pinnawala. The journey can be quite long, taking up to 3 hours or more, depending on traffic and bus schedules.
Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or a tuk-tuk to take you directly to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Colombo or any other nearby city. The journey by car can take around 2 hours, but it can be more comfortable and convenient.
It's important to note that the roads in Sri Lanka can be narrow and winding, so it's recommended to hire an experienced driver or use a reputed taxi service.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for rescued elephants in Sri Lanka and offers a variety of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Some of the typical foods found in the area include: 1. Kottu Roti: A popular Sri Lankan street food made with shredded roti bread, vegetables, and meat or egg, all chopped and fried together on a hot griddle.
2. Hoppers: A type of pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and yeast. Hoppers are shaped like bowls and typically filled with coconut sambal, curry, or an egg.
3. Rice and Curry: A staple meal in Sri Lanka, consisting of rice served alongside various curries and accompaniments such as dhal, coconut sambal, and fried papadums.
4. Parippu: A simple but delicious lentil curry made with red lentils, tempered with spices and served with steamed rice.
5. Pol Sambol: A coconut-based condiment made with grated coconut, chili, and lime juice. It is typically served with rice and curry or hoppers.
6. Deviled Chicken: A spicy dish of chicken that has been marinated in a mixture of chili powder, soy sauce, and vinegar, then stir-fried with onions, garlic, and peppers.
7. Fish Ambul Thiyal: A tangy and sour fish curry made with tuna, tamarind, and a variety of spices.
These are just a few examples of the delicious traditional foods you can find in and around the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage an expensive destination for tourists?

The entrance fee to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka can be considered as slightly expensive for some tourists. The entrance fee for foreigners is approximately 30 USD, significantly higher than the fee for local Sri Lankan visitors. However, many tourists consider the experience of seeing and learning about the rescued elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to be a unique and worthwhile experience. Additionally, there are opportunities to purchase souvenir items, make donations, or participate in optional activities at an additional cost. Overall, it may depend on individual budget and priorities as to whether the expense is considered worthwhile.

Where to find accomodation in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

There are several good options for finding accommodation to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. Some of the best areas to look for accommodation include: 1. Pinnawala – This is the closest town to the elephant orphanage and offers a range of budget-friendly options for accommodation.
2. Kegalle – Located about 12 km away from the elephant orphanage, Kegalle is a larger town with a wider choice of accommodations.
3. Rambukkana – This town is located about 17 km away from the elephant orphanage and offers a range of budget to mid-range accommodations.
4. Colombo – Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo is about 80 km away from the elephant orphanage. This is a good option if you're looking for more upscale accommodations and want to explore other attractions in the area.
You can check hotel prices at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage here:
Booking.com

Is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. The staff at the orphanage take great care to ensure the safety of both the elephants and the visitors. However, as with any tourist destination, it's always wise to practice caution and be aware of your surroundings.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

What type of travelers will enjoy Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage the most?

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great place for families with children who love animals and want to learn more about them. The orphanage is home to over 90 elephants, and visitors can watch them being fed, bathed, and taken for walks. Young people who enjoy learning about new cultures and animals would also enjoy this place. Couples may enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the orphanage, making it a great place for a romantic walk with the elephants. So, it can be a place for anyone who loves nature and animals, regardless of age or travel style.

How to get around Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The most common modes of transportation to move around Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka are walking and tuk-tuks. The orphanage is not very big, so walking is a good option if you prefer to take in all the sights and sounds up close. However, tuk-tuks are readily available and are a convenient way to cover more ground if you have limited time or prefer not to walk.

What to see around Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

There are several great places that you can visit in a day trip from Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here are some suggestions: 1. Kandy: Located about 20 km away from Pinnawala, Kandy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Some of the popular attractions of Kandy include the Temple of Tooth, Kandy Lake, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
2. Sigiriya: This ancient rock fortress is about 60 km away from Pinnawala and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and has a lot of historical significance.
3. Dambulla Cave Temple: This temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 50 km away from Pinnawala. It is a series of five caves that are filled with ancient Buddhist statues and paintings.
4. Nuwara Eliya: This is a beautiful city that is about 100 km away from Pinnawala and is known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic views.
5. Horton Plains National Park: This park is about 140 km away from Pinnawala and is one of the most beautiful national parks in Sri Lanka. It is known for its grasslands, forests, and high-altitude vegetation.
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