Planning a visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka’s famous elephant sanctuary.
There are many places to see elephants in Sri Lanka. Most famous places are Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Udawalawa Elephants Transit Home, Minneriya Safari, Udawalawe Safari, Yala Safari
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage FAQ
What is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a government-managed elephant care facility in Sri Lanka that provides shelter and care for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants. Established in 1975, it is one of the country’s most popular wildlife attractions.
Where is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage located?
Pinnawala is located in Kegalle District, approximately:
- 90 km from Colombo
- 45 km from Kandy
- 75 km from Bandaranaike International Airport
What are the opening hours?
Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
The orphanage is open throughout the year, including weekends and most public holidays.
What are the feeding times?
Baby elephant feeding sessions are usually held at:
- 9:15 AM
- 1:15 PM
- 5:00 PM
When do the elephants bathe in the river?
The elephants are taken to the Maha Oya River twice daily:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
How much is the entrance fee?
Ticket prices vary depending on nationality and age category. Foreign visitors, SAARC visitors, and Sri Lankan citizens have different ticket rates. Check the latest official prices before your visit.
How long should I spend at Pinnawala?
Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring the orphanage and watching the feeding and bathing sessions.
Can visitors feed the elephants?
Visitor feeding opportunities may be available depending on current orphanage regulations. Check with staff upon arrival for the latest information.
Is Pinnawala suitable for children?
Yes. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Sri Lanka and is popular with visitors of all ages.
Can I take photographs?
Yes. Photography is allowed throughout most visitor areas, making Pinnawala a great destination for wildlife photography.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time is between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, allowing you to see both the morning feeding session and the river bathing experience.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes. Several restaurants and cafés near the river offer excellent views of the elephants during bathing sessions.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking facilities are available for cars, vans, and tourist buses near the entrance.
Can I visit Pinnawala as a day trip from Colombo?
Yes. Pinnawala is one of the most popular day trips from Colombo and can easily be visited in a single day.
Is Pinnawala worth visiting?
Absolutely. Watching dozens of elephants feed, interact, and bathe in the river is a unique experience and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife attractions.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable clothing
- Walking shoes
- Camera
- Hat and sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Cash for tickets and souvenirs
Can I combine Pinnawala with other attractions?
Yes. Many visitors combine Pinnawala with:
- Kandy City Tour
- Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya
- Ambuluwawa Tower
- Spice Gardens
- Tea Factories
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage FAQ, Entrance Fee & Packages
Day Tour Price to Pinnawala
- Day Tour & Transport Cost for Pinnawala:
From Colombo – Start from 25 USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
From Kandy – Start from 15 USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
Private tour in an A/C car or van with an English speaking chauffeur-guide
Vehicle Options:
Car (up to 2 persons): Toyota Axio, Prius Hybrid, Premio/Honda Fit Shuttle or similar
Van (3 to 8 persons): Toyota KDH/Nissan Caravan or similar - Included – Entrance Tickets, Refreshment, Transport
- Entrance ticket fee for Pinnawala Elephnat Orphanage & Transport – US$ 65 / EUR 62 / GBP 58) per foreign adult and US$ 33 / EUR 31 / GBP 29 per foreign child of age 03 – 12 years are applicable.