Pinnawala is a small town located in the central part of the island. The elephant nursery of the same name, established in 1975 to save motherless elephants as well as elephants that were killed by mines during the civil war, attracts tourists here. Through the care of the local residents, the nursery has become the largest in the world where these huge majestic animals are kept in captivity. Their number currently stands at over 80 elephants.
Pinnawala on the map of Sri Lanka
Tourists come here to watch the elephants feed and bathe. These processes are scheduled and it is possible to take part in the care of the elephants, for example to feed the baby elephants themselves with milk from a bottle. After the meal, the elephants are led to the river through town, twice a day:
- feeding at 09:00, bathing at 10:00
- feeding 13:00, bathing 14:00
This is the most interesting thing you can see in the nursery, so we recommend timing your visit so you don’t miss out on this touching activity. Elephant rides are not allowed here, but several elephant farms have already opened nearby where tourists are offered this service. Local cab drivers take travelers to these private farms under the guise of the famous Pinnawala nursery, but be vigilant and know that the original nursery does not offer bathing or elephant rides.
Cost of attendance: Rs. 2,500 for an adult, Rs. 1,250 for a child
How to get to the Pinnawala Elephant Shelter:
Located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, Pinnawala Elephant Heaven is about 90 km east of Colombo and you can reach it by scenic drive in 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the train from Colombo to Kandy, which stops at the nearby Rambukkana railway station.
You can get here by booking a tour at a tourist shop, by cab, by renting a car or scooter, or by taking public transportation yourself. On the river, where the elephant bathing takes place. there are several hotels where you can check in to see the morning procedures. You can watch them right from your hotel balcony, and absolutely free of charge.
If you are a nature and animal lover, a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Nursery in Sri Lanka should definitely be on your travel itinerary. It is home to over 80 rescued elephants and is the largest captive herd in the world. This sanctuary is a unique and unforgettable place where you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, learning about their history and efforts to preserve their existence.
Elephant Watching:
Once you arrive at the reserve, you will be fascinated by the sight of elephants roaming freely around, playing in the water and enjoying their natural habitat. Pinnawala Elephant Heaven offers the opportunity to observe the daily life of elephants up close, and if you are lucky, you may even be able to bottle feed the elephants!
Additional activities:
In addition to elephant watching, Pinnawala Elephant Heaven offers several other activities. Take a stroll through the lush gardens of the reserve, hike the nearby hills and waterfalls, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try rafting on the nearby river or explore the nearby tea plantations and ancient temples of Kandy. There is no shortage of activities here, making Pinnawala Elephant Heaven a true adventure destination.
