Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Founded in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the world's first and largest sanctuary for orphaned, abandoned, and injured Asian elephants. Located in the lush Kegalle district, approximately 90 km from Colombo, this facility provides a protected environment for a herd of nearly 100 elephants. Its primary mission is to offer a lifeline to elephants that have lost their mothers or were displaced in the wild.

Highlights

• Watch baby elephants bathing and feeding by the river
• Learn about elephant behavior and conservation efforts
• Best visited early morning for the bathing routine
• An easy stop en route between Colombo and the Cultural Triangle