Pinnawala, located about 13 km northwest of Kegalle towards Kandy, is famous because of the elephant orphanage located in the area. It is a must-visit as it would definitely add an unforgettable experience to your stay in this paradise isle.
Established in 1975, it operates as a nursery, orphanage and captive breeding ground for elephants. Unlike many other elephant orphanages such as Udawalawe, visitors at Pinnawala are able to observe elephants, especially the baby jumbos up-close in their pens, being bottle-fed and bathed. You can even feed the baby jumbos upon paying a small fee for a feeding ticket!
Most of the elephants accommodated at the orphanage are accustomed to the visitors, hence, are harmless. The daily bathing times scheduled at 10 am and 2 pm offer wonderful opportunities to observe and click ample shots of the many mischiefs of the jumbos.