Pinnawala Sri Lankan Elephants - All You Need To Know (Guide 2026)

Last week, we travelled to Kegalle for an event and decided to spend the weekend in nearby Pinnawala, just a 20-minute drive from the town. We stayed at Elephant Bay Hotel, overlooking the Maha Oya River, where Sri Lankan elephants come to bathe during the day. Visiting just a week after the devastating floods, we didn’t expect to see much activity, but we were pleasantly surprised.

Pinnawala remains one of Sri Lanka’s most popular elephant attractions, and here’s everything you need to know before planning your visit. If you're interested in planning your Sri Lankan travel itinerary for 10 days, read our article: 10 Days in Sri Lanka - Best Places to Travel for First-time Travellers

Where is Pinnawala located?

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in the small town of Pinnawala, in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. It sits right next to the Maha Oya River, which plays a big role in the elephants’ daily routine, especially their famous river baths.

If you’re travelling between Colombo and Kandy, Pinnawala is easily accessible. The surrounding area is calm and green, far removed from city chaos, making it a surprisingly peaceful place to observe these gentle giants up close.

Where is the Pinnawala Zoo?

The Pinnawala Zoo is located adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You can buy entrance tickets together at the orphanage. However, I'm not a fan of Zoos, watching animals captivated, so we only visited the orphanage.

History of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 with a simple goal which is to rescue and care for orphaned and injured wild elephants that couldn’t survive on their own. Many of these calves had lost their mothers due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, or accidents in the wild.

Over the years, Pinnawala evolved from a small rescue centre into one of the largest captive elephant herds in the world. Today, it has also become a place where generations of elephants have been raised, bonded, and protected, a sight worth seeing.

Why are Pinnawala Sri Lankan Elephants Special?

Sri Lankan elephants are the largest and darkest Asian elephant subspecies, and seeing them up close is an unforgettable experience. What makes Pinnawala truly special is the chance to observe elephants living as a herd, with calves, mothers, aunts, and elders moving together.

The daily walk to the Maha Oya River is the highlight. You can watch dozens of elephants bathe, splash, and socialise in the water; it feels raw and real. What's even special is that you can follow the elephants all the way from the orphanage to the river and go back with them.

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can witness elephant behaviour at this scale, from just a few metres away.

Are Sri Lankan Elephants Endangered?

Yes, Sri Lankan elephants are endangered. Habitat loss, deforestation, and increasing human-elephant conflict have drastically reduced their population over the past few decades. Today, fewer than 7,000 elephants remain in the wild across the island.

As Sri Lanka continues to develop, elephants are often forced into closer contact with human settlements, leading to tragic outcomes on both sides. Places like Pinnawala exist because of this reality. While they’re not a perfect solution, they highlight the urgent need for better conservation, protected corridors, and coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Our Experience Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Sri Lanka

After the 2025 cyclone, which affected the central highlands the most, the Maha Oya also flooded, damaging nearby hotels, including the one we stayed at. However, once the water levels stabilised, the elephants began to arrive for their usual baths. The orphanage is open from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors.

At What Time do Elephants go to Bathe?

Elephants come to bathe twice a day in batches. The first set of 5 elephants comes in the morning at about 9 a.m., and the large batch of 30 elephants comes at 10 a.m. and stays till 12 p.m.

Elephant Bathing View from our Hotel Room

Again, at 2 p.m. few elephants come to bathe, and they stay till 4 p.m.

However, you must remember that it all depends on the weather and the water levels at Maha Oya. If it's rainy or the water is muddy, the elephants aren't brought to the river.

Is Pinnawala Ethical?

Yes. It's an orphanage, and the elephants are not used for riding or entertainment. Apart from the few elephants that are selected to interact with humans at different intervals, the majority of elephants stay away in their own lush habitat. People can only view them from a distance.

Do Chains Harm the Elephants?

No. The chains are loosely hung around the necks of male elephants only, and they're only for emergency purposes because these elephants are considered semi-wild, and it helps prevent the elephants from harming themselves. The foot chains are used during vet visits to manage the elephants during treatment.

What's the Best Time to Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

If you're staying at a hotel overlooking the elephant bathing area, 12 p.m. is the best time to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. It takes about 1 hour to cover the orphanage. You can start from the Maha Oya River and walk back with the herd to the orphanage after their bath hours.

Here are 2 itineraries for 1 Day at Pinnawala

From Maha Oya (Recommended)	From Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
10 a.m. - Take iconic pool captures from the hotel overlooking bathing elephants. 11 a.m. - Head over to the Maha Oya and interact with the elephants. 12 a.m. - Walk with the herd to the Orphanage and complete your visit here by 1 p.m. Relax the rest of the evening or check out.	9 a.m. - Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. 10 a.m. - Walk with the herd to the Maha Oya River. Head to the hotel and capture the iconic pool photos. 11 a.m. - Head to the Maha Oya again and interact with the elephants and complete your visit here by 12 p.m. Relax the rest of the evening or check out.

Is it Free to Watch Elephants Bathe in Pinnawala?

No. But if you're staying at a nearby hotel overlooking the Maha Oya, you can show the key at the entrance and walk to the river to see elephants bathe. You can also find unique souvenirs on the road to the Maha Oya, such as Poo Paper, magnets, totes and carvings.

How Much is the Entrance Ticket to Pinnawala?

The ticket price for foreigners is as follows:

• Adult - 17.7$.

• SAARC adult - 11.8$ (please make sure to show proof of identity).

• Child - 8.85$

• SAARC child - 5.9$

What to Wear to See Elephants in Pinnawala?

Wear comfortable clothes like shorts and shoes to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You can go see them bathe in the Maha Oya in these clothes, too.

However, you can also slip into swimwear when visiting the Maha Oya if you'd like to physically interact with the bathing elephants. Keep in mind that these interactions require you to pay the mahoots a small fee.

Where to Eat Near Pinnawala, Sri Lanka?

Pinnawala is close to Rambukkana. If you're looking for authentic local food, you have to travel to Rambukkana town, where you'll be able to find local restaurants and supermarkets. We had lunch at a trendy local place called 'Nai Kochchi Cafe & Restaurant'. They have delicious fried rice, kottu, burgers and all sorts, and the portions were great for the price.

If you're looking for a KFC or Pizza Hut near Pinnawala, you'll have to go to Kegalle town, which is about 20 minutes from the orphanage. You can also find a Keells and Arpico Supermarket here.

Pinnawala Vs. Udawalawe

Pinnawala offers close-up encounters with elephants in a managed setting, making it ideal for first-time visitors and families. Udawalawe, on the other hand, is a national park where elephants of Sri Lanka roam freely, giving you a more authentic safari-style wildlife experience.

Pinnawala Vs. Minneriya

Pinnawala focuses on rescued elephants and daily routines like feeding and river bathing. Minneriya is famous for “The Gathering,” where wild elephants of Sri Lanka migrate seasonally, making it a better choice if you’re visiting between July and October.

Pinnawala Vs. Habarana

Habarana is a safari base near Minneriya and Kaudulla, perfect for spotting elephants in the wild. But it's not a guarantee. If you're lucky, you may spot wild Sri Lankan elephants on the roadside. On our trip back from Trincomalee, we saw a wild elephant crossing the road near Habarana randomly. Pinnawala is easier to access and doesn’t rely on luck or seasons, making sightings guaranteed but less wild.

Can You Visit Pinnawala with Kids?

Yes, Pinnawala is very kid-friendly. The walkable paths, feeding times, and river baths are engaging for children, though parents should keep kids supervised due to crowds and large animals.

Can You Touch the Elephants?

Yes, but any physical interaction is restricted and controlled, mainly for the safety of both elephants and visitors. However, if you're visiting Maha Oya, you can interact with the bathing elephants mainly for photo purposes.

Can you feed the Elephants?

Yes, you can feed elephants at Pinnawala, but you need to buy the fruit baskets from the designated canteen at the orphanage. This reminded me of feeding the giraffes at Safari World, Bangkok. A fruit basket here costs LKR 590, and it's totally worth for the experience, especially if you're visiting with kids.

How many Days Do You Need for Pinnawala?

You only need half a day to visit Pinnawala. Most travellers combine it with Kandy, Colombo, or a nearby town as part of a larger Sri Lanka itinerary if they're on a short trip. Otherwise, 1 day is enough for a Pinnawala trip.

Conclusion

Pinnawala offers a rare and gentle way to understand Sri Lanka’s deep bond with elephants. While it’s not a wild safari experience, it plays an important role in conservation, care, and education, especially for rescued elephants that can’t return to the wild. Whether you’re travelling with kids, short on time, or simply curious about Sri Lankan Elephants, Pinnawala is a meaningful stop that adds heart to any Sri Lankan itinerary.

Planning your trip to Pinnawala? Drop your doubts in the comments, and we'll respond!