Among the green hills of Kegalle, about 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, a herd of about 60 elephants roam free in the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage. This popular attraction, established as a sanctuary covering 25 acres of lush forest by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975, is unique. Its purpose is to feed, nurse and house young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers. Recently the sanctuary has also started a breeding programme. Visitors are invited to observe and assist the baby elephants as they are fed from giant feeding bottles, before the pachyderms are lead down to the river for their daily baths at 10am and 2pm.

Address: Rambukkana Road, Kegalla

Telephone: 035 65804

Transport: The orphanage is accessible from Colombo by car, bus or train

Opening times: Daily 8:30am to 5:45pm; feeding at 8am daily, and bathing times are 10am and 2pm