Colombo Excursions
Baby elephants at Pinnawela © S Baker
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
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;
Website: www.elephant.se/pinnawela_elephant_orphanage_Sri_Lanka.php;
Telephone: 035 65804;
Transport: The orphanage is accessible from Colombo by car, bus or train;
Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 5.45pm; feeding at 8am daily, and bathing times are 10am and 2pm;
Admission: Rs. 150
