The Majestic Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for rescued elephants dedicated to conservation and education.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a remarkable establishment located in the heart of Rambukkana, Sri Lanka. This sanctuary was founded in 1975 with the noble mission of caring for orphaned elephants and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest elephant orphanages in the world, home to over 80 elephants, including many babies rescued from the wild. Visitors to the orphanage can witness the daily routines of these majestic creatures, from their feeding sessions to their playful baths in the nearby river, providing a unique opportunity to observe and interact with them in a natural setting. The orphanage is not only a tourist attraction but also an important center for conservation and education about the plight of elephants in Sri Lanka. While exploring the orphanage, tourists can learn about the various rehabilitation efforts being made to protect these elephants and the challenges they face in the wild. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to share insights and stories about individual elephants, enhancing the overall experience. The lush green surroundings and tranquil environment add to the charm of the orphanage, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts as well. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature and support animal conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Local tips
- Visit during feeding time for an unforgettable experience as elephants gather for their meals.
- Bring a camera to capture memorable moments, especially during the bathing sessions in the river.
- Consider arriving early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience with the elephants.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through the spacious grounds of the orphanage.
- Support the orphanage by purchasing souvenirs from their gift shop, which aids in the care of the elephants.
A brief summary to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Rambukkana, Pinnawala, LK
- +94352266641
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Getting There
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Bus
From Nuwara Eliya, head to the Nuwara Eliya bus station located on the main road. Look for buses heading to Kandy or Rambukkana. The buses to Rambukkana are more direct. Make sure to confirm with the driver that they will stop at Pinnawala. The bus journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive in Rambukkana, ask the driver to drop you off at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which is a short walk from the bus stop.
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Tuk-Tuk
You can also hire a tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya to Pinnawala. Simply request your hotel or a local tuk-tuk driver to take you to the orphanage. The ride will take about 1.5 hours, and you can discuss the fare before starting your journey. Make sure to have cash on hand, as most drivers do not accept cards.
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Train and Bus Combination
Take a train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy. The nearest train station is in Nanu Oya, which is about 10 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya. You can take a tuk-tuk or bus to Nanu Oya train station. Once you board the train to Kandy, enjoy the scenic ride, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kandy, take a bus or a tuk-tuk to Pinnawala, which is only 30 minutes away. This option allows you to experience the beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka.
Attractions Nearby to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
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PGB Kalugalla Park
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47014
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Elephant Orphanage - Entrance (Gate-B)
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Night Market - Pinnawala
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Pinnawala Zoo
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Elephant Bathing Site
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Nawagamuwa Paththini Devalaya
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Iparanigama Theme Park
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Zoo museum
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Mahamevnawa Amadahara Buddhist Monastery - Pinnawala
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Maha Oya Walk way and bath area
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Asela Elephant Riding
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Happy Elephant
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Millennium Elephant Foundation
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Club Concept Elephant Riding
Landmarks nearby to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
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New Elephant Shed (NES)
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MAHARAJA ELEPHANT NO 17
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Alagalla Mountain Range
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Aluthnuwara Sri Dedimunda Dewalaya
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රජ පිහිල්ල (Raja Pihilla)
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Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya
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Vilbawa Rajamaha Viharaya
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Kitulgala water adventures
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Nelligala International Buddhist Centre
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Statue of Lord Sumana Saman - සුමන සමන් දේව ප්රතිමාව
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Tholangamuwa Ambalama
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Walk with Sri Lankan : Buddhima Jayarathne
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Athugala Rock
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Kadurugas junction
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Athugala Viharaya