Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka? Do you love elephants and want to see them up close and personal? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and abused elephants. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing place, its history, its activities, its timings, its fees, and some tips and facts to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable.
What is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for elephants that have been rescued from various situations, such as poaching, logging, human-elephant conflict, or natural disasters. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation, with the aim of providing care and protection for these gentle giants. The orphanage is located in the village of Pinnawala, about 90 km from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
The orphanage has a captive breeding program that has produced over 20 elephants since 1982. The orphanage currently houses around 90 elephants, ranging from newborns to adults. The elephants are kept in spacious enclosures, where they can roam freely and interact with each other. The orphanage also conducts research and education programs on elephant conservation and welfare.
The orphanage is a popular tourist attraction, as visitors can watch the elephants being fed, bathed, and played with. The orphanage also offers various activities for visitors, such as elephant riding, walking, feeding, and volunteering. The orphanage charges different entrance fees for locals, foreigners, and SAARC countries. The orphanage is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
How did the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage start?
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1975. Here is a timeline of how the orphanage started, how it grew, and how it evolved over the years:
The orphanage was founded by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation, with the help of the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. The orphanage was initially located in a coconut plantation near the Maha Oya river, with only five baby elephants. The orphanage was moved to its present location in Pinnawala, a larger and more suitable area for the elephants. The orphanage also received more elephants from various sources, such as the wild, the circus, or private owners.
What are the activities at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a variety of activities for visitors, who can interact with the elephants and learn more about them. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at the orphanage:
1. Watching the elephants being fed
You can watch the elephants being fed by the caretakers, who give them milk, fruits, vegetables, and grass. The feeding times are at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 5:00 pm. You can also see the baby elephants being bottle-fed by the caretakers or the visitors, who can pay a small fee to participate in this activity .
2. Watching the elephants being bathed
You can watch the elephants being bathed by the caretakers, who take them to the nearby Maha Oya river twice a day, at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. You can see the elephants splashing, swimming, and playing in the water, while the caretakers scrub and wash them. You can also join the caretakers and help them bathe the elephants, or even get into the water and swim with the elephants, if you are feeling adventurous.
3. Riding an elephant
You can ride an elephant and experience how it feels to be on top of these majestic creatures. You can choose from different options, such as a short ride around the orphanage, a long ride to the river, or a safari ride to the jungle. You can also take photos and videos of your ride and get a certificate of completion at the end of it.
4. Walking with an elephant
You can walk with an elephant and get closer to them than ever before. You can hold their trunk, touch their skin, and feel their breath. You can also feed them, talk to them, and learn about their behavior and personality from the caretakers. You can choose from different options, such as a morning walk, an afternoon walk, or a sunset walk .
5. Feeding an elephant
You can feed an elephant and make them happy and full. You can buy fruits, vegetables, or grass from the orphanage, or bring your own, and give them to the elephants. You can also hand-feed them, or place the food in their mouth, and watch them munch and chew. You can also get a chance to feed the famous Suda, the albino elephant, who loves bananas and pineapples .
6. Volunteering at the orphanage
You can volunteer at the orphanage and make a difference in the lives of the elephants. You can help the caretakers with their daily tasks, such as feeding, bathing, cleaning, and medicating the elephants. You can also help with the maintenance of the orphanage, such as painting, gardening, and repairing. You can also participate in the research and education programs of the orphanage, such as collecting data, conducting surveys, and teaching visitors. You can choose from different options, such as a day, a week, or a month-long volunteer.
What are the timings and fees of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fees for the orphanage are as follows:
Local Adult: LKR 100
Local Child: LKR 30
Foreign Adult: LKR 3,000
Foreign Child: LKR 1,500
SAARC Adult: LKR 1,500
SAARC Child: LKR 750
The additional charges for the optional activities are as follows:
Bottle Feeding: LKR 250
Elephant Riding: LKR 1,000 - 3,000
Elephant Walking: LKR 3,000 - 5,000
Elephant Feeding: LKR 100 - 500
Volunteering: LKR 5,000 - 50,000
The fees are in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), and the conversion rates are approximately 1 USD = 200 LKR, 1 EUR = 240 LKR, and 1 GBP = 280 LKR. The fees are subject to change without prior notice, so please check the official website of the orphanage for the latest information .
What are some tips and facts for visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
Here are some useful tips and facts for visitors who plan to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the orphanage is during the feeding and bathing times, when you can see the most activity and interaction among the elephants. The feeding times are at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 5:00 pm, and the bathing times are at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Dress code
The dress code for the orphanage is casual and comfortable, but respectful and modest. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing bright colors, jewelry, or perfume, as they may attract or irritate the elephants. You should also wear shoes that are suitable for walking and wet conditions, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Weather at the orphanage
The weather at the orphanage is tropical and humid, with an average temperature of 30°C and an average rainfall of 200 mm. The rainy season is from May to September, and the dry season is from October to April. You should check the weather forecast before your visit, and bring an umbrella, a raincoat, or a poncho in case of rain.
Facilities at the orphanage
The facilities at the orphanage include a parking lot, a ticket counter, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, a cafeteria, a museum, a library, a nursery, a hospital, and a playground. You can also find toilets, lockers, drinking water, and first aid at the orphanage. You should follow the signs and directions at the orphanage and respect the rules and regulations of the orphanage.
The contact details of the orphanage are as follows:
Address: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Rambukkana Road, Pinnawala, Kegalle, Sri Lanka
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for the gentle giants, where you can see, touch, and learn about these amazing animals. It is a place where you can witness the love, care, and protection that the orphanage provides for the elephants, and where you can support their conservation and welfare. It is a place where you can have a unique and unforgettable experience, and where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
