Overview

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was founded in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured wild elephants. Today it shelters over 80 elephants, making it the largest captive herd in the world. The daily bathing ritual at the Maha Oya river is the highlight, where visitors can watch herds wade into the water. The surrounding area also offers elephant-back experiences and handicraft shops.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

Suggested Duration

Half Day

Difficulty Level

Easy

Location

Sabaragamuwa Province

Highlights

Discover the must-see attractions and experiences that make this destination truly unforgettable.

  • 01Daily river bathing ritual
  • 02Elephant feeding sessions
  • 03Over 80 resident elephants
  • 04Riverside viewing platform
  • 05Handmade paper from elephant dung

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Gallery

Discover the beauty of this destination through our curated collection of photographs.

Elephants bathing in the river at Pinnawala
Wild elephants in their natural habitat in Sri Lanka
Group of Asian elephants at a tropical river
Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress surrounded by lush green landscape
Lush green tea plantation in Sri Lanka hill country

Unforgettable Moments
With Heken

Memories at one of Indonesia's most iconic destinations. Every journey tells a story worth sharing.

Colorful tuk-tuk ride through Sri Lanka

Sea of Sand Exploration

Cross the vast volcanic desert by 4x4 jeep or on foot.

Ancient Buddhist temple entrance in Sri Lanka

Temple at Sunrise

Watch the golden light illuminate ancient temple ruins at dawn.

Traditional stilt fisherman on the coast

Waterfall Trekking

Hike through lush jungle trails to discover hidden waterfalls.

Close encounter with a Sri Lankan elephant

Rice Terrace Walk

Stroll through emerald rice paddies carved into hillsides.

Tea picker in Sri Lanka's highland plantations

Wildlife Encounter

Spot exotic birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Surfers enjoying beach sunset in Sri Lanka

Coastal Sunset

End the day with a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

Colorful tuk-tuk ride through Sri Lanka

Sea of Sand Exploration

Cross the vast volcanic desert by 4x4 jeep or on foot.

Ancient Buddhist temple entrance in Sri Lanka

Temple at Sunrise

Watch the golden light illuminate ancient temple ruins at dawn.

Traditional stilt fisherman on the coast

Waterfall Trekking

Hike through lush jungle trails to discover hidden waterfalls.

Close encounter with a Sri Lankan elephant

Rice Terrace Walk

Stroll through emerald rice paddies carved into hillsides.

Tea picker in Sri Lanka's highland plantations

Wildlife Encounter

Spot exotic birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Surfers enjoying beach sunset in Sri Lanka

Coastal Sunset

End the day with a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.