Meeting Gentle Giants -
Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- LocationPinnawala, Sri Lanka
- Duration1 days
- Rating★★★★
- Average CostLKR 1000
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a renowned sanctuary located in Sri Lanka, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured elephants. Situated in the lush, green village of Pinnawala, the orphanage provides a nurturing environment where these majestic creatures are tended to with utmost care and compassion. Visitors to the orphanage have the unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in a naturalistic setting, offering invaluable insights into their behaviours and interactions.
1. Location
The easiest way to reach Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is by car or taxi from Colombo, which should take around 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo to Rambukkana, which is the nearest train station to Pinnawala. From Rambukkana, it's a short 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the orphanage.
2. How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is by car or taxi from Colombo, which should take around 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo to Rambukkana, which is the nearest train station to Pinnawala. From Rambukkana, it's a short 15-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the orphanage.
3. Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available in and around Pinnawala village. From budget-friendly guest houses to upscale resorts, there are choices to suit every traveler's needs. Some accommodations even offer views of the river where the elephants bathe, providing a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
4. Best Timing to Visit
The best time to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is during the elephants' bathing times, which usually occur twice a day, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. During these times, visitors can watch the elephants as they play, bathe, and interact with each other in the river, providing a truly unforgettable experience.
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