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Pinnawala is a peaceful village located in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. And it is a famous bucket-list destination for travelers who love to connect with nature and want to witness elephants up close. Although Pinnawala is famous for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, that is not all this beautiful village has to offer. There are affordable accommodations, tasty local food, and culture, all set against the backdrop of the Maha Oya River. Tourists visit here to enjoy a combination of adventure and relaxation in their own time. So, whether you are planning to watch a baby Pinnawala elephant play in the river or explore nearby sights, you can learn everything you need to plan a memorable visit, from must-see sights to practical tips in this article.
When visitors hear "Pinnawala," the famous elephant sanctuary, it always comes to mind. This elephant orphanage has been dedicated to caring for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants since 1975. Here you can see the world's largest captive herd of Asian elephants up close. Beyond the Pinnawala elephant orphanage Rambukkana Sri Lanka, visitors can enjoy Sri Lankan meals, visit the nearby zoo, or shop for local crafts in the peaceful village. If you are visiting Pinnawala from Colombo, you may wonder, 'What is the Colombo to Pinnawala distance?' It is located about 92 km from Colombo. Kandy to Pinnawala distance? It is about 41 km from Kandy. It is an easy day trip or overnight stop for every visitor exploring Sri Lanka’s culture and nature.
You can find the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage about 13 km northeast of Kegalle in Rambukkana, Sri Lanka. When it was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, there were only five orphaned baby elephants. But today, the orphanage cares for about 68 elephants across three generations. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Rambukkana Sri Lanka, takes in elephants displaced by human-wildlife conflicts, injuries in the wild, or those left behind due to drought or land development.
The 25-acre site's orphanage, situated along the Maha Oya River, provides elephants with a natural habitat. It is open every day from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can observe daily elephant activities, such as bottle-feeding baby elephants at 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM, or watch them bathe in the river from 10:00 - 12:00 and 2:00 - 4:00. The bathing area, known as Elephant Bay Pinnawala, is one of the visitors' favorite spots in the orphanage. Here you can watch elephants play and splash in the river from the riverbank or nearby restaurants like Hotel Elephant Bay.
Visitors love watching baby elephants being fed and the herd splashing in the river. They often mention it as a "heartwarming" experience in Pinnawala elephant orphanage reviews. The 50th-anniversary fruit feast in February 2025, with pineapples, bananas, melons, and cucumbers, was a big hit among tourists.
Hotels in Pinnawala Sri Lanka offer plenty of places to stay for tourists, from budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable hotels near the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
This 3-star hotel is located across the Maha Oya River. It offers 34 rooms for visitors, most with river or elephant-bathing views. Here, visitors can enjoy private balconies, flat-screen TVs, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi & parking, a pool, a sun terrace, spa/ wellness services, bicycle rental, and a restaurant. Hotel Elephant Bay offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse range of prices for stays.
Budget room
These rooms are compact and simple. They feature a single or double bed, en-suite bathroom, and air conditioning. Visitors can enjoy either a garden or partial river view from these rooms.
Prices start from around $35 - $45 per night.
Standard room
These rooms are slightly larger than Budget Rooms. They feature queen or twin beds, a private bathroom, and a balcony or patio. They are ideal for 1-2 adults.
Prices typically range from $30 - $45 per night.
Superior room
You can get panoramic views of the river and the elephant bathing area from these spacious rooms. They feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an upgraded bathroom, and a balcony.
Rates generally fall between $36 - $72 per night.
Deluxe room
These rooms offer premium bedding and finishes, with optimal views of the river and elephant bathing site. They feature a balcony and amenities comparable to upper-tier hotels.
Prices range from $54 - $80 per night.
King room
These rooms feature a king-size bed, enhanced space, a seating area, and an upgraded bathroom with a tub. And they offer excellent views of the river and the bathing area.
Rates usually range from $60 - $90 per night.
Family room
These rooms are designed for families or small groups. They feature multiple beds (double and single), a balcony with views of the river or elephants, and full amenities.
Prices typically start at $55 to $90 per night.
Triple room
These rooms are ideal for small groups. They offer three single beds or a double bed and single bed configuration, a private bathroom, and some rooms with river views.
Rates generally range from $45 - $70 per night.
This 3-star hotel is located near the river. It offers visitors 15 rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. Visitors can enjoy AC, a restaurant, room service, an airport shuttle, a tour desk, a pool, a laundry, and tour services here. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage reviews suggest that this hotel is popular among couples due to its convenient location near the elephant bathing area. Pinnawala Hotel Elephant Park offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse range of prices for stays.
Standard room
These rooms are furnished with double, queen, or twin beds. They feature air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, and either a river or garden view.
Their prices start at around $55 to $77 per night.
Superior room
These rooms offer enhanced space and better views, with upgraded amenities and proximity to key attractions. They are an excellent choice for visitors who want a little extra comfort.
Prices typically range from $70 - $90 per night.
Family room
These rooms are perfect for families or a small bunch of travel buddies. They feature several beds, space to accommodate four guests, and a balcony with scenic views of elephants or the river.
Rates generally fall between $60 - $90 per night.
Bridal suite
This suite is customized for romantic getaways. This suite features a king-size bed, private balcony, premium bath, and elegant décor.
Prices range from $100 - $120 per night.
This lodge offers visitors 10-15 rooms, including Economy, Standard, Superior, Deluxe Double/Triple, Family, and 6-bed dorms. They all have AC, desks, free Wi-Fi, hot water, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and some rooms have balconies. Here, visitors can enjoy a restaurant offering a variety of breakfast options (Full English/Irish, vegetarian, halal, and Asian), as well as an airport shuttle, room service, a tour desk, bicycle rental, a garden/terrace, a minimarket, and free parking.
This budget guesthouse offers visitors five rooms. Here, visitors can enjoy an outdoor pool, an in-house Ayurveda spa, a restaurant, cooking/language classes, free Wi-Fi, parking, a tour desk, luggage storage, laundry facilities, a shuttle service, and BBQ facilities. Green View Home Stay offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse range of prices for stays.
Wooden cottage
This standalone unit offers rustic décor, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. It is perfect for visitors who want a quiet, nature-immersed experience.
Prices start from around $50+ per night.
Deluxe room
There are three air-conditioned deluxe rooms, each with a private bathroom. Perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Prices typically range from $50+ per night.
Superior family room
This room is spacious and practical. It can accommodate up to three guests with extra beds, simple décor, and a private bathroom.
Rates generally fall between $50+ per night.
If you are planning a trip to Pinnawala, be sure to visit these spots.
The Pinnawala ape gama, also called Pinnawala Iperanigama theme park, is a cultural attraction located near the orphanage. At this 4-acre park, visitors can see what Sri Lankan village life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can see models of old village buildings, like a blacksmith's house (Kammal Gedara), a farmer’s house (Govi Gedara), a carpenter’s house (Wadu Gedara), a traditional doctor’s house (Weda Gedara), and a coffee shop (Kopi Kade) here.
The park also has fake rivers, paddy fields, and dagobas (Buddhist shrines). These show how old Sri Lankan farmers lived self-sufficiently around water tanks and temples. It is a great spot for families and culture enthusiasts. You will get a chance to experience traditional crafts, like pottery and blacksmithing, through hands-on displays and demonstrations here, too.
Visit Pinnawala from December to April for dry weather (25-30°C). Visitors can easily see elephants bathing and eating during this time. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. From May to September, outdoor activities might be stopped due to heavy rain.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage entrance fee is about 2,800 LKR ($9-$10) for foreign adults and 1,250 LKR ($4-$5) for children aged 3-12. Visitors from SAARC countries pay 1,400 LKR for adults and 700 LKR for kids.
Pinnawala is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, including wildlife, culture, and nature. The city's famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to experience elephant conservation up close and create unforgettable moments, such as watching the herd splash in the Maha Oya River. As mentioned in the article, Pinnawala does not limit itself to the orphanage. Nearby spots, like Pinnawala Ape Gama, offer affordable accommodations and delicious local cuisine, making Pinnawala a perfect stop for travelers exploring Sri Lanka.
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