Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a captive breeding and conservation center for wild Asian elephants, located in Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province. Established in 1975, it is home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, with 71 elephants as of 2023.

Key Features

• Location: Pinnawala, Rambukkana, Sabaragamuwa Province
• Size: 25 acres
• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (to see feeding and bathing)
• Wildlife:
  • Elephants: 30 males and 41 females from 3 generations
  • Other Animals: Limited, as the orphanage focuses on elephant care
• Historical Significance: Founded to care for orphaned and injured elephants

Visitor Information

• Entry Fees: Required (varies for locals and foreigners)
• Daily Schedule:
  • 08:30 AM: Open to visitors
  • 09:15 AM & 13:15 PM: Bottle feeding
  • 10:00 AM & 14:00 PM: Herd leaves for river bathing
  • 12:00 PM & 16:00 PM: Return from river
  • 17:30 PM: Ticket counters close
• Nearest City: Kegalle, Rambukkana