Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Zoo Elephant care centre with daily feeding and bathing
A riverside nursery for orphaned elephants, Pinnawala allows close viewing of bathing and feeding sessions and daily public feeds. Travelers come to observe young and adult elephants, learn about rehabilitation practices and watch river baths.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a government-run facility in Sabaragamuwa Province created to care for orphaned and injured elephants. It functions as a nursery and public display centre where visitors can observe elephant care routines.
Founded in the mid-1970s to address concerns for orphaned and injured elephants, the orphanage has since become a focused centre for captive care and public education about elephant conservation.
The facility sits beside a river in the lowland interior of Sabaragamuwa Province and is accessed from nearby towns that serve as regional transport hubs.
- Founding: Established in 1975 as a government-run elephant care facility, it focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and breeding of orphaned or injured elephants.
How to Get to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage #
Pinnawala is about 90 km northeast of Colombo and a short drive from Kandy; regular buses and private transfers run from both cities. The orphanage sits near Rambukkana and is a common day-trip for visitors based in Kandy.
Tips for Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage #
- Arrive at the bathing times (usually mid-morning or mid-afternoon) to see elephants in the river - the public feeding times can be busy but are engaging.
- If the sanctuary is very crowded, explore surrounding fields and the small museum for quieter interpretation of elephant rehabilitation.
- Consider booking directly with the orphanage's official booking office for combined transport and guided visits.
Best Time to Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage #
Accessible year-round; peak tourist months coincide with Sri Lanka's dry season.
Weather & Climate near Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage #
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2455 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (258 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (382 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (330 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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