Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation on a picturesque 25-acre coconut plantation along the banks of the Ma Oya River, is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic and beloved wildlife attractions. Created initially to provide lifesaving care and refuge for five orphaned baby elephants found abandoned in the wild, Pinnawala has grown into one of the largest captive breeding herds of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) in the world, caring for dozens of elephants spanning three generations.

The absolute highlight of visiting Pinnawala is the daily river bathing ritual. Twice a day—from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM—the entire herd is led down the village street to the broad, flowing waters of the Ma Oya River. Watching dozens of gentle giants, from massive matriarchs with sweeping ears to playful baby calves, splashing, submerging, spraying water, and rolling playfully in the river against a backdrop of lush palms is a magical sight. Visitors can relax at open-air riverside cafes and restaurant terraces, enjoying a cold Ceylon tea or lunch while observing the herd just meters away.

Back within the main orphanage sanctuary, visitors can observe bottle-feeding sessions where young calves eagerly consume large bottles of milk from dedicated keepers (mahouts). Pinnawala has also pioneered ethical and sustainable eco-tourism initiatives, such as the famous 'Elephant Dung Paper' project (Maximus Elephant Dung Paper), where recycled, sterilized elephant dung is turned into high-quality artisan paper, notebooks, and souvenirs, supporting local rural livelihoods and conservation awareness.