Wildlife · Pinnawala
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Meeting the Herd
By Days of Iru and Opa
Pinnawala, near Kegalle, is one of the best-known places in Sri Lanka to see elephants up close, a home for orphaned and rescued animals. The highlight is the herd walking down through the town to bathe in the river.
What to expect
At set times the elephants are led to the Maha Oya river to bathe, and you can watch the whole herd in the water. Feeding times are another chance to see the younger animals up close.
Good to know
Check the daily bathing and feeding times before you go, since that is when it is most worth it. Keep a respectful distance and follow the mahouts instructions.
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