Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Millennium Elephant Foundation

Pinnawala is renowned for its Elephant Orphanage. Managed by the Sri Lankan government, the orphanage primarily shelters elephants that would not have survived in the wild on their own. Most of them were injured or disabled, and there are also young elephants either abandoned by their herds or missing their parents. All are cared for at the elephant orphanage, which was established in 1975.

Approximately 88 adult elephants and around 15 baby elephants reside at Pinnawala elephant orphanage. Visitors often come to see these majestic animals and witness the well-known river bathing time. Each day, the entire herd is taken to the river for a refreshing bath. Interaction with these giants at the orphanage is limited, but if you're fortunate, you might have the opportunity to feed the baby elephants with large milk bottles.

Millennium Elephant Foundation is operated by a charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for orphaned and injured elephants. Established in 1999, the Foundation offers a more hands-on experience with the elephants. They also run volunteer programs in which you can participate. Be sure to take the chance to wash and scrub one of these giants during your visit.

There is also an elephant dung paper factory, where paper craft products are made using elephant dung. Don't miss the tour to see how these unique papers are produced, and you can purchase a souvenir to commemorate your trip. Additionally, you can visit the Pinnawela Zoo.

The temperature ranges from 28°C in March to 25°C in January. This region is warm with occasional showers throughout the year. The best time to visit is January, March, and from June to mid-September.

The best locations to stay in Pinnawela are Hotel Elephant Park, Hotel Elephant Bay, Hotel Pinnalanda, Cafe Pinnalanda, Suwani Pinnawala Homestay, Greenland Guest House, Hotel Elephant Bay, Eden Lodge and, Green Leaves Garden.