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devat81 Says: The Elephants are allowed to bathe in the Maha Oya river twice a day (10:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM). The time we reached the Orphanage it was time for the giants to take a bath.The Bathing time is a fabulous time to follow the elephants closely. The entry of the...
devat81 Says: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants located northwest of the town of Kegalle, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation on a coconut plantation on the Maha Oya river. The orphanage was...
Sambawalk Says: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today.There are 4 feeding time. The first one is 9am. Then you can stroll around the open area where you can take pictures with the elephants....
yumyum Says: What a pleasure to watch these animals enjoying themselves in the river! One wishes almost to join them.
yumyum Says: You have to be in place when the elephants start coming down the alley to take a bath in the river. It's just amazing how close you get to so many elephants. It's quite a sight when they all but stampede down to the river.
yumyum Says: This elephant orphanage is one of the cutest places I've ever been to. So many elephants at such close range is hard to find, except maybe in Chobe National Park in Botswana. Anyway, there is an entrance fee to the orphanage and if you want to take your picture with an...
yumyum Says: Since I came here with a tour group, our tables were already reserved. I don't remember what exactly I ate but I remember that there was a buffet.The entrance to the restaurant is a giant elephant.
Pinnawala Restaurant: River Elephant views
freya_heaven Says: We only had a drink here. The restaurant is next to the river where the elephant come to bathe twice a day. Get there early if you want to have a ring side seat to watch the bathing. To be honest it really doesnt matter what the food is like when the elephants are are...
devat81 Says: We were picked up by our tour Agent Naim Mirza Hussain (Begum Tours) from Colombo Airport in the morning and drove to Pinnawala (3 hours). We have not used public transport so based on our experience I'd recommend to hire a vehicle if you are traveling from Colombo or...
yumyum Says: Sometimes an elephant has to be transported somewhere. Therefore a vehicule has to be found that takes its weight and is big enough to tie up an elephant. We were fortunate enough to see such a transport.
devat81 Says: There are a number of shops along the way to the river where they sell paper products from Elephant Dung. There is a shop near the main road which hosts a small demonstration of the process. There are a number of local crafts made out of elephant dung paper like notepad,...
yumyum Says: Just when you enter the orphanage there is a shop to the left of the cashier. I bought a lot of notebooks with elephants on them there. They make good presents and the paper inside is special.If you want more commercial souvenirs then you may buy them in the alley that takes...
yumyum Says: You may get the impression that elephants are very peaceful. Most of the time they are, nevertheless you always need to watch out for the unexpected and if you are next to the elephant obey its mahout.
Not the Elephant Orphanage you're thinking of!
Mozumbus Says: We took a rikshaw from the Pinnawala junction of Colombo-Kandy road to the Elephant Orphanage (for LKR 100). The young Tuk-Tuk driver found us an easy target and took us to a fake place! He was not that wrong in assessing poor us!! He also remained around to make sure that...
edward.martin Says: you should must see activity the elephant bathelephant feedingelephant ridingmaking of elephant poo paper factory (just opposite to the entrance of the pinnawala elephant orphange.the hotel was amazing (hotel elephant bay)fantastic activity in pinnawala cheers
yumyum Says: Of course, there are busloads of tourists here and you are not alone. I suggest that you just ignore all the other tourists and enjoy the experience with your favourite big five!
cazz38 Says: I would say wear really comfy shoes,light clothes and take lots of drinking water and dont forget your video camera and your normal cameras.
cazz38 Says: After leaving Kandy just before we arrived at the elephant orphanage there is a shop along the roadside,it sells the best cashew nuts we tasted it also sells bottled water, fizzy drinks and those lovely red bananas.There is also a toilet which you can use.
Mozumbus Says: There is a branch of Ceylone Bank just inside the entrance of the Elephant Orphanage where one can exchange the currency. We found the rates comparable to what we found outside Colombo airport. Service was fast and the staff was friendly.
cazz38 Says: While paying to get into the Elephant orphanage you will be charged extra for either a normal camera or a video camera.
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Plan a Pinnawala vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Pinnawala locals
The Elephants that are reared here are trained to become working animals.This is the best chance to see Elephants up close.
Q: Hi, Does anyone know a good hotel near to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala? Ideally we'd want rooms with air...
A: Hi. It`s easier to find a hotel in Kandy, and from there you can go by bus, or take a taxi. Have a nice trip!
Read 5 Replies
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If you are in Sri Lanka dont miss going to the orphange,its run by the goverment and takes in orphaned and injured elephants.
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Pinnawala is a village in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka. Located around 90 km from the capital, Colombo off A1 (Colombo-Kandy Road). It is well known for its elephant orphanage. We were picked up by...
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I loved it here, There are SOOO many beautiful elephants of all ages. The Government run Orphanage was set up to look after Orphaned and wild Elephants. There are over 60 in the orphanage. When......
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Pinnawela is a small town a short distance from Kegalle. Established in 1975 as a place to house young elephants who found themselves separated and lost from their herds or orphaned by poachers.
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