Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Experience
Get up close with rescued elephants and their babies in a heartwarming family adventure
Why Families Love Pinnawala
A unique blend of wildlife encounter, education, and conservation
Baby Elephant Encounters
Watch adorable baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing together
River Bathing Spectacle
See the entire herd walk through town and enjoy their river bath
Incredible Photo Moments
Countless opportunities for family photos with elephants
Conservation Education
Learn about elephant rescue and rehabilitation efforts
Safe Family Environment
Well-organized facility with safety barriers and clear pathways
Predictable Schedule
Fixed feeding and bathing times make planning easy
Daily Elephant Schedule
Plan your visit around these exciting activities
8:15 AMMorning Feeding
Highlight
Watch baby elephants being bottle-fed
Kids Love This Because
Kids love seeing babies drink from giant bottles!
10:00 AMBath Time at River
Highlight
Elephants walk through town to river
Kids Love This Because
Most exciting part - elephants playing in water!
12:00 PMLunch Break
Highlight
Restaurant overlooking elephants
Kids Love This Because
Eat lunch while watching elephants
1:15 PMAfternoon Feeding
Highlight
Adult elephants eating fruits
Kids Love This Because
See how much elephants can eat!
2:00 PMSecond Bath Time
Highlight
Another chance to see river bathing
Kids Love This Because
Perfect for afternoon visitors
5:00 PMEvening Feeding
Highlight
Final feeding of the day
Kids Love This Because
Peaceful end to the visit
Educational Experience
What your family will learn at Pinnawala
Orphan Care
Learn how orphaned baby elephants are rescued and cared for
Kids Learn:
Understanding animal welfare and conservation
Elephant Behavior
Observe social interactions and family bonds
Kids Learn:
How elephants communicate and play together
Conservation Efforts
Discover Sri Lanka's elephant protection programs
Kids Learn:
Why protecting wildlife is important
Daily Care Routine
See how 90+ elephants are fed and maintained
Kids Learn:
Responsibility and caring for animals
Age-Specific Guide
Tailored recommendations for different age groups
2-4 years
Perfect first elephant experience
Tips for this age:
- Stroller-friendly paths
- Feeding times are highlights
- Bring snacks and drinks
Best time to visit: Morning visit when cooler
5-8 years
Ideal age for learning and interaction
Tips for this age:
- They'll love the baby elephants
- Great photo opportunities
- Educational questions encouraged
Best time to visit: Full day to see everything
9-12 years
Educational and entertaining
Tips for this age:
- Can understand conservation message
- Interested in elephant facts
- May want souvenirs
Best time to visit: Include paper factory visit
Teens & Adults
Appreciation for conservation work
Tips for this age:
- Photography opportunities
- Behind-the-scenes interest
- Conservation discussions
Best time to visit: VIP package for deeper experience
Family Visit Packages
Choose the perfect experience for your family
Morning Explorer Package
$12 per child (3-12 years)
Package Includes:
- Entrance tickets to orphanage
- Guided tour with elephant facts
- Prime viewing spots for feeding
- River bathing experience
- Kids' elephant education booklet
- Photo opportunities
Highlights:
Full Day Experience
$22 per child
Package Includes:
- All feeding sessions
- Both bathing times
- Lunch at riverside restaurant
- Elephant dung paper factory visit
- Souvenir for each child
- Professional photo package
Highlights:
VIP Family Package
$40 per child
Package Includes:
- Private guide for your family
- Behind-the-scenes tour
- Meet the mahouts (elephant keepers)
- Special feeding participation
- Premium viewing areas
- Personalized certificate
- Transport from Colombo/Kandy
Highlights:
Essential Visitor Tips
Make the most of your Pinnawala visit
Best Practices
- Arrive 30 minutes before feeding times
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Keep a safe distance from elephants
- Follow all staff instructions
- No flash photography near elephants
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about visiting Pinnawala
Ready to Meet the Elephants?
Create unforgettable memories with gentle giants at Pinnawala