Pinnawela

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located northwest of Kegalle, roughly halfway between Colombo and the historic city of Kandy, in the hills of central Sri Lanka. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department, the orphanage spans a 25-acre coconut estate along the Maha Oya River. Originally founded to provide care and protection for orphaned elephants found in the wild, Pinnawala has become one of Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife attractions. As of 2008, the orphanage is home to approximately 84 elephants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle giants in a natural setting.