The village of Pinnawala is in the district of Kegalle; in the Sabaragamuwa province. The village has gained a reputation because of its elephant orphanage which is home to over 100 elephants; the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.
It was started up by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department with the aim of taking orphaned or lost elephants under the wings of caretakers; who will nurse them them back to health, and look after them.
Visiting this orphanage is a great way to get up close and personal with the elephants, and you’ll get opportunities here that you wouldn’t get to do with any regular wild elephant you find.
What you can do
You’ll get to be an onlooker as the young elephants are bottle fed; this usually starts off at around 9:15 am, and then takes place again at 1 pm, and 5 pm. Sometimes the caretakers may allow you to feed these creatures some fruits yourself from their platforms, as most of them are used to people and are quite friendly.
The orphanage is built right next to the Maha Oya, the 9th longest river in the country. So in between feeding times, the elephants are taken to the river for their baths; usually twice a day for each one. These creatures love water, and watching them frolicking around in it during their bath is definitely entertaining, and something you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Along the narrow lane that leads to Maha Oya are shops that are filled with all things “elephant”; from keychains and ornaments to clothing. There is also a factory that makes paper out of elephant dung, where you can buy as much eco-friendly stationery as you want. These pieces are all beautiful, unusual depictions of Sri Lanka’s art culture, and make great souvenirs to take back with you.
These baby elephants are bound to touch your heart and make your day through their childlike behaviour; from innocently eating whatever they can to playing with each other in the waters. Even if you don’t walk in to this orphanage as an elephant lover, it is guaranteed that you will walk out as one.
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