Pinnawala Day Tour: Encounter Gentle Giants

Location covered: A swift ride up the hills of approximately 70 km towards Kandy will take you on a memorable Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tour. At Pinnawala, visit the ‘orphaned’ elephants of the wild. These gentle giants are tamed, fed, and cared for daily. Watch as they make their way down the road for their bath in the nearby Mahaweli River.

On the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tour, you’ll see baby elephants playing and dancing in the water. They laugh with their elders, and children mainly enjoy the sight. The playful behaviour of the young elephants makes this experience even greater delightful.

Moreover, observe how these orphaned elephants, once struggling in the wild without their parents, have adapted to their new life. They now live within a ‘community’ at the orphanage. Previously, they faced harsh conditions with limited vegetation and water. Human development and expanding settlements have significantly reduced their natural habitat.

This shelter plays a vital role in protecting the space these elephants need. It provides a haven for these gentle giants, who face the threat of extinction due to habitat loss. Thus, the orphanage helps ensure their survival.

Additionally, the tour includes a visit to a gem shop, wood carving shop, and batik shop. Here, you can explore local crafts and purchase tea and spices. This combination of wildlife conservation and cultural exploration makes the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tour both enriching and unforgettable.

Inclusions:

Transport to Pinnawela from Colombo and back

Lunch on tour

Entrance fees to: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Exclusions:

Anything that is not mentioned above