Sri Lanka’s Famous Elephant Village

Pinnawala is a peaceful village in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, best known for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Established in 1975, the orphanage was created to care for orphaned, injured, and rescued elephants, and has become one of the island’s most visited wildlife-related attractions.

The highlight of a visit to Pinnawala is watching the elephants move through the village towards the Maha Oya River for their daily bathing routine. This unique experience gives visitors a close look at Sri Lanka’s elephants in a calm riverside setting, surrounded by tropical greenery and local village life.

Beyond the orphanage, Pinnawala offers a slower rural atmosphere with riverside views, handicraft shops, local restaurants, and nearby cultural stops. Its location between Colombo and Kandy makes it a popular stop for travellers exploring Sri Lanka’s central route.