Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Colombo

Advantages: Amazing experience
Disadvantages: Long journey

BACKGROUND: In the 60's the Sri Lankan elephant had become endangered.Partly due to farmers killing them to protect their land but mainly because they were hunted for their tusks by poachers.This was outlawed by the government in the 70's & Pinnawella elephant orphanage was started. Abandoned or injured elephants of all ages are reared here and trained to become working elephants.Some of the young ones are fitted with tracking collars and succesfully ...
...to live their life in freedom. WHERE: Situated on route to Kandy the hill district,50 miles from the capital Columbo and just north of Kegalle in the Kegalla District,Pinnawela elephant orphanage is a must see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. The time to arrive is noon and unless you stay in a nearby hotel your tour guide or driver will make sure you arrive on time.If you are coming from a coastal resort you will need to set off very early in the ... Read review

Advantages: Get to see wonderful animals and a great day out
Disadvantages: None!!

...by Sri Lanka Widelife department. Pinnawela is an orphanage situated about 90Km from Colombo and is one of the few elephant orphanages around the world. This is a breading place for adult and baby elephants as well as protecting from poachers. The orphanage is there to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Often the young ones fall into pits and ravines in their quest for water during drought period. Baby elephants ...
...The baby elephants are fed early in the morning around 8. Then during mid day they are all taken 400 metres to the river of maha oya where they bath. Here you can get great photo with them and enjoy view at the local bar,restaurant situated there. Don't stand too close they will spray you with water as well!! I am not sure about prices there....this was a 2 week holiday all inclusive and well worth it for the price. Taken around by a Sri Lankan tour ... Read review