Travel Guide of Pinnawala in Sri Lanka by Influencers and Travelers

Pinnawala is a village in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka and is around 90 km from the capital, Colombo. It is well known for its elephant orphanage.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Pinnawala

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens

   6 km away
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2 - Seethawaka

   13 km away
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3 - Henarathgoda

   24 km away

Gampaha Botanical Garden, also known as Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is situated in the suburb of Gampaha. It was established in 1876 by the British to conduct experiments on exotic economic plants such as Rubber, and explore plant wealth and development of economy in the colony.

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4 - Colombo

   29 km away

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. According to the Brookings Institution, Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper.

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5 - Kollupitiya

   30 km away

Kollupitiya, also known as Colpetty is a major neighbourhood of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The name Kollupitiya comes from the name of a chief from Kandy who had unsuccessfully attempted to dethrone the last king of Kandy.

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6 - Pettah

   31 km away

The Pettah Market also called Manning Market is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The entrance to the Pettah Market is marked formally by a tall monument in the centre of a roundabout, known as the Khan Clock Tower which was built by the family of Framjee Bhickajee Khan, an eminent Parsi family from Bombay who used to have substantial business interests in the country and who also owned the Colombo Oil Mills.

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7 - Galle Face

   31 km away

One Galle Face is a mixed-use complex of buildings currently being built near the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is also Sri Lanka's first internationally and developed and managed mixed use project and was officially opened on 8 November 2019.

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8 - Red Masjid

   31 km away
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9 - World Trade Center

   31 km away
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10 - Galle

   36 km away

Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.

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11 - Negombo

   45 km away

Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province, 38 km from Colombo via Colombo - Katunayake Expressway.

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Pictures and Stories of Pinnawala from Influencers

2 pictures of Pinnawala from Shashank Hudkar, , and other travelers

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Why should you visit Pinnawala ?

Travel to Pinnawala if you like:

  🐾 Wildlife  

How to visit Pinnawala ?

Why traveling there?

Pinnawala, Sri Lanka is a charming village famous for its elephant orphanage, which is a major tourist attraction. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about these gentle giants and their conservation. Additionally, Pinnawala boasts lush greenery, scenic beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a serene vacation spot.

How to get there?

Pinnawala is located about 90 km from the capital city of Colombo, and the easiest way to reach the village is by hiring a private taxi or joining a group tour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Rambukkana, which is the nearest station to Pinnawala. From Rambukkana, a tuk-tuk ride of approximately 30 minutes will take you to the village.

What to book in advance?

While you can visit Pinnawala without booking anything in advance, it is recommended to pre-book your accommodation and arrange transportation, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, you may want to book a guided tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to ensure a more informative and enjoyable experience.

What are the costs?

The entrance fee for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is approximately $20 for adults and $10 for children. Transportation costs will vary depending on your chosen mode, but a round-trip taxi from Colombo to Pinnawala may cost around $50-$60. Meals and other expenses in the village are generally affordable, with a typical meal at a local restaurant costing around $5-$10.

What are the best things to do?

The main attraction in Pinnawala is the Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe the elephants being fed and bathed, and even participate in feeding sessions. Other activities include exploring the village's picturesque surroundings, visiting nearby temples, and taking a leisurely walk along the banks of the Ma Oya River.

Where to eat?

1. Hotel Pinnalanda: This riverside restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, with the added bonus of stunning views of elephants bathing in the river.
2. RIVER ELEPHANT: A cozy eatery serving a mix of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
3. Pinnawala Hotel: Offering a range of Sri Lankan and international cuisine, the hotel's restaurant is another great spot to enjoy a meal while watching the elephants.

Where to stay?

1. Pinnawala Hotel: A comfortable hotel that offers clean, air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant with stunning river views.
2. Hotel Elephant Park: This hotel features well-equipped rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river.
3. Hotel Elephant Bay: A budget-friendly option with basic but clean rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local and international dishes.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Pinnawala, venture out to the nearby Millennium Elephant Foundation, a lesser-known elephant sanctuary that focuses on the welfare of the animals. Here, you can participate in an "Elephant Walk Experience," which allows you to accompany an elephant on a walk through the lush countryside, learning about their behavior, needs, and conservation. This activity provides an intimate and ethical way to interact with these majestic creatures while supporting their ongoing care and protection.

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