PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, SRI LANKA

 THE SRI LANKA EXPERIENCE: 

PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

Coming from a country like the U.S. where it is rare to see an elephant any where other than the Zoo, Sri Lanka feels like the country of elephants. It is quite fascinating to come across elephants meandering down the road and being cared for in the city park.

Sri Lanka offers an interesting opportunity to interact with these flappy eared mammals. Especially if you find yourself with enough time to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.  

The Elephant Orphanage is located outside of Colombo. Depending on where you are coming from expect this attraction to be a day trip where you will need to take either a bus or train to get to Rambukkana and then a local tuktuk to get to the Orphanage. 

The orphanage has some fun activities that are worth exploring while you visit. 

BATH TIME IN THE RIVER
One of the main activities is observing and washing (if you want to pay an extra fee) the elephants at the river. I found this quite entertaining to see how affectionate and playful the herd was in the river. 

The elephants also get a wash down from a power jet stream as they exit the river before heading back to the orphanage grounds. 


PARK GROUNDS WITHIN THE ORPHANAGE
Within the orphanage is a well maintained park that visitors can enjoy. Shaded with many varieties of trees and plants it would make for a great picnic spot. 



LARGE VIEWING/LOOKOUT AREAS
You will find elephants throughout the park and have ample opportunity to observe them at close range. The herd is led through the park by staff for their river bath twice a day. 

A log lookout post has been placed for watching the elephants relaxing in open land. 

Pins have also been constructed for the care and training of the herd where you can also see them up close. 


SHOPPING ALONG THE RIVER
Shops line the alley pathway that the elephant herd walks to get to and from the river. It is a good place to buy souvenirs and knick-knacks, like elephant poop paper (Yes, it is a really a thing!).

ELEPHANT LOVE

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