Pinnawala

We visited Pinnawala with our two young children aged five and eight and it was without question the single most magical and memorable experience of our entire two week Sri Lanka adventure. From the moment we arrived and our children caught their first glimpse of the baby elephant calves being bottle fed in the orphanage grounds the excitement and wonder on their faces was something I will treasure as a parent for the rest of my life. The river bathing at 10am was absolutely spectacular — watching the entire herd of over eighty elephants make their way down to the water and plunge in with such obvious joy and enthusiasm was one of those extraordinary natural moments that stops time completely. My five year old still talks about the baby elephant she fed fruit to at the river bank every single day. Pinnawala is pure magic for families.

Sarah L.

United Kingdom

As someone who cares deeply about wildlife conservation and the welfare of animals in captivity I visited Pinnawala with a degree of caution and a critical eye — and left completely reassured and genuinely moved by what I found there. The elephants at Pinnawala are clearly well cared for, deeply bonded with their mahouts, and living in conditions of genuine comfort and natural social richness that reflect real dedication to their wellbeing. The river bathing experience was one of the most joyful and life affirming wildlife spectacles I have ever witnessed — the elephants enter the water with such obvious pleasure and enthusiasm that it is impossible not to share their joy completely. The breeding programme has produced remarkable results for the conservation of the Asian elephant and the work being done here deserves far greater international recognition. An extraordinary place staffed by extraordinary people.

Hans B.

Germany

I had not planned to visit Pinnawala — it was added to our itinerary as a spontaneous suggestion by our wonderful driver guide on the way from Colombo to Kandy and it turned out to be the most unexpectedly moving experience of our entire Sri Lanka journey. Nothing prepares you for the emotional impact of seeing the largest captive herd of Asian elephants in the world up close in such a natural and peaceful setting. Watching the mahouts interact with the elephants — the obvious trust, affection, and deep mutual understanding between the keepers and these magnificent animals built over years of daily care — was profoundly touching. The river bathing was spectacular beyond words. I stood on the bank watching these incredible creatures splash and play in the golden afternoon light and felt a sense of profound gratitude and wonder that I carry with me still. Do not miss Pinnawala — it will stay with you forever.

Jennifer K.

United States