mahaweli Tours & Holidays
Pinnawala Day
(From Kandy / Colombo /Negombo)
Looking for a memorable Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Day Tour from Kandy, Colombo, or Negombo? Mahaweli Tours & Holidays invites you on a heartwarming journey to one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved attractions — the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This full-day private tour combines wildlife, nature, and culture, offering the perfect escape from city life and a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
Introduction to the Pinnawala Day Tour
The Pinnawala Day Tour is one of the most popular excursions in Sri Lanka, loved by both local and international travelers. This unique experience allows you to witness the gentle giants of Sri Lanka in a peaceful riverside setting, surrounded by lush greenery and rural charm.
Whether you’re staying in Kandy, Colombo, or Negombo, this tour offers a scenic drive through the Sri Lankan countryside, with opportunities to visit spice gardens, tea factories, and small villages along the way. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation, education, and adventure — all packed into one unforgettable day.
About Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Located about 90 km from Colombo and 40 km from Kandy, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. It was created to provide shelter, food, and medical care for orphaned and injured elephants found in the wild.
Today, Pinnawala is home to over 80 elephants and is one of the world’s largest sanctuaries for Asian elephants. Visitors can observe them as they are fed by caretakers, walk to the nearby Maha Oya River to enjoy their daily bath, and watch baby elephants being bottle-fed — a heartwarming highlight of the visit.
This sanctuary promotes ethical tourism and animal welfare, making it a must-visit for those who wish to see elephants in a humane and responsible environment.
About Millennium Elephant Foundation
A short distance from the orphanage lies the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF), a family-run charity dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants. Visitors here can walk beside an elephant, learn about their diet, behavior, and medical needs, and even participate in responsible bathing sessions.
Unlike traditional rides, MEF focuses on education and conservation, giving travelers a chance to contribute to elephant welfare and understand the challenges these animals face in the modern world.
Additional Experiences (Optional)
Depending on your schedule and interests, your tour can include optional visits to a Spice Garden or Tea Factory (if you start your tour from Kandy):
- Spice Garden (Mawanella area) – Learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and clove. Discover their uses in Ayurveda, medicine, and cuisine through live demonstrations.
- Tea Factory – Visit a working tea factory to see how the island’s famous Ceylon Tea is produced, from leaf plucking to processing. You’ll also have the chance to taste a freshly brewed cup of authentic Sri Lankan tea.
Tour Highlights
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions
Learn about elephant care and conservation at Millennium Elephant Foundation
Witness the elephants bathing in the river – a truly magical experience
Optional visits to a Spice Garden or Tea Factory for added cultural immersion
Enjoy a private, comfortable, and fully guided day tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays
Pinnawala Day Tour from Kandy
Pick-up: From your hotel or a pre-discussed location in Kandy
Starting Time: 8:00 AM
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and witness elephants bathing in the river
Visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation for an educational and ethical elephant experience
Optional visits to Spice Garden and Tea Factory (based on guest preferences)
Drop-off: Return to your hotel or same pick-up location in Kandy
🕒 Approximate Duration: 8–9 hours
Pinnawala Day Tour from Colombo or Negombo
Pick-up: From your hotel or pre-discussed location in Colombo or Negombo
Starting Time: 6:00 AM
Scenic countryside drive with optional photo stops
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Explore Millennium Elephant Foundation
Drop-off: Return to your hotel or same pick-up location in Colombo or Negombo
🕒 Approximate Duration: 10–11 hours
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
English-speaking chauffeur/guide
Bottled water
Fuel surcharge
Lunch and drinks
Entry fees / activity charges for white-water rafting and other activities
Entry tickets for optional visits (Tea Factory etc.)
Personal expenses
Book Your Pinnawala Day Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays
Contact Us:
Phone: +94777 111553
WhatsApp: +94777 111553
Email: info@mahaweli.lk
Experience the wonder of Sri Lanka’s elephants up close with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays — where every journey becomes a story to remember. Book your Pinnawala Day Tour today and enjoy a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and nature in one unforgettable day!
