Excursion Elephants of pinnawela tour at Colombo

Learn about and observe the care, feeding and conservation of the elephants of Pinnawela during this memorable full-day tour to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

Depart the pier for a short 15-minute drive to the Colombo Railway Station. On arrival, board the train for the approximate 2-hour ride to Rambukana Railway Station where your coach will be waiting for the short transfer to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Rest assured, the short journey is well worth it! During the ride, take in the scenic beauty of the lush, green Sri Lankan countryside from the grandeur of your air-conditioned train car.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was created to care for baby elephants found abandoned or orphaned. Today, approximately 80 animals are cared for, fed, studied and trained by the Sri Lankan Wildlife Authority. Once acclimated to a lifestyle in captivity, the elephants are unable to care for themselves in the wild. As a result, they grow up and reproduce in the protection of the reserve, and very small babies may be spotted amongst the ever-growing family.

Elephant Care, Bathing & Feeding

During your visit, the staff explains and demonstrates the care afforded to these magnificent animals, as well as the on-going battle for the conservation of their native habitats. If your timing is right, you can observe the staff helping the elephants take their daily bath in the nearby river. Your visit includes a relaxing lunch at the Pinnalanda River View restaurant, followed by an opportunity to watch the elephants being fed.

At the conclusion of your visit, board your coach for the approximate 3.5 hour drive back to the pier. A comfort stop will be made en-route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo Railway Station, Train Ride, Sri Lankan Countryside, Rambukana Railway Station, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Elephant Care, Bathing and Feeding

Note

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 530 yards (484 metres) over uneven surfaces and 40 steps at the Colombo Railway Station, 60 steps at the Rambukkana Railway Station, 8 steps at the Pinnalanda River View Restaurant and 50 steps at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Vehicles used are the best available in the city; they are not of the same standards as vehicles found in Western countries. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection from the ship. Expect crowds at the sites visited. The train is air-conditioned and the Pinnalanda River View restaurant is air-cooled. Elephants at Pinnawela are not fully-tamed; guests should avoid proximity with the animals. Total time spent at the orphanage is approximately 1.25 hours, and 1-hour for lunch.