ELEPHANTS ORPHANAGE - PINNAWALA

One of the most popular attractions of a holiday in Sri Lanka is a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Originally set up to care for five abandoned elephant calves over thirty years ago, it has evolved into one of Sri Lanka's premier tourist attractions, in a self-propagating project; as the animals matured and bred so too the number of visitors swelled.

 

  The sensitive approach the orphanage takes to the nurturing of its residents makes Pinnawala a very special place. The elephants themselves are extremely gentle and you can walk amongst them freely without fear. You can wander down to the river and watch them wallowing in the shallows, and they are so used to human contact that often a cheeky trunk will curl out to nudge you in a shy, curious greeting. A visit to the orphanage is a magical day out and will be a highlight of any Sri Lanka holiday.