Elephants have for centuries been creatures of great importance in the island paradise of Sri Lanka. The world’s first ever elephant orphanage was also established in this island. Spread over 25 acres, it’s a beautiful place filled with lush greenery and even has a gurgling river flowing through.
Home to a large number of elephants, you find young ones, old ones, injured ones and also healthy ones, all living as one big family. The Pinnawala elephant orphanage provides a great opportunity to have a first-hand experience with these majestic animals.
Located 90kms away from Colombo, it is just 3kms away from the Rambukkana junction. Formed in 1975, the orphanage was initialled started with the aim of protecting elephants from becoming extinct. A phenomenon that was a viable threat after the British visited the island in 1815.
The feeding time for baby elephants is 10.00am, therefore you don’t really have to be there in the wee hours of the morning. Be there on time and you can not only see the baby fellows being fed but you can also touch and pet them. While you cannot touch the older elephants you can watch them feed on ‘Kithul’ leaves. At around 11 am all the animals amble slowly towards the river. It’s bath time! Splashes, trumpeting, more splashes, watching this mammoth creatures having a playful time is extremely entertaining and for an additional amount, you are also allowed to take picture.
If you are wondering about whether these animals are taken care of, well they are by over 100 people. Almost 14,000kgs of food is allocated for these elephants every day and they are all used to human visitors.
Since Pinnawela is withing traveling distance from many cities, you can choose to stay anywhere. If you are looking for a particular kind of place, like a Sri Lanka Ayurveda Hotel, that wouldn’t be a problem either. Spa Hotel Sri Lanka are located in most popular tourist areas. Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in Negombo is one such place. Since it is by the beach, you can also spend quality time, enjoying the waves and the sun.
