Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with Kids: Complete Travel Guide
- rachnamone
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
There are wildlife experiences… and then there are moments that stay with your children forever.
Watching dozens of elephants walk right past us toward the river at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was one of those moments.
And yes — traffic literally stops. Because here, elephants have the right of way.
If you’re visiting Kegalle with kids, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss. I am going to compile our experience , costs, duration and other features here, so that you can decide if you want to experience pinnawala for yourself!
Here is your Complete Guide to visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with Kids -
What Is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?
Established in 1975, Pinnawala is a sanctuary that cares for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants in Sri Lanka.
Today, it’s home to one of the largest captive herds of Asian elephants in the world.
But what makes visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with kids unforgettable for families isn’t just the numbers.
It’s the walk.
Twice a day, the elephants leave the sanctuary and walk through the town toward the river for their bath.
We stood by the roadside as:
Massive tuskers walked calmly past us
Baby elephants shuffled close to their mothers
Keepers guided the herd gently
Cars, buses, and scooters waited silently
For a few minutes, the world paused.
And my kids? Completely wide-eyed.
There’s something incredibly grounding about seeing animals command space so naturally.
Check out our instagram for the the Elephant walk video!
Bath Time at the River
At the river, the elephants splash, roll, spray water, and interact playfully.
The calves are especially magical to watch.
It felt less like a “tourist attraction” and more like observing a powerful daily ritual.
If you’re traveling with children, this is the part they’ll talk about long after the trip.
Costs & Tickets — What You Pay at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Entry Fees (Approximate and Subject to Change)
Tickets vary depending on nationality and age:
Foreign Adults: ~USD 16 – 18 (≈ ₹1,350 – ₹1,500)
Foreign Children (3–12 yrs): ~USD 8 – 10 (≈ ₹680 – ₹850)
SAARC Nationals (incl. Indians):
Adults: ~USD 11 (≈ ₹930)
Children: ~USD 6 (≈ ₹510)
Elephant Bathing Experience / Feeding: Extra charges apply .
Elephant rides are not available.
Practical Tips for Visiting Pinnawala with Kids
Go Early -
River bathing happens at morning 10 am and afternoon 2 pm, so make sure you reach an hour in advance so that you hav sufficient time to view the elephants in the orphanage, spend time feeding "fruits" to elephants and witness tha walk(which is the most unique experience). Morning sessions are less crowded and cooler.
Stand Safely-
Follow instructions from staff. The elephants are calm but enormous.
Choose a Good Viewing Spot-
Restaurants overlooking the river give you a slightly elevated, safer view — great if traveling with younger kids.
Carry caps, sunscreen and water -
It can get very hot, especially during the afternoon sessions.
Is Pinnawala Ethical?
This is a common question.
Like many wildlife sanctuaries worldwide, it exists in a grey space between conservation and tourism. It was created to rehabilitate orphaned elephants, but it is also a popular tourist site.
As parents, we used this visit to talk about:
Why elephants become orphaned
Habitat loss
Human-wildlife conflict
The importance of conservation
Travel becomes deeper when we add context.
Would We Recommend It?
Yes — especially for families visiting Sri Lanka.
Because beyond the photos, beyond the reels, it creates awareness.
And honestly? Watching your children instinctively step back in awe as 60 elephants walk past them is something you don’t forget.
If you're planning a Sri Lanka itinerary with kids, don’t miss visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with kids.
And if you’ve been — tell me: Did traffic stop for elephants when you visited too?
FAQs About Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
1. Is Pinnawala worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Watching elephants walk through town and bathe in the river is a unique and memorable experience for children.
2. What is the best time to visit?
Morning (around 10 AM) for the river bath session — it’s cooler and less crowded.
3. How long should we plan for?
About 2–3 hours to see the walk and bath.
4. Is it safe for children?
Yes, if you follow staff instructions and maintain a safe distance.
5. Can you touch or feed the elephants?
There are supervised feeding experiences available for an additional fee. Always follow staff instructions and avoid unsupervised interaction.
6. How far is it from Colombo and Kandy?
About 2.5–3 hours from Colombo and 1.5 hours from Kandy.
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