Sri Lanka : Day Tour to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Zoo

Exploring the enchanting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Zoo in Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to witness the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. This immersive day tour provides close-up encounters, allowing visitors to observe the elephants’ natural routines during feeding and bathing sessions. With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and convenient pickup options, this unforgettable experience promises a deeper understanding of elephant care and conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. But what secrets might these gentle giants hold?

Key Points

• The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage tour in Sri Lanka is priced at $199 per person and includes a 3-hour visit to observe elephants being fed and bathed.
• The tour features live English-speaking guides and private luxury transportation, with pickup and drop-off available from 28 locations across Sri Lanka.
• Highlights of the tour include the world’s largest herd of captive elephants, opportunities for close-up photos, and learning about the orphanage’s history and breeding program.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible for those with mobility impairments, and comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended for the visit.
• The tour includes all entrance fees, private transportation, bottled water, and required permits, but excludes meals, beverages, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The day tour to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the daily routines and care of a large herd of captive elephants.

Priced from $199 per person, the 1-day tour includes a 3-hour visit to the orphanage, where guests can observe the elephants being bottle-fed, fed, and bathed in the Ma Oya River.

The tour features live English-speaking guides and private luxury transportation, with pickup and drop-off options in 28 locations across Sri Lanka.

Itineraries are subject to change, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible for those with mobility impairments.

Itinerary and Locations

As part of the day tour, the main stop is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where visitors can spend up to 3 hours exploring the facility.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off options from 28 locations, including popular destinations like Colombo, Negombo, and Hikkaduwa.

The tour offers pickup and drop-off options from 28 locations, including Colombo, Negombo, and Hikkaduwa.

The itinerary is subject to change, but typically includes:

1. Observing the daily routines of the world’s largest herd of captive elephants, including bottle-feeding, feeding, and bathing in the Ma Oya River.

2. Learning about the orphanage’s history and breeding program.

3. Opportunities to get close to the elephants for photos.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Highlights

Visitors to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage can observe the world’s largest herd of captive elephants, currently numbering 71 individuals as of 2023.

Guests can watch the elephants’ daily routines, including bottle-feeding, feeding, and bathing in the nearby Ma Oya River. The orphanage offers a unique opportunity to learn about its history and elephant breeding program.

Visitors can get close to the gentle giants for memorable photographs, while maintaining a safe distance as per the rules.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides an immersive experience to appreciate these magnificent creatures up close.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes all entrance fees for the mentioned sites, providing visitors with seamless access to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The tour package also includes:

Private luxury car, bottled water, fees, and medical kit – ensuring a seamless, hassle-free experience for guests.

1. Private luxury car (air-conditioned) with a chauffeur to transport guests comfortably throughout the day.

2. Bottled water, highway fees, and parking fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

3. A first-aid medical kit, as well as all required permits and paperwork, demonstrating the tour’s commitment to safety and compliance.

Exclusions cover meals, beverages, travel insurance, camera/video permits, gratuities, and personal expenses, allowing guests to customize their experience as desired.

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Tour Exclusions

While the tour provides comprehensive inclusions, there are several exclusions that guests should be aware of.

Meals and beverages aren’t covered, so you will need to budget for their own food and drink during the excursion. Travel insurance is also not included, so guests are advised to obtain their own coverage.

Plus, any air-tickets, camera and video permits, guide/driver tips, and personal expenses such as shopping or bar bills, are the responsibility of the traveler.

Important Information

What should guests bring for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage tour? Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring a camera.

Visitors to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and have a camera to capture the experience.

Here are 3 important things to remember:

1. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves walking around the large elephant orphanage.

2. A hat can provide protection from the sun during the outdoor activities.

3. Bringing a camera allows guests to capture the memorable moments spent observing the elephants.

Smoking and flash photography are prohibited within the orphanage premises.

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Recommendations

Choosing appropriate attire is crucial for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage tour.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to navigate the uneven terrain. A hat and sunscreen are essential to protect against the sun’s rays.

It’s advisable to bring a camera, but flash photography is prohibited to avoid startling the elephants. Smoking isn’t allowed within the orphanage premises.

Maintain a safe distance from the elephants and avoid bringing food or drinks, as this could disrupt their routine.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, visitors with mobility impairments can still enjoy the experience with caution and assistance.

Booking Details

To book the day tour to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Zoo, travelers can reserve their spot online and pay later. The booking process is straightforward:

1. Select the desired pickup and drop-off locations from the 28 options available, including Colombo, Negombo, and Hikkaduwa.

2. Choose the date and time that best fits the schedule.

3. Complete the booking by providing the necessary details, and pay nothing upfront.

Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common Questions

Are Souvenirs Available for Purchase at the Elephant Orphanage?

Yes, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a variety of souvenirs for purchase, including shirts, hats, key chains, and handicrafts made by local artisans. Visitors can browse and buy these mementos during their visit to the orphanage.

Can I Interact or Feed the Elephants During the Visit?

Visitors can observe the elephants during their daily routines but aren’t allowed to interact or feed them directly. Strict guidelines are in place to maintain a safe distance and protect the elephants’ well-being.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Specific Attire Required?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing. Avoid wearing bright colors or loud patterns that could startle the elephants. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety when walking around the orphanage.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, though it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. The tour is open to all ages, but parental supervision is recommended for minors.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Details?

The details don’t mention any additional costs or fees beyond what’s included. However, travelers should budget for expenses like meals, souvenirs, and gratuities for the guide and driver, which aren’t covered by the tour price.

The Sum Up

This day tour to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Zoo in Sri Lanka offers an immersive experience to observe the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Travelers can witness the elephants during their feeding and bathing routines in the Ma Oya River. With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and convenient pickup, this tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about elephant care and capture memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: