Pinnawala

Things to do in Pinnawala

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Attractions
Culture & history
Food & drink
Spa & wellness
Day tours
Outdoor & sports
Water activities
City sightseeing
Nature & wildlife
Travel photography
SIM card
Wi-Fi
Group Tours
Private tours

Top 10 attractions in Pinnawala

View all Attractions
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

5.7
4.5/5
256 reviews
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in the town of Pinnawala, between Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka, and was established by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. The park was initially established to care for orphaned calves that had lost their mothers in the wild, were separated from their herds, had fallen into traps, or were severely injured. After years of development, it has now become a conservation base that integrates elephant rescue, daily care, and breeding. The park focuses on the daily care and protection of elephants, while also opening some areas to visitors, allowing people to observe the elephants' daily activities up close and learn about the related conservation efforts. The park is divided into eastern and western sections by a road, with the eastern side serving as the main area for the elephants' daily life. Visitors can observe the herds feeding from designated areas behind fences, learning about the elephants' dietary habits and social behavior.Pinnawala · 243m from downtown
Elephant Interactions in Sri Lanka
No. 1 of Activities in Sri Lanka

Elephant Interactions in Sri Lanka

3.8
Sri Lanka has a rich elephant population, some of which live in national parks and reserves. Interacting with these gentle giant mammals is an unforgettable experience. At certain times of the day, you can see the elephants walking to the river to start their happy bathing time. At this time, you can watch this spectacular and healing scene from the side, watching them play with water spraying with their trunks, splashing crystal water. You can also feed fruits to the elephants with your own hands under the guidance of the staff, and feel their long trunks gently sweeping away the food. In the elephants' living area, observe them strolling leisurely or resting comfortably, and gain a deeper understanding of their living habits. When interacting with elephants, please follow the rules, respect these lovely creatures, and harvest a warm and beautiful memory.Sri Lanka · Pinnawala
Kandy Lake
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Kandy Lake

5.9
4.7/5
181 reviews
Kandy Lakeis located in the heart of Kandy, a mountain city in central Sri Lanka, and is an iconic artificial lake. The lake area is surrounded by mountains, and its waters reflect the surrounding green hills and urban architecture, creating a tranquil and beautiful mountain city landscape. The lakeshore is lush with trees and shaded, offering a fresh, natural atmosphere for those strolling along it. The lake surface is wide and calm, often reflecting the sky, the mountains, and the white walls of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, presenting a layered view. Birds such as egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers are often seen around the lake, and monitor lizards can be spotted crawling slowly along the shore, showcasing the diversity of the local wetland ecosystem. The lake, trees, and wildlife together create a vibrant natural environment.Kandy · 28.2 km from Pinnawala
Pinnawala Zoo

Pinnawala Zoo

3.2
Pinnawala · 551m from downtown
Susantha Spice & Herbal Garden

Susantha Spice & Herbal Garden

3.5
4.0/5
4 reviews
Kegalle · 12.4 km from Pinnawala
Millennium Elephant Foundation

Millennium Elephant Foundation

3.1
Kegalle · 3 km from Pinnawala
Sri Dalada Maligawa
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sri Dalada Maligawa

5.6
4.5/5
606 reviews
The Temple of the Tooth Relic was built in the 15th century and is famous for enshrining the tooth relic of Sakyamuni, the national treasure of Sri Lanka. The monastery has upper and lower floors, the hall is a hall, surrounded by a moat and guarded by a corner tower, which reflects the typical style of Sinhalese national architecture. There is also a World Buddhism Museum in the temple, which shows the spread and development of Buddhism in the world for tourists.Kandy · 28.1 km from Pinnawala
The Elephant Freedom Project

The Elephant Freedom Project

3.1
Kegalle · 3.9 km from Pinnawala
Sacred City of Kandy

Sacred City of Kandy

5.5
5.0/5
3 reviews
Sacred City of Kandyis situated in a mountain basin in central Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains, and enjoys a cooler, more pleasant climate than the coastal plains. The ancient city unfolds along the lake, where clear, calm waters and lush, shaded surroundings create a beautiful backdrop for the historic buildings along the shore. Its streets, historic buildings, and religious sites combine to create the ancient city's unique atmosphere. The ancient city's lakeside trail is perfect for walking and sightseeing, offering views of the surrounding mountains, the lake, and the buildings along the shore. Streets within the city connect temples, historic sites, and local residential areas, allowing visitors to explore the ancient city on foot and experience local daily life at the shops and eateries along the way.Kandy · 28.1 km from Pinnawala
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

4.7
4.5/5
178 reviews
The Royal Botanical Garden is 5.5 kilometers away from the city of Kandy and covers an area of more than 60 hectares. It is surrounded by the Mahaveli River on three sides. It is also one of the famous tropical botanical gardens and was once the royal garden of the King of Kandy. Introduction to the Park There are a considerable number of plant species and scientific and technological materials in the fields of bioengineering, ecology, conservation and classification. The botanical garden has more than 4,000 species of tropical and subtropical rare plants, and is famous for orchids and giant tropical trees. There is an orchid museum dedicated to cultivating orchids. The botanical garden also has a spice garden with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and other spice plants. The tropical sun at the equator and the Mediterranean climate of the Kandy region allow for lush vegetation, flowers, and spring all year round.Kandy · 23.4 km from Pinnawala

Traveler favorites curated for you

Sigiriya Lion Rock
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Lion Rock

6.5
4.6/5
530 reviews
Sigiriya · 83.7 km from Pinnawala
View all Attractions
Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 5-seater vehicle

Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 5-seater vehicle

Departs from Colombo
Free cancellationBook now for tomorrowDuration: 19 hrsEnglish
From$93.69
View all Culture & history
7D6N • 7 Days Tour in Sri Lanka Hotels with Breakfast and Luxury Car

7D6N • 7 Days Tour in Sri Lanka Hotels with Breakfast and Luxury Car

5/5
48 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From USD 542
View More Private Tours in Pinnawala
8D7N • Pure sightseeing, no shopping + 5-diamond hotels throughout + 2 consecutive nights at a beachfront pool hotel + Yala National Park Safari + Galle Fort + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Hill Country & Coastal Train Rides + Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Level 5
8D7N • Pure sightseeing, no shopping + 5-diamond hotels throughout + 2 consecutive nights at a beachfront pool hotel + Yala National Park Safari + Galle Fort + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Hill Country & Coastal Train Rides + Kandy Cultural Dance Show

2-night consecutive stay at a featured 5-diamond beachfront pool hotel. | Coastal Train Ride + Tea Plantation Train Ride + Horton Plains Hiking + Jeep Safari + Elephant Orphanage + Sea Turtle Hatchery. | Sri Lankan specialty king coconut + traditional Kandy dance performance.
Max. 23 peopleEnglishNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours
From USD 983
View More Group Tours in Pinnawala

Experiences you can't miss in Pinnawala

Featured Culture & history in Pinnawala

View all Culture & history
Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle
󱌍

Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle

Duration: 19.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From$124.03
Private charter tour around Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo fish market + Pinnawala elephant orphanage + Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy&
󱌍

Private charter tour around Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo fish market + Pinnawala elephant orphanage + Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy&

Duration: 10.5 hrs
English
From$291.31
Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets
󱌍

Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets

Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
From$5.83$7.29
Colombo National Museum + Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque + Beira Lake day tour in Sri Lanka
󱌍

Colombo National Museum + Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque + Beira Lake day tour in Sri Lanka

Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From$172.62
Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings
󱌍

Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings

4.8/5
· 77 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for today
97.4% of travelers recommend
From$26.00
Sri Lanka | Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Sri Dalada Maligawa + Kandy Lake + Royal Botanical Gardens | Can be customized&
󱌍

Sri Lanka | Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Sri Dalada Maligawa + Kandy Lake + Royal Botanical Gardens | Can be customized&

Duration: 10.5 hrs
English
From$291.31
Private charter in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo Lagoon mangroves + Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications + stilt fishermen 1-day tour
󱌍

Private charter in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo Lagoon mangroves + Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications + stilt fishermen 1-day tour

Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
From$274.66

Featured Food & drink in Pinnawala

View all Food & drink
Kandy Village Cooking Class
󱌍

Kandy Village Cooking Class

5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From$25.00
Sajee's place cooking class sigiriya
󱌍

Sajee's place cooking class sigiriya

4.9/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From$36.12
COLOMBO PRIVATE guideCITY TOUR WITH street food( All inclusive )
󱌍

COLOMBO PRIVATE guideCITY TOUR WITH street food( All inclusive )

4.3/5
· 46 reviews
Duration: 270 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From$34.00
Ella Sri Lanka: Mom's Kitchen Cooking Class
󱌍

Ella Sri Lanka: Mom's Kitchen Cooking Class

4.9/5
· 109 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
47 consecutive positive reviews
From$30.09
Ella: Tea-Making Experience Tour with Tasting and Snacks
󱌍

Ella: Tea-Making Experience Tour with Tasting and Snacks

4.9/5
· 70 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
48 consecutive positive reviews
From$10.95
Ella: Hands-On Tea Making Experience with Tasting
󱌍

Ella: Hands-On Tea Making Experience with Tasting

5.0/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
From$13.44
Highlights Tour with Tasting & Green Environment in Ella
󱌍

Highlights Tour with Tasting & Green Environment in Ella

Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From$75.23

Featured Day tours in Pinnawala

View all Day tours
Private charter in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo lagoon/elephant orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | admission ticket not included
󱌍

Private charter in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo lagoon/elephant orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | admission ticket not included

Duration: 12.5 hrs
English
From$282.98
Colombo to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | English Private Charter 1-Day Tour
󱌍

Colombo to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | English Private Charter 1-Day Tour

Duration: 10 hrs
English
From$341.25
Sri Lanka Colombo Elephant Orphanage - Kandy Botanical Garden - Kandy Lake | English Private Charter Day Tour
󱌍

Sri Lanka Colombo Elephant Orphanage - Kandy Botanical Garden - Kandy Lake | English Private Charter Day Tour

Duration: 10 hrs
English
From$341.25
Private charter around Colombo, Sri Lanka: 1-day itinerary to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla cave temple | customizable
󱌍

Private charter around Colombo, Sri Lanka: 1-day itinerary to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla cave temple | customizable

Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
From$137.33
Sri Lanka Sinharaja Rain Forest Tour with Transport
󱌍

Sri Lanka Sinharaja Rain Forest Tour with Transport

4.4/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 6–8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From$98.00

More things to do

Private Tours in Pinnawala

View More Private Tours in Pinnawala
7D6N • Sri Lanka+Dambulla + Colombo + Elephant Orphanage + Horton Plains National Park + Yala National Park + New Zealand Farm + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Level 57D6N • Sri Lanka+Dambulla + Colombo + Elephant Orphanage + Horton Plains National Park + Yala National Park + New Zealand Farm + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours
You will receive a complimentary Sri Lankan specialty gift pack containing Ceylon black tea, local snacks, soft drinks, Spa Ceylon handmade soap, dreamcatchers and postcards. · You will get a complimentary 4G SIM card with 16 GB data for every guest. · Private vehicle transfers save you the hassle of changing transportation. With seamless connections throughout the 7-day itinerary, you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery along the way.
From USD 2,318
6D4N • Sri Lanka+Colombo + Pinnawala Elephant Orphange + Royal Botanical Garden + Kandy Temple + Kandy + Mirissa Whale Watching + Turtle Hatchery + Galle Fort + Stilt Fishing

Level 56D4N • Sri Lanka+Colombo + Pinnawala Elephant Orphange + Royal Botanical Garden + Kandy Temple + Kandy + Mirissa Whale Watching + Turtle Hatchery + Galle Fort + Stilt Fishing

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours
You will receive a complimentary Sri Lankan specialty gift pack containing Ceylon black tea, local snacks, soft drinks, Spa Ceylon handmade soap, dreamcatchers and postcards. · You will get a complimentary 4G SIM card with 16 GB data for every guest. · Private vehicle transfers save you the hassle of changing transportation. With seamless connections throughout the six-day itinerary, you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery along the way.
From USD 1,613
5D4N • Sri Lanka+Negombo + Galle + Mirissa Whale Watching Cruise + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic + Sea Turtle Hatchery Habaraduwa + Elephant Orphanage

Level 55D4N • Sri Lanka+Negombo + Galle + Mirissa Whale Watching Cruise + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic + Sea Turtle Hatchery Habaraduwa + Elephant Orphanage

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours
You will receive a complimentary Sri Lankan specialty gift pack containing Ceylon black tea, local snacks, soft drinks, Spa Ceylon handmade soap, dreamcatchers and postcards. · You will get a complimentary 4G SIM card with 16 GB data for every guest. · Private vehicle transfers save you the hassle of changing transportation. With seamless connections throughout the 5-day itinerary, you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery along the way.
From USD 1,264
9D7N • Dambulla + Colombo + Anuradhapura + Elephant Orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic + Dambulla Cave Temple + Mirissa Whale Watching Cruise

Level 59D7N • Dambulla + Colombo + Anuradhapura + Elephant Orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock + Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic + Dambulla Cave Temple + Mirissa Whale Watching Cruise

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours
You will receive a complimentary Sri Lankan specialty gift pack containing Ceylon black tea, local snacks, soft drinks, Spa Ceylon handmade soap, dreamcatchers and postcards. · You will get a complimentary 4G SIM card with 16 GB data for every guest. · Private vehicle transfers save you the hassle of changing transportation. With seamless connections throughout the 9-day itinerary, you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery along the way.
From USD 2,322
6D5N • Sri Lanka: 6-Day Private Cultural Tour with French-Speaking Guide

6D5N • Sri Lanka: 6-Day Private Cultural Tour with French-Speaking Guide

EnglishPrivate Tours
Discover Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy · Discover a tea plantation and local traditions · Explore the markets, villages and cultural sites of Sri Lanka
From USD 618
8D7N • 8-Day Sri Lanka Private Tour with Hotels, Train Ride &Safari

8D7N • 8-Day Sri Lanka Private Tour with Hotels, Train Ride &Safari

EnglishPrivate Tours
Experience one of the most scenic hill country train trips · Go on a wildlife safari of Udawalawa National park · Hike Little Adam's Peak view point
From USD 75
16D15N • Sri Lanka: Private Multi-Day Tour with Driver & Guide

16D15N • Sri Lanka: Private Multi-Day Tour with Driver & Guide

EnglishPrivate Tours
Choose from a range of itineraries to suit your schedule and interests · Discover the beauty, culture, and history of Sri Lanka on a private tour · Enjoy a flexible itinerary with a local driver and guide
From USD 227
14D13N • Sri Lanka: 14-Day Private Sunrise and Sunset Tour - Southwest

14D13N • Sri Lanka: 14-Day Private Sunrise and Sunset Tour - Southwest

EnglishPrivate Tours
Discover 14 days of carefully selected Sri Lanka sunrise and sunset spots · Enjoy an experience perfect for photographers, couples, and nature lovers · Experience a tour designed for the Southwest Monsoon travel season
From USD 974
Pinnawala Today's weatherMostly cloudy 22-35℃
Pinnawala weather for the next 2 days11/6: 22-34℃, 11/7: 23-34℃

What travelers say about Pinnawala

user-avatar
Laura VicensMarch 2, 2025
4.0
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique chance to see rescued elephants up close. Watching them bath in the river was a highlight. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best views from nearby cafés. Such a memorable experience!

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

user-avatar
Tania Akter (Sumi)March 4, 2025
5.0
Kandy Lake, nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a serene and picturesque destination perfect for a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by lush greenery and historic sites, the lake offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The peaceful atmosphere, diverse birdlife, and charming lakeside benches make it an ideal spot to relax. While the walk around the lake is pleasant, occasional traffic noise can be a minor drawback. Overall, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

Kandy Lake

user-avatar
_TI***1lJune 8, 2025
5.0
I've been consistently impressed with their products! 100% genuine, all-natural ingredients you can trust. High-quality and effective—definitely a brand that delivers on its promises. Highly recommend!

Susantha Spice & Herbal Garden

user-avatar
PrabhashiFebruary 13, 2025
5.0
“The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a sacred Buddhist site with beautiful architecture and deep cultural significance. It houses the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth and offers a peaceful, spiritual experience. The evening prayer ceremony is a highlight. A must-visit for those interested in history and culture.”

Sri Dalada Maligawa

user-avatar
小吥咯咯January 13, 2021
5.0
The ancient city reflects the most primitive living conditions of the local people

Sacred City of Kandy

user-avatar
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OAugust 1, 2025
5.0
康提皇家植物园（Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens）是斯里兰卡最具代表性的植物园之一，也是亚洲历史最悠久、规模最大的植物园之一。它位于斯里兰卡中部省份的康提市，毗邻马哈威利河（Mahaweli River），占地面积约60公顷。

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

Trip Moments in Pinnawala

🐘 💩 POO PAPER: Would You Buy a Notebook Made from Elephant Poop? 📒 🇱🇰

🐘 💩 POO PAPER: Would You Buy a Notebook Made from Elephant Poop? 📒 🇱🇰

“#localdiscoveries Yes, you read that correctly!”@Ekaterina___st · localdiscoveries · 20 days ago
🇱🇰🔥 Kottu Roti: Sri Lanka’s Most Addictive Street Food? A Must-Try With One Warning!

🇱🇰🔥 Kottu Roti: Sri Lanka’s Most Addictive Street Food? A Must-Try With One Warning!

“#must-tryfood If you’re visiting Sri Lanka and only try ONE traditional street food dish, make it Kottu Roti!”@Ekaterina___st · must-tryfood · 22 days ago
🐘☕ Breakfast With Elephants for Just $8! 🇱🇰😍 The Most Scenic Breakfast in Sri Lanka?

🐘☕ Breakfast With Elephants for Just $8! 🇱🇰😍 The Most Scenic Breakfast in Sri Lanka?

“Imagine enjoying your morning breakfast while watching elephants bathing in a tropical river right in front of you!”@Ekaterina___st · hotdiscussions · 22 days ago
Ultimate 8-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary 🇱🇰✨

Ultimate 8-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary 🇱🇰✨

“🗺️ SRI LANKA TRAVEL ITINERARY Ready for eight days full of epic vibes in Sri Lanka?”@MD SHAHED IQBAL SHUHAG · roadtrip · 14 days ago

Popular cities near Pinnawala

Kandy

Kandy

Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Dambulla

Nuwara Eliya District

Nuwara Eliya District

Galle

Galle

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Pinnawala?

Don't miss these attractions in Pinnawala: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Elephant Interactions in Sri Lanka, and Kandy Lake. If you like Culture & history, try Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Kandy Village Cooking Class.

You can give Kandy Village Cooking Class and Sajee's place cooking class sigiriya a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Private charter in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Negombo lagoon/elephant orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | admission ticket not included, Colombo to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Sigiriya Lion Rock | English Private Charter 1-Day Tour, and Sri Lanka Colombo Elephant Orphanage - Kandy Botanical Garden - Kandy Lake | English Private Charter Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 5, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Pinnawala is around USD 98 – USD 341.25. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.