Elephant Orphanage

ABOUT THE ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

“Watching the elephants proceed down the high street and then standing knee deep in the water whilst bathing the elephants is a wonderful experience.”

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is one of only three in the World and a personal favourite of ours. During our visit to the orphanage a tiny 4 week old calf, had been rescued after an attack by a leopard leaving it with only one ear. A highlight is the elephant ‘bath time’ when they proceed down the high street, past all the shops, to take a two hour bath in the river. On the opposite side of the river locals are doing their washing and kids playing in the water – a scene that probably hasn’t changed in many years.

Whilst the elephants are in the river, you can ‘help’ the elephants bathe by throwing water over them. Local ‘river boys’ will expect a tip for encouraging you to go into the water but, quite frankly, we think a thousand rupees (about £5) is a small price to pay for such an unforgettable experience!