Pinnawala is the most popular and accessible place to see large numbers of these lovable animals in their natural habitat. It is the most popular elephant “attraction” with tourists because nowhere else, except at the splendid ‘pereheras’, will you see so many elephants at such close quarters. The government opened it in 1975 since many more baby elephants than usual had become separated from their herds that year.

There are a couple of restaurants and several foods and drink stalls outside the orphanage, as well as a bank in case you need to change money. Two spice gardens close by are also worth a visit. You can reach the orphanage by car, bus, or train en route from Colombo to Kandy, or simply as a day trip from Kandy.