The sprawling Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to over 70 rescued elephants, stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. Located in a verdant sanctuary setting, it offers several well-organized tour options that let you witness the elephants’ daily routines up close.
My favorite picks include the private tuk-tuk day tours – perfect for those wanting flexibility and personal attention – and the comprehensive day trips from Colombo that combine elephant encounters with visits to the Sacred Tooth Temple and traditional Kandyan dance shows. Both options provide excellent value and knowledgeable guides.
Let’s explore the top-rated Pinnawala tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Sanctuary offers daily feeding and bathing routines for close-up elephant experiences, focused on conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
- Tour options include private tuk-tuk day tours, local tuk-tuk expeditions, day tours from Colombo, and shore excursions from Colombo Port, catering to diverse preferences.
- Cultural attractions like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandyan Culture Dance performances provide rich insights into Sri Lankan heritage.
- The scenic natural environment and eco-friendly practices at the sanctuary enhance the overall tour experience, offering opportunities for photography and wildlife interaction.
- Consistently high visitor satisfaction, with positive reviews highlighting the value for money and engaging, informative tour guides, making it a recommended experience.
Private Kandy to Pinnawala Tuk Tuk Day Tour
A private Tuk Tuk day tour from Kandy to Pinnawala offers visitors a unique and intimate experience exploring the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This personalized tour allows guests to travel in the open-air comfort of a Tuk Tuk, taking in the scenic countryside between the two destinations.
Upon arrival at Pinnawala, visitors can witness the daily bathing and feeding of the elephants, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures. The tour also includes stops at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Museum, which showcases the history and conservation efforts of the facility.
Travelers can engage with the knowledgeable guides, who provide insights into the elephants’ behavior and the orphanage’s operations. The return journey to Kandy offers additional opportunities to admire the picturesque landscapes and rural Sri Lankan life.
This private Tuk Tuk tour provides a memorable and immersive way to experience the wonder of Pinnawala’s elephants.
Read our full review: Private Kandy to Pinnawala Tuk Tuk Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour By Local Tuk Tuk Expedition
Setting out on a Kandy to Pinnawala day tour by local Tuk Tuk expedition offers visitors a captivating adventure through Sri Lanka’s picturesque landscapes. Priced from £16.82 per person, this 10-hour tour promises to save you up to 29% compared to other options.
Highlights include the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Royal Botanical Gardens, along with optional stops at cultural sites and scenic viewpoints.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and free entry to several attractions. However, certain entrance fees, meals, and gratuities are excluded.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 9 reviews, the tour generally receives positive feedback for its immersive experiences and knowledgeable guides, though some guests have reported service issues and additional costs.
Travelers looking for a comprehensive Pinnawala excursion may want to consider this Tuk Tuk expedition, while also researching other options to find the best fit for their needs and budget.
Read our full review: Kandy to Pinnawala Day Tour By Local Tuk Tuk Expedition Review
Book now: Check availability
Day Tour in Awesome Kandy City From Colombo
Discover the enchanting city of Kandy on a captivating day tour from Colombo. This full-day trip promises a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders.
Kick off your adventure with a hotel pickup in Colombo or Negombo, then venture to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary. Witness the majestic elephants during their feeding and bathing rituals, and even have the chance to take an elephant ride.
Next, explore the rich history of Kandy at the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth. Indulge in a lunch with a stunning viewpoint over the city, then explore the local gem, woodcraft, batik, silk, and tea factories.
Learn about the production processes and browse for unique souvenirs to take home. Throughout the tour, your English-speaking guide will provide insights into Sri Lankan culture and history.
With round-trip transportation, entry fees, and bottled water included, this day tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: Day Tour in Awesome Kandy City From Colombo Review
Book now: Check availability
From Kandy: Pinnawala and Botanical Garden Tour By Tuk Tuk
What better way to explore the beauty of Pinnawala and the serene Peradeniya Botanical Garden than by tuk tuk? This one-day tour from Kandy offers a delightful and flexible experience. Priced at €51.56 per person, it covers key highlights like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a tea factory, a spice and herbal garden, and a Buddhist temple.
The tour departs at 7:00 AM and includes hotel pickup within 12km of Kandy. Travelers will observe elephants bathing, learn about Ceylon tea production, and discover rare orchids at the botanical garden.
Along the way, they’ll also visit a gem factory and a scenic viewpoint. With a private tuk tuk, English-speaking driver, and inclusions like breakfast, lunch, and entry tickets, this tour provides a comprehensive and hassle-free day trip.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make it an attractive option. Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended to make the most of this immersive experience.
Read our full review: From Kandy: Pinnawala and Botanical Garden Tour By Tuk Tuk Review
Book now: Check availability
Pinnawala Rambukkana: Hidden Gem Tour
Why not explore the hidden gems of Pinnawala and Rambukkana on this enthralling one-day tour? For just £12.59 per person, you’ll discover the area’s natural wonders, from serene waterfalls to local wildlife, all with the guidance of an expert local, Kasun.
The flexible itinerary allows you to customize your experience, whether it’s adding more waterfalls or enjoying village life. You’ll travel comfortably to and from the attractions, with the tour including expert narration, cultural insights, and eco-friendly practices.
While personal expenses and optional activities are excluded, the tour’s inclusions ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this Hidden Gem Tour is a hassle-free way to uncover the secrets of Pinnawala and Rambukkana.
Check availability, select your preferred date, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Pinnawala Rambukkana: Hidden Gem Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Colombo Port : Shore Excursions Pinnawala
Departing from the Colombo Port, this 8-hour shore excursion takes visitors on an immersive journey to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Priced from SEK 546 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, admission tickets, and the expertise of an English-speaking chauffeur.
Travelers will embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the Sri Lankan countryside, culminating in an hour of free time to observe the majestic elephants at Pinnawala. Along the way, they’ll gain insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour is suitable for a variety of travelers, from couples to solo adventurers, though it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with health issues, or those with animal allergies.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this shore excursion offers a convenient and immersive way to experience one of Sri Lanka’s top natural attractions during a Colombo port visit.
Read our full review: From Colombo Port : Shore Excursions Pinnawala Review
Book now: Check availability
From Colombo: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Kandy Day Tour
This popular day tour from Colombo combines visits to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the historic city of Kandy.
You’ll start your journey by driving to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Here, you’ll witness the elephants’ daily routine, including their bathing and feeding times.
After exploring the orphanage, you’ll continue on to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. In Kandy, you’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site that houses a relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the bustling Kandy market and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing you to appreciate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and encounter the majestic elephants of Pinnawala.
With round-trip transportation from Colombo, this day tour is a convenient and efficient way to explore these two popular destinations.
Read our full review: From Colombo: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Kandy Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Kandy: Pinnawala Day Tour
Although situated just 22 kilometers from Kandy, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the daily lives of these majestic creatures. Priced at £12.45 per person, the 8-hour Pinnawala Day Tour departs from Kandy and includes stops at several notable landmarks, such as the Kadugannawa Viewpoint, Ceylon Tea Factory, and the Royal Botanical Garden.
Established in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is home to a herd of 71 elephants, including 30 males and 41 females across three generations. Visitors can observe the elephants during their daily feeding and bathing routines, providing a rare up-close experience.
The tour also includes visits to the Ceylon Gems Museum, Kandyan Culture Dance performance, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. With a 4.9/5 overall rating, the Pinnawala Day Tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to take in the rich cultural and natural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Read our full review: From Kandy: Pinnawala Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Pinnawala offers a variety of tours, from private tuk-tuk day trips to shore excursions from Colombo port. Visitors can explore the Elephant Orphanage, scenic Rambukkana, and combine it with a visit to Kandy’s attractions. These tours provide a convenient and immersive way to discover the highlights of Pinnawala and the surrounding regions.