Kandy to Pinnawala With Recommended Guide by Tuk Tuk

Set out on a captivating journey from the cultural hub of Kandy to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. With a recommended local guide accompanying you by tuk-tuk, this private group tour promises a personalized and memorable experience. Enjoy the scenic beauty along the route, and discover the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. What awaits at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a heartwarming encounter with these gentle giants, as you witness their daily routine and learn about the dedicated efforts to rehabilitate and care for these magnificent creatures.

Key Points

• The tour provides a private group experience with a live English-speaking guide and transportation by tuk-tuk from Kandy or Katugastota to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and other attractions.
• The tour includes skip-the-ticket-line access to attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Visitors can witness the daily routines and activities at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, including feeding times and river journeys.
• The tour offers flexibility, with the option to create a personalized itinerary and explore at one’s own pace.
• Participants are recommended to bring essential items such as a passport or ID, hat, and comfortable clothing, and to carry sufficient cash for optional fees and purchases.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

Kandy to Pinnawala With Recommended Guide by Tuk Tuk

Overview of the Tour

This informative tour from Kandy to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is available for €28.56 per person and lasts approximately 10 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can be picked up from Kandy or Katugastota, and you’ll enjoy a private group experience with a live English-speaking tour guide and audio guide.

The tour includes skip-the-ticket-line access, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the highlights along the way, such as the Kadugannawa View Point, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Royal Botanic Gardens, and more.

With this package, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich culture and natural wonders.

Tour Itinerary and Highlights

The tour starts at 8:30 AM from the hotel, embarking on a 41 km journey that takes approximately 2 hours to reach the first stop, the Kadugannawa View Point. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views for 30 minutes before continuing on to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where they’ll spend 3 hours. After, the tour heads to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy for another 3 hours. The final stops include Avanhala for a 1-hour dance show and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for 105 minutes before dropping guests off in Kandy or Katugastota.

Attraction	Duration
Kadugannawa View Point	30 minutes
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage	3 hours
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy	3 hours
Avanhala (dance show)	1 hour
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic	105 minutes

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the only orphanage, nursery, and breeding ground for elephants in Sri Lanka, serving as a home for homeless elephants in need of care.

Sri Lankan elephants are an endangered species, holding significant cultural and economic importance in the country.

Visitors can witness the daily routine of the elephants, including feeding times and the herd’s journey to the nearby river.

The orphanage operates from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with various feeding and bathing schedules throughout the day.

Whether you’re an elephant enthusiast or simply want to learn more about these majestic creatures, a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must-do during your Kandy to Pinnawala tour.

Daily Timetable at Pinnawala

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage opens at 8:30 AM daily, kicking off a tightly scheduled routine for the resident elephants.

At 9 AM, visitors can witness the elephants being fed fruit, followed by milk feeding from 9:15 to 9:45 AM.

Around 10 AM, the herd is led to the river, where they remain until 12 PM.

Fruit feeding resumes from 12 to 1:45 PM, with milk feeding from 1:15 to 1:45 PM.

The elephants return to the river from 2 to 4 PM, and a final milk feeding takes place at 5 PM.

The ticket counter closes at 5:30 PM, and the orphanage itself shuts down for the day at 6 PM.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inclusions and Exclusions

This guided tour from Kandy to Pinnawala includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by tuk-tuk, and a bottle of water.

You won’t have to worry about entrance fees to several attractions like the Kadugannawa View Point, Spice & Herbal Garden, and Kandy City View Point.

However, you’ll need to pay separately for entrance to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Royal Botanical Garden, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Kandyan Culture Dance.

The tour doesn’t cover your meals or gratuities either. So, be sure to carry enough cash to cover these additional expenses.

Important Visitor Information

Visitors should bring their passport or ID card, a hat, and comfortable clothing when embarking on this tour.

Pets, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

Plus, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old.

It’s recommended to bring cash to cover any optional entrance fees or purchases along the way.

The tour provides a hassle-free experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by tuk-tuk, and a bottle of water.

While some stops are included, visitors will need to pay for entrance fees at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Royal Botanical Garden, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Kandyan Culture Dance.

Private Group Experience

For those seeking a more personalized excursion, a private group experience is available on this tour from Kandy to Pinnawala. This option allows you to create your own itinerary and enjoy the sights at your own pace.

You’ll have a dedicated tuk-tuk and guide, ensuring a seamless and tailored journey. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, this private experience offers the flexibility to customize the tour to your group’s interests.

From exploring the Kadugannawa View Point to spending more time at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the private group experience ensures an unforgettable day in Sri Lanka.

Book this option for a truly bespoke adventure.

Pickup and Drop-off Options

The tour offers pickup options from Kandy and Katugastota, ensuring a convenient start to the day’s adventure. Travelers can choose to begin their journey from either of these locations, depending on their preferences and accommodation.

The highlights of the pickup and drop-off options include:

1. Pickup from your hotel in Kandy or Katugastota, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.

2. Personalized drop-off at the end of the day, with options in Kandy or Katugastota.

3. Efficient transportation throughout the tour, with a tuk-tuk providing a unique and immersive experience.

4. Flexibility to accommodate your schedule and preferences, making the tour tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Snacks and Drinks Inside the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Visitors can bring snacks and drinks into the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, but they’re advised not to feed the elephants directly. Feeding the elephants must be done under the supervision of the orphanage staff.

Will There Be a Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour itinerary does not include a scheduled stop for lunch. However, travelers can purchase food at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the tour.

Is the Tuk-Tuk Air-Conditioned?

The tuk-tuk used for the tour isn’t air-conditioned. It’s an open-air vehicle commonly used for transportation in Sri Lanka. Travelers should dress comfortably and bring a hat or sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun during the tour.

Can We Take Photos and Videos at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, though some restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the staff on-site about any specific guidelines before taking pictures or filming.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is generally suitable for children of all ages, though it’s not recommended for very young children or those in strollers. The tour involves some walking and may not be suitable for infants or toddlers.

Recap

The captivating journey from Kandy to Pinnawala with a recommended guide by tuk-tuk offers a personalized and memorable adventure.

Enjoy the scenic views, visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and learn about Sri Lanka’s rich culture.

With a live English-speaking guide and hassle-free transportation, this private group tour promises a delightful day filled with unforgettable experiences tailored to your own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: