Sri Lanka · ELEPHANT ORPHANAGES & TRANSIT HOMES

The 15 Best Elephant Orphanage & Transit Home Visits

47 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Pinnawala and the Udawalawe Transit Home run to feeding times, so the booking is really a timetable decision. These 15 are priced and clear about what each place actually does with its animals and when to turn up.

From Kandy: Pinnawala Day Tour - The morning road from Kandy to Kadugannawa
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kandy

From Kandy: Pinnawala Day Tour

1.Pinnawala Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 331 reviews · 8 hours · from $15Our pick

Travel from Kandy to Pinnawala by tuk-tuk or air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide such as Danushka, Saman, Terence, or Channa. See elephants, temples, tea country, viewpoints, and city sights in one long day. You can often adjust the plan, skip stops, or add local breaks.

“It was a great experience. Danuska our tuktuk guide:driver was a great communicator, explained the stops, given us options where to stops. We recommend him”

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Udawalawe: National park safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour - What happens inside the private 4x4
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, National Park Safaris, Safari Tours in Udawalawa, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Udawalawa, Udawalawe National Park Safaris

Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

2.National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 183 reviews · 4 hours · from $21

Join a four-hour 4x4 safari in Udawalawe National Park, then visit the Elephant Transit Home during feeding time. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, Mahesh, and Prasad are praised for spotting wildlife, explaining animal behavior, and choosing quieter routes. Hotel pickup is included in the Udawalawe area, but park and transit home entrance fees cost extra.

“We had a great tour with our guide Pathum! He took time explaining what we saw, from birds to elephants. He showed respect for the animals!”

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From Colombo: Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour - Elephants and the Maha Oya River
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From Colombo: Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour

3.Kandy Temples and Pinnawala Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 144 reviews · 1 day · from $54

Start early from Colombo or Negombo with an English-speaking guide such as Aadhil, Dilip, or Susantha. See elephants at the Maha Oya River, visit Kandy’s Tooth Relic Temple and hilltop Buddha, then stop at tea, spice, gem, and wood-carving workshops. Expect a full 15-hour day with long drives, flexible stops, and a small group of up to 10.

“🌟 Amazing Day Tour with an Exceptional Guide! I had an unforgettable experience on the From Colombo: Discover Elephant Orphanage and Kandy Day Tour. From start to finish, it was absolutely fantastic. We visited so many beautiful places from interacting with elephants, to exploring the stunning cultural sites in Kandy, and even learning about spices, and tea production along the way. The itinerary was perfectly paced, allowing us to enjoy each stop without ever feeling rushed.  What truly made this tour special was my guide Dillip! He was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, always ready with fascinating insights about every place we visited. He drove extremely well and ensured…”

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Kandy to Pinnawala Orphanage and Ambuluwawa Guided Day Tours - Ambuluwawa Tower and the early start
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Guided, Hill Country Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kandy

Kandy to Pinnawala Orphanage and Ambuluwawa Guided Day Tours

4.Kandy to Pinnawala Orphanage and Ambuluwawa Guided Day Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 144 reviews · 1 day · from $16

Spend up to 10 hours with an English-speaking private driver-guide such as Ramzan, Dhanu, Akila, or Sanath. Visit Ambuluwawa Tower, Pinnawala, a tea factory, botanical gardens, temples, and craft workshops. The route is flexible, but entry fees, meals, and some popular sights cost extra.

“we had so much fun with ramzan! he took us wherever we wanted and always listened to our requests. i also wanted to buy a sari, so he took us to a local shop. Thank you so much for everything!”

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From Colombo: Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day Trip - Choosing your elephant visit at Pinnawala
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From Colombo: Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day Trip

5.Kandy, Pinnawala and Tea Factory Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 99 reviews · 12 hours · from $55

Travel from Colombo or Negombo to Kandy in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Malintha, Tuan, Priyantha, or Rahim. Feed elephants, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, stop at spice, craft, gem, and tea workshops, and return after a very full 12-hour day.

“Even though the trip was 12 hours, it did not feel lo g at all. We had a wonderful driver who got us everywhere early and safely. I definitely suggest paying a little extra for the elephant feeding and bathing, it was amazing! Lunch was delicious and the temple was nice (you do get a separate guide for that.)”

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Private Day trip Kandy & pinnawala with your selected attractions - Kandy View Point in 30 minutes
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Private Day trip Kandy & pinnawala with your selected attractions

6.Private Day trip Kandy & pinnawala with your selected attractions

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $65Top rated

Ride from Colombo to Kandy in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a spice garden, Kandy viewpoint, tea factory, city center, and Pinnawala Ape Gama. Guide Dimuth is noted for flexible timing and tailored routes. The day lasts 10 to 12 hours.

“The whole trip to Kandy was really memorable and since it is a private tour, it suits our needs perfectly. The guide brought us to interesting places along the way to discover more about Sri Lanka.”

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Udawalawe: National park safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour - What happens inside the private 4x4
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, National Park Safaris, Safari Tours in Udawalawa, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Udawalawa, Udawalawe National Park Safaris

Udawalawe: National park safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

7.National park safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $29

Explore Udawalawe National Park in a private 4x4 jeep with Gimhana, a guide and driver with 10 years of experience. Choose a 4, 6, or 7-hour safari, look for elephants, birds, deer, crocodiles, and jackals, then finish at the Elephant Transit Home. Hotel pickup is available in the Udawalawe area, with park and transit-home fees paid separately.

“Best Safari in SrLanka. Our guide was so knowledgeable. In 4 hours time, we saw lots of Monkeys, Elephants, Peacocks, birds, water buffaloes, and even a Jackal. Well worth for the money. Strongly recommended!”

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From Kandy : Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Ambuluwawa Tower - Starting around Kandy’s temples and viewpoints
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Hill Country Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Colombo

From Kandy : Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Ambuluwawa Tower

8.Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Ambuluwawa Tower

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 8 hours · from $20

Leave Kandy by private tuk-tuk or air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide such as Masi or Rohan. Visit temples, gardens, craft stops, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and Ambuluwawa Tower. The day mixes culture, wildlife, and mountain views, though entrance fees are extra and the schedule is active.

“Great day out - beautiful Buddhist temple, gem factory, woodcraft workshop craft workshop, elephant village to feed and stroke elephants, herb and spice farm and stops for local food and drink stalls- all with friendly and informative commentary by Mazi - our super guide and tuktuk driver - highly recommend!”

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Kandy and Pinnawala Private Day Tour from Colombo/Negombo - Pinnawala, with admission paid separately
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Kandy and Pinnawala Private Day Tour from Colombo/Negombo

9.Kandy and Pinnawala Private Day Tour from Colombo/Negombo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $65

Travel from Colombo or Negombo into Sri Lanka’s hill country in a private vehicle with a driver. Visit Pinnawala, a tea factory, Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a spice garden, and Kandy View Point. The day normally begins at 7:30 am and lasts 9 to 11 hours, with room to adjust the plan.

“Great customized tour with excellent communication with the operator. Since we had to be back on our cruise ship by 5pm, arrangements were made to meet our tour guide/ driver, Anas, at 6:30am for a private tour to go to several places tRead more”

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From Ella: Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit - Thirty minutes with the baby elephants
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From Ella: Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit

10.Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 26 reviews · 8 hours · from $70

Leave Ella in an air-conditioned vehicle for the Elephant Transit Home, then continue to Udawalawe National Park for a guided jeep safari. You may see elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, peacocks, monkeys, and many birds. Guides such as Koshala and Pathum are praised for careful spotting and clear explanations. Entrance fees are extra.

“fantastic safari with Peathum. Easy pick up and transport. saw lots of elephants and other animals would really recommend”

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Udawalawe National Park Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit - Elephants at the Elephant Transit Home
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Udawalawe National Park Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit

11.Udawalawe National Park Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · from $24

Spend about three hours on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, then watch orphaned baby elephants feed at the Elephant Transit Home. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and each jeep holds up to six people. Guides such as Pradeep have earned praise for wildlife spotting and photography. Check entrance-fee details before booking.

“Baby elephant running for milk , must see place in srilanka, better if you go on November-December..”

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Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home - Hiking up Little Adam’s Peak
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Hill Country Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kalutara

Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home

12.Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $190

Travel from Kalutara to Ella in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed English, Russian, Polish, French, or German-speaking guide. Walk to Nine Arches Bridge, hike Little Adam’s Peak, stop at Ravana Falls and a tea plantation, then visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. The long day is flexible, with guides such as Shani, Dilan, and Ashoka named in guest feedback.

“We did an Ella day tour with Hai Sri Lanka Tours. Since the Elephant Transit Home visit is only about 30–40 minutes for the elephant feeding, we requested to add an Udawalawa Safari to the itinerary.”

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Day Tour to Elephant Orphanage / spice garden - The Colombo to Pinnawala road trip
Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes, Gem & Spice Gardens, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo

Day Tour to Elephant Orphanage / spice garden

13.Day Tour to Elephant Orphanage / spice garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 6 hours · from $59

Travel from Colombo to Pinnawala for a six-hour, all-inclusive elephant visit with an English, German, or French-speaking guide. Watch elephants walk to the river, play in the water, and receive extra milk. Pradeep and Ruwan are among the guides used. A spice garden stop may be included, but confirm this when booking.

“The main experience at the elephant sanctuary was incredible but I'll caveat my experience with a few notes. Pick up bang on time and an excellent driver. I shared my trip with 2 others who were staying out the way; I found out that the paid much more than I did which is what it is but did mean the trip from Colombo was done on back roads and my travel time was extended to over 6 hours. We didn't visit the spice garden nor was it offered. Felt like we had to get back due to the extra travel time. As expected with these places the guards will charge/ask…”

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From Colombo: Kandy and Pinnawala Orphanage Short Excursions - Colombo pickup and the road to Kandy
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From Colombo: Kandy and Pinnawala Orphanage Short Excursions

14.Kandy and Pinnawala Orphanage Short Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · 14 days · from $75

This private Colombo excursion takes you by air-conditioned vehicle to Kandy and Pinnawala. Expect the Temple of the Tooth, elephant viewing, Ceylon tea tasting, a spice garden, crafts, and Kandy viewpoints. Guide quality and vehicle size can vary, so confirm the route, entrance fees, and seating before departure.

“great experience seeing elephants, fed them and watched them in the river. We dropped the temple visit by prior arrangement so we could be back at cruise terminal by 5pm. Lunch was adequate and buffet style with option of a la carte. we had a group of 4 and the car was totally inadequate being a small Suzuki van. The seats over the back were only suitable for a child not a 180cm plus sized adult! it was very squeezy for 4 adults. air conditioning struggled you keep van cool and they vehicle was underpowered for the load and hills. The guide seemed a nice man however he had limited…”

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Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Orphanage visit from Hambantota port - Four hours inside Udawalawe National Park
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Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Orphanage visit from Hambantota port

15.Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Orphanage visit from Hambantota port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $49

From Hambantota port, you travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, then continue into the national park in a comfortable safari jeep. Guides such as Darshana and Madu are praised for spotting wildlife and explaining what you see. The tour lasts about seven hours for up to six people, with park and orphanage tickets extra.

“This was a well organized and executed tour. Our guide, Darshana, was knowledgeable and friendly. His was constantly working to make sure that we had the best experience possible. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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New in Elephant Orphanages & Transit Homes

★ 5.0Pinnawala private day trip from colombo or negomboFrom $454 reviews
★ 5.0Private all inclusive Day tour Kandy, Pinnawala, & your own selected attractionsFrom $9713 reviews
★ 5.0Private Udawalawa Safari Plus Elephant Transit Home Day TripFrom $1854 reviews
★ 5.0Kandy and Pinnawala Full-Day TripFrom $707 reviews
★ 5.0Private Udawalawe Safari Tour with Elephant Transit HomeFrom $17210 reviews
★ 5.0Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle:Udawalawa Safari & Elephant OrphanageFrom $677 reviews
★ 4.8Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant OrphanageFrom $6711 reviews
★ 4.3Pinnawala,Kandy Day Tour from Colombo/NegomboFrom $629 reviews
★ 4.1Kandy and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Day TourFrom $857 reviews
★ 4.3Kandy & Pinnawala & Tea Factory Full Day Tour From NegomboFrom $4911 reviews
★ 5.0Pinnawala Day Tour with Top Rated Local GuideFrom $139 reviews
★ 4.9Pinnawala Elephant Safari Private Guid Tuk Tuk TourFrom $2413 reviews
★ 3.3Kandy, Pinnawala Private Day Trip From The West Coast BeachFrom $1996 reviews
★ 4.7Pinnawala & Kandy Day Tour from NegomboFrom $6013 reviews
★ 5.0Pinnawala & Tea Factory & Kandy Full Day TripFrom $474 reviews

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