Pinnawala Elephant Orphange is managed by the govt of Sri Lanka and is one of the largest elephant park having hundreds of elephant. The entry fee of LKR 3000 for adultd and LKR 1500 for kids is found to be on a higher side given the small portion of the park which is open for public viewing. There is a feeding point where you can feed fruits to elephants, a viewing deck where you can watch the many elephants together. A souvenier shop is at the exit and you buy lot of stuff there. These elephants are bathed in a reservoir which is across the road and you need to exit the park first. At the reservoir you can watch the elephants cooling down in the water. Please avoid feeding these cute beasts without asking the caretakers. There are many food outlets around, but we did not find any pure veg hotel, nor did we find any jain options. The approach road to the reservoir have many local shopping outlets. Please do visit this place when you are in sri lanka. Avoid visiting private elephant farms which the tour operator might take you, and are at least 3 times expensive.

Such a wonderful place to visit. The elephants are simply amazing and to get up so close and to feed them was the highlight of our visit for my whole family. A fantastic experience which supports the ongoing success of the species.

It was an amazing experience in Sri Lanka. Even the entry fee was little bit high. But it’s worth it. You can enjoy elephant activities . Even you can feed the elephant yourself. Also you can watch them taking shower in the driver . It’s govt operated and this is the best elephant orphanage.

An extraordinary place. There is a section where the elephants are housed and where they are brought to bathe. Those two places are separated by a street with very busy traffic. It is very impressive when they are being led or brought back from swimming through a narrow alley very close to you or across a pedestrian crossing. In agreement with the guide (mahut) you can touch them and walk with him. A small complaint - maybe there should be more benches to rest because it can be very tiring if the humidity is high. Foreigners pay a higher ticket price, 5000 rupees (15 euros). Souvenirs - standardly more expensive in places like this, as everywhere else in the world. An interesting workshop-shop of ecological paper and various paper products. The paper is made by a special process by mixing elephant dung and different grasses. A free friendly guide will explain everything to you. A place for every recommendation.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a well-known conservation and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants, located in the village of Pinnawala in Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa Province. It's a major tourist attraction and a significant site for elephant welfare. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the orphanage was initially created to care for orphaned and abandoned wild elephants found in the forests of Sri Lanka. Over the years, it has evolved into a sanctuary where elephants are cared for, rehabilitated, and bred in captivity. Many of the elephants here have been injured or lost their mothers in the wild. The orphanage is set on a 25-acre coconut plantation alongside the Maha Oya river, which provides a natural and picturesque setting for the elephants. Visitors can observe the elephants up close, particularly during their feeding times and their famous daily bath in the river. Watching the elephants interact, play, and spray water on each other in the river is often considered the highlight of a visit. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage plays a vital role in elephant conservation by providing a safe haven for these majestic creatures and educating the public about their plight. It's a place where you can witness the gentle giants in a semi-natural environment, learning about their habits and the efforts made to protect them.

I visited this place on last month and I really enjoyed. I loved to see One my favorite animal. This place is great see elephants. Before going to this place visit their website to aware the time table Because unfortunately I missed to see feeding.

Pinnawala is a beautiful place to see elephants up close and enjoy their natural behavior. Watching them bathe and roam freely is an unforgettable experience. A peaceful spot perfect for families and nature lovers.

Lovely experience with an elephant - got to feed, wash and walk with her. The staff seem knowledgeable and to care for the elephants. The elephants are extremely well trained and the staff is expert at taking and creating photo ops. That said some of the conditions seem a little below western animal welfare standards. It does seem like they are making an effort to balance improving conditions while maintaining tourist revenue to help to continue to care for the elephants. They limit rides to a couple minutes for a photo op and offer alternatives such as walking with the elephant to help transition away from rides.

Overall, it was a great experience at the Millennium Elephant Foundation. We enjoyed being close to the elephants, feeding them, and learning about their care and history. The staff were friendly and informative, and the place felt welcoming. However, the elephant ride was not very good – it was extremely short, lasting only about one minute, so it’s not really worth it. Everything else was enjoyable and memorable.

Very dubious about these type of places, as I’m always concerned about the welfare of the animals. They did seem to be genuinely concerned about the elephants, though they had chains on some of them - but they advised this is for the elephants safety as much as anything else. It was fantastic to be able to feed and bathe the elephants though, and experience we won’t forget.

Very disappointing. The place is tiny, with only 4 elephants. The whole “experience” lasted less than 10 minutes – just a quick walk and a wash. Nothing like the big sanctuary they advertise online. The price is way too high (30 USD per person) for such a trivial experience. Honestly, it feels like a tourist trap and not worth the money at all.

I would not recommend this elephant sanctuary. Before entering, there’s a clear sign that says “tipping is optional,” and bear in mind that the entrance fee is already quite high. At first, our guide was great, friendly, informative, and happy to take our pictures. But things took a turn when we asked if we could pay by card for fruits (since they accepted card for the entrance fee). He said we needed cash, then immediately seemed upset we didn’t have any, asking, “How could you come to a place like this without any cash?” I explained that we had just landed a few hours earlier and hadn’t had the chance to get cash yet, but he just brushed me off. From that point on, his attitude completely changed! No more smiles and he clearly wanted us to know he was unhappy. To make matters worse, he went and complained to one of the elephant handlers about us not bringing cash, and they both sighed loudly and made dramatic faces. He even said, “Well, people usually tip the hard-working guides, but you didn’t bring anything.” It completely ruined the experience. What should have been a memorable visit turned into an uncomfortable tour. They may say tipping is optional, but it’s very clear they expect it, and will make you feel horrible if you don’t. This felt like an attempt to take advantage of visitors, and I can’t recommend it.

What an amazing experience. You can walk, Feed and bathe the elephants was amazing and no these elephants ain't chained like some areas. It's all natural

This is one of the best places if you're interested in elephant lifestyles and history. You can visit here and learn about the elephant's way of life.

What an amazing morning spent with these two lovely ladies! Manike and Kumari are the sweetest elephants and they are clearly loved and well cared for. The staff is wonderful and welcoming. This is the only ethical (read no riding!) sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It's a wonderful way to spend time with elephants in their natural habitat. They have to freedom to move about as they please and seem to genuinely like interacting with people. I can't say enough good things. If you want to see elephants in Sri Lanka, please come here and not the riding places.

My friend and I booked the morning experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This is an ethical project where the elephants are treated fairly and justly, which we witnessed first hand. The staff are caring and compassionate towards their elephants, and gave us a great experience, allowing us to feed, walk with and wash the elephants, in an appropriate way to not alarm or disturb the animals' peace. We also got a lovely Sri Lanken lunch afterwards which was tasty and brought us even closer to their amazing culture. This project also strives to raise awareness of the mistreatment of elephants in Sri Lanka. It is a hard watch but a necessary one to make us more aware and to ensure we support places like this which are ethical and fair. I would highly recommend the elephant freedom project to anyone travelling to Sri Lanka, who would like to learn more about their elephants, and make unforgettable memories with these amazing animals.

Well I have no words to how we were treated today! The staff and mahoots were funny, informative, extremely kind and caring. Do yourself a massive favour and go to this proper and genuine elephant orphanage where not only will you be treated like we were today with extreme care and passion with staff and mahoots that care so so much but you’ll see how caring for there two absolutely incredible elephants is done properly and ethically. Thank you for this morning you all and the elephants made our Sri Lanka trip completely worth while. We love you all ❤️

Wow! What an incredible day! Such an intimate experience with the two beautiful elephants! So lovely to see the elephants being treated so well too! This definitely needs to be on your Sri Lankan itinerary! I will never forget this. Thank you so much for having us!

This was such a great experience; they take formerly captive and abused elephants (sadly the majority in Sri Lanka which are used for riding) and let them roam freely and don’t chain them. The two elephants are very sociable and you can feed them and walk with them! The staff here genuinely care about the welfare of the elephants. This is in stark contrast to the elephant riding place next door where you can literally see them chained up which is so sad

A truly authentic amazing experience where I got to spend the morning with two beautiful elephants what had been rescued from captivity. It was a 4 hour programme that included a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. We fed the elephants, walked with the elephants and then washed them. The pace for the day was set by the elephants. I highly recommend a visit to this sustainable project. Our guide Maduka was so kind to me when I felt unwell. Thank you so much and to the two beautiful elephants Kumari and Manike and their handlers. The bond between them and the elephants was tangible.

Amazing experience! The elephants were brilliant and so well cared for. The staff were friendly and passionate, making the whole day unforgettable. We got to feed and bathe the elephants — such a special experience. Highly recommend!

So, we saw 12 elephants, 3 crocodiles, 2 herds of deer, around 30 monkeys, 2 buffaloes, 2 storks, and tons of peacocks and other birds. You should head out around 7 AM. Ideally, rent a 4x4 jeep just for your group — it costs about 15,000 rupees. Two hours is plenty. It’s totally safe and super interesting. Don’t forget to bring water!

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife destinations, especially for spotting wild elephants in their natural habitat. The park offers open landscapes with a scenic reservoir, making animal sightings easy and enjoyable. Jeep safaris give close views of elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. Compared to other parks, Udawalawe is less crowded and provides a more relaxed safari experience. A visit to the nearby Elephant Transit Home adds extra value, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before release into the wild. Overall, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

I booked a tour from Mirissa to Udawalawe, and our driver picked us up right from the hotel for a comfortable two-hour drive to the park entrance, where we met our guide and transferred to the safari jeep. The park entrance fee was very reasonable. Udawalawe National Park truly offers one of Sri Lanka’s best safari experiences, known for its close-up encounters with elephants, leopards, and a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. We were lucky to spot over 15 wild elephants, including a majestic male strolling gracefully by the lakeside — who even seemed slightly annoyed by our long stares! It was an unforgettable moment. The safari stayed exciting from start to finish, with sightings of water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, foxes, iguanas, and vibrant tropical birds around every turn. A visit to Udawalawe is an absolute must for both locals and tourists — the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. Highly recommended.

Such a calm national park with a wide variety of animals—especially a great place to see elephants and many different birds. I personally like it because there aren’t many safari jeeps, so people can enjoy the park freely. It’s really important for the animals to have their freedom and experience minimal disturbance in their natural life. I have stayed inside the park on a few occasions, which has been an unforgettable experience. Especially at night, it feels as if we are completely isolated from the rest of the world.

Awesome, lots of animals. Elephants walk really close to the car. Tips: Start at 6am, 4 hours should be enough, but we had 7 hours and visited both lakes, also ok. Try to separate from other cars, grouping around the elephants, the safari becomes more natural.

Had a morning elephant safari. We knew that was all we were likely to see. We did see a few Crocodiles amd Water Buffalo and lots of birds, but the elephants were the stars of the show. It can get very busy with trucks but our guide, Soloman, got out of the queue and went a different route, which was a good move.

Amazing park. I saw so many beautifull animals. Amazing birds, lizards, small crocodiles, elephants.... Great jeep safari.

It's an amazing and much needed initiative for the sadly orphaned baby elephants. It was great to see that the elephants who spend a few years here are able to then integrate into the wild once they're old enough. Very happy to support them and see these adorable elephants (from a distance). There is also an informative museum about elephants and the ETH’s history. Don’t miss it if you go to Udawawala.

This is a fun place to see young elephants up close. At 2.30 the elephants gather before being let through a gate in groups of 3-4. They trot across to get a drink of milk before feeding on corn. Visitors sit in a raised viewing platform with about 4 rows of seating. It's best to sit over on the right side. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. Photography is hampered by the wire fence. There is an interesting little museum & shop.

We read a couple reviews and were concerned about going here. Our feelings for animal welfare is very strong, yet we also understand these are young elephants which they are helping to get back into the wild and would otherwise not have help or even able to survive. Yes there needed to be some control when feeding, which was done waving a cane. They were not hit at all. We are happy our money has gone in helping this and we understand tourism helps this work. We are very realistic about how this can be funded

Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe is a fantastic experience! The feeding sessions (10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:00pm) are run with sharp, accurate timing, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of watching adorable baby elephants eagerly charge for their milk. The entry fee is very reasonable, directly supporting the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. The setup is well-organized, with a clear viewing platform, informative museum, and friendly staff who keep everything running smoothly. Easy to find with clear signage, it’s a heartwarming, ethical stop that’s perfect for wildlife lovers. Highly recommend

When visiting, be aware of the feeding times for the elephants. Tickets are issued only between 9.30-10.30 am, 1.30-2.30 pm and 5.30-6 pm. Foreigners are charged $5. Local tourists pay Rs. 120. You can watch the elephants being fed and visit an information center about elephants and gain knowledge.

I had reservations about visiting this place due to the mixed reviews, some suggesting the elephants were poorly treated but I am so glad I went as I saw no evidence of this. The whole experience was heart warming seeing the young elephants being gently treated, running to get their feed of milk and enjoying feeding on the leaves. The walk through museum was very informative and well laid out so I have no hesitation in recommending a visit to this Elephant Transit Home.

We visited the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawa on 6th September, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The center does an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for orphaned baby elephants before releasing them back into the wild. Watching the feeding time was both heartwarming and educational, and we appreciated how well the staff manages everything to keep the elephants safe and minimize unnecessary human interaction. It’s inspiring to see such a genuine effort in wildlife conservation. This visit not only gave us joy but also deep respect for the hard work carried out here. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Udawalawa.

Excellent place, the explanation was great and the guy knew Arabic and English both very well which was great for the herbs and medications, we were served some herbal tea as a welcome gesture which was nice. There are different types of spices and herbals growing up there! After the explanation you are given the chance to choose what to buy from their pharmacy and a prescription would be written for you upon purchase. The prices of their products were a bit higher than expected to be honest. But I purchased what I thought really necessary and not available back home. Great place worth the visit.

This was an amazing learning experience and knowing some deep facts on herbal benefits. Dr. Prasanna gave a detailed explanation on all herbs grown organically. Their team was knowledgeable and polite.

Be warned these guys offer a cure to everything…. And their sales “doctors” prey on your insecurities….”You want to lose weight? Drink this syrup for 3 weeks? No exercise needed?” “You are losing hair… rub this into your scalp and watch your hair grow overnight” “You want to cure back pain rub this into your muscles for 3 weeks… no stretching needed” Why doesnt western medicine help? “Sri lanka is a small country so we can only grow so much” whats worse they add all these herbal medicines into your basket and they are probably all coconut and vegetable oil blends that cost $50+ dollars each Members of our family spent up $500 The tour is off a “garden” with 10 different plants that they say are the cure to all your problems… Tread with caution…. See but dont buy anything

A quint place to get used to the Ayurveda and medicinal plants in CANDI, Khalid was the ambassador for the spice garden, and he took us around, explaining all the different, horrible and Ayurveda plants. Then, we were taken to a demonstration centre where a sheet was given was with a different type of preparations which are available in their pharmacy for different type of Medical situations with plant life, how you can cure these. Also a practical demonstration of using red oil on relieving knee pain was given.And the patient reported immediate relief by about 223 percent.It was a visit worth it.We were also cup of herbal tea

The farm is amazing and you get to see all local spices. The guides are also quite helpful and informative. We are going back with the red oil and the coconut oil. Given 4 stars because the prices are a bit high.

Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden stands out as one of the most trustworthy and reliable places for anyone seeking authentic Ayurveda products and guidance. From the moment you step into their garden, you immediately sense a level of professionalism, warmth, and genuine care that is difficult to find elsewhere. Their team is knowledgeable, attentive, and always willing to explain the origins, benefits, and traditional uses of each herb, spice, and remedy. This transparency alone creates an exceptional sense of confidence in their service. What truly elevates Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden is the quality and purity of their products. Every item—from herbal oils and creams to natural supplements, spices, and wellness blends—is prepared with a clear commitment to authenticity. You can tell that their products are crafted with respect for Ayurvedic tradition, without unnecessary additives or shortcuts. The staff takes time to guide customers on proper usage, which makes the experience educational as well as reassuring. Their service is consistently excellent: friendly, professional, and deeply rooted in genuine hospitality. Whether assisting first-time visitors or returning customers, they offer the same level of dedication and care. This consistency builds trust over time and makes Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden a standout choice in a market where reliability is essential. What makes them the safest option for purchasing Ayurveda is the combination of transparency, product integrity, and a team that prioritizes customer well-being above everything else. You never feel pressured to buy; instead, you feel guided, informed, and respected. Their focus on quality control, ethical sourcing, and traditional preparation methods ensures that customers receive products they can use with confidence. Overall, Susantha Spice and Herbal Garden delivers an exceptional blend of authenticity, service, and safety—making them a truly dependable destination for anyone seeking genuine Ayurvedic wellness.

I’ve been using Sihini Slim Drops from Susantha Spice Garden for the past two months, and the results have honestly amazed me. With consistent use and a healthier routine, I’ve managed to lose 9 kg, and I feel lighter, more energetic, and far more confident. The drops are easy to take, completely natural, and gentle on the body. Susantha Spice Garden always delivers high-quality herbal products, and Sihini Slim Drops have truly made a difference for me. Highly recommended! I have posted a before and after picture too. Love from Sweden

Beware that this kind of spice gardens (also tea factories) pay commissions to the local taxi drivers and guides for bringing tourists to their places. Even if they claim that it's going to be totally free, I bet you won't be able to leave without spending money there. It starts with a short tour of the spice trees growing there like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom... Afterwards, we were given a list of 23 "medical" products, and the guide started to present each of them, asking to mark the ones we want to buy later. It was difficult to interrupt him and explain that we were not interested in any of the products. Then we were taken to the shop, where we bought vanilla flavor and nutmeg powder. The saddest thing is that, after all, they turned out to be absolutely LOW QUALITY products. So, avoid this place and buy the spices from the supermarkets.

From the reviews I read here, similiar experience. Informative tour by their "Dr", suddenly people come and massage, need to tip them. Preasure you to buy the products, super pricey, usd 100 on average. Not necessary to come here as part of your tour.

It is a day-time robbery - please steer clear of this place. We got tricked into buying stuff that had been over-priced. I suspect that taxi drivers get commission for getting tourists to fall into these cunning-people's trap. Never fall in to their trap !!!! Given the nature of the cheating involved, now I have a concern to consume what we bought as there is no guarantee that the sold items are genuine and authentic.

Scammers. Specially the guys who pretends to be professionals. They charge you 30000/= for a 50g tub of veet hair removal cream saying its a herbal hair remover cream. Avoid this place at all cose. Veet is only 500rs for 50g in srilanka

This is not.a tour/visiting place for tourist but this is place for hurbal product shopping. Knowing this o was their to teach my children about the plant of spices and medicinal plant. How the srilankan botanist working their as profession. A muslim found wroking as botanist

Unfortunately the previous reviewers seem to be right - this place is a pushy tourist trap, where allegedly you do not need to pay for anything but at each moment you are pressured to pay various ‘tips’ and at the end of the tour you are being shoveled extremely overpriced stuff of doubtful quality and origin down your throat. Your local driver probably gets a kick back which is why he drove you here. Avoid at all costs!

The products here are amazing. I bought 6 peaces. First there is a man who do a tour to explain each product under the trees. He is good translation and talked Arabic and English language. Also we tried some of the products and we saw the results directly. The one negative thing is the high price of the products but we got 15% discount after that and its worth the price.

This was truly a fantastic experience. The team was fully organized and flawlessly guided the entire group through the rafting. Beautiful views and emotions I will never forget!

This is my first rafting experience ever and I enjoyed a lot! SP was the coordinator who was very kind, we were accompanied by Amila and Wasana who did a GREAT JOB!!!!!! We also did a small jump from a cliff into the water which was amazing! The instructions were very clear in English. We were allowed to swim for 5-10 in between. Our overall experience was just extraordinary!

This whitewater rafting trip was an absolute thrill ride! From the moment we hit the first rapid, the adrenaline was pumping, and the stunning scenery of the river canyon only added to the excitement. Our experienced guides were fantastic, ensuring everyone felt safe and had a blast navigating the rapids. A must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure!". Thank you for #Rafting Team 39👏👏👏

Great time with this team. We just did canyoning we were three (2 adults and a 10 year old child) and it was perfect for all of us. This team has certificates and Insurances they are also well formed in life saving. During the activity they give good explanations and advise before and during each obstacles. They film many parts of the trip and take photos before each stage with a GoPro and sell you a card or they can put it in your phone for RS 5000

We had an absolutely wonderful time, my partner and I had our own raft. Introduction was great, equips me T was like new, highly recommend this to anyone visiting Sri- Lanka.

This is the second time we did rafting with Team 39. They are very professional. Treated us well. They have covered all the travellers with an insurance. The owner Mr. Ravi is a friendly chap. You can negotiate with him. We couldn't go for rafting on the day we booked due to heavy rains. But he allowd us to come another day without any additional charge. His team members are talented. No need to fear rafting with them.

Went canyoning and rafting with them, the guides were super friendly, helpful, and did an excellent job making sure we were safe and enjoyed the activities. The content they captured on the go pro was great too. Highly recommend the place!

Excellent day out that cannot be missed if you’re in Sri Lanka. The scenery is out of this world. The area is not overwhelmed with other tourists so you feel really at one with nature. The company is professional and the guys who run it will take good care of you. It’s not too extreme either so a great choice if you’re a first timer.

Just had two days of adrenaline fun with this very professional company. Very easy to communicate in English. Took extra care looking after my 2 young daughters. Can highly recommend to anyone thinking of rafting or rock pooling. Regards Michael

It’s very good experience Very safety Good job ❤️❤️

My family have just had the most fantastic day, care of Kosala and his team - thank you all! For context we are a reasonably adventurous English family of five (56,55,18,16,14) . We love the outdoors, nature and stretching ourselves. We got all three in spades! The abseiling was a unique adventure. You are taken high up into the rain forested hills by tuk tuk up windy roads and tracks to the highest point. Then walk a short distance to this isolated water fall down a rock face. Stunning setting. The team were very experienced and proficient. We felt very safe. We had done very little abseiling between us but was no problem. We abseiled down to a natural infinity pool half way down with the most amazing views. Monkeys, birds, butterflies, lizards … all around. Next was rafting- again safe and experienced team. Great fun at grade 2/3 level. The surprise thrill was the canyoning. White water the whole way, shuttling down smooth rock helter skelters into rock pools. You have to concentrate and follow the experienced guides instruction to stay safe and get the most fun. What about day - awesome. Kosala really knows his stuff and has built a great team around him.

He was a very respectful and hardworking person. Unfortunately, he never got the recognition he deserved in this world. I didn’t get the chance to write a proper review about him. May Allah have mercy on him and forgive him.

We had river rafting today with exclusive adventures. Very professional and cooperative team. Highly recommend also there prices are also reasonable.

We are enjoying our time in rafting, I was very scared at first but once we started I had a lot of fun, It was a nice experience, People are helpful and caring.

Pinnawala Open Zoo is a calm and family-friendly place to enjoy nature and wildlife. The animals have spacious enclosures, and you can see both local species like leopards and deer, as well as exotic ones like giraffes and zebras. It’s not as crowded as big city zoos, which makes it more relaxing. Facilities are decent, though still improving. A nice stop if you’re visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage nearby .

Those visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, should also pay a visit to this visit. This zoo unlike others, is an open zoo. The animals are not kept in very tight enclosures. They are free to roam in a quite larger area. There are many animals such as deer, tigers, lions, and so the list goes on. Area is also quite large. There are buggy vehicles also present, which could be booked as per convenience. Walking around would be a better choice.

This is an excellent place for both locals and tourists, especially families with kids. The open zoo concept makes it feel less restrictive than traditional zoos, and you get great views of the animals, particularly the Sri Lankan leopards which are rare to see elsewhere. Highly recommend combining your visit with the nearby Elephant Orphanage for a full day of wildlife experiences! Plenty of parking available right outside the entrance

Pinnawala Zoo is very clean and has plenty of space for the animals, which makes it a pleasant place to walk around. However, there aren’t many animals to see at the moment. It would be great if more species could be added to make the visit more engaging for families and kids.

Pinnawala Zoo is a 44-acre zoo in Sri Lanka known for its spacious and natural enclosures, offering a relaxing environment for viewing animals like leopards, deer, and giraffes. It is a popular family-friendly destination focusing on education and conservation, housing over 100 animals from 30+ species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. It's distinct from the nearby Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, although visitors often visit both.

I recently visited Pinnawala Zoo and had an overall decent experience. The zoo covers a huge area with lots of greenery and open spaces, which is nice for families and children to enjoy. They offer special electric carts that can carry more than 10 people, which is convenient if you want to explore without too much walking (for an additional fee). However, the number of animals is quite limited, with only a few varieties—like one bear, one tiger, etc.—and some animals are kept in smaller cages. Some animals appear to be living alone, which is sad to see, as they look depressed. This makes it debatable whether it’s truly worth the time you spend there. There’s a cafe inside the park for refreshments, and you do need to walk a bit to see all the animals because of the large enclosures for some. Parking space is limited, and even if you arrive early, it can be difficult to move your car later due to the number of other vehicles. The ticket price is low, and while the greenery and space are enjoyable, the limited variety of animals and the condition of some enclosures may leave visitors feeling mixed about the experience.

Nice place to bring your kids. The place is much better than Dehiwala Zoo. It's more organised, animal friendly. But I must say, there're not a lot of animals. They've good, enough space to wander around. Enough in site parking space available

The Maha Saman Devalaya, located in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, is a revered shrine dedicated to deity Saman, considered one of the island's guardian deities and the protector of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak). The temple's origins are traced back to 1270, when it was founded by Aryakamadeva during the Dambadeniya period. ​ Throughout its history, the shrine has experienced periods of destruction and restoration. Notably, between 1618 and 1620, the Portuguese built a fort and church on the temple grounds. Later, King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747–1781) of the Kandyan Kingdom recaptured Ratnapura, demolished these structures, and reconstructed the Maha Saman Devalaya, which is believed to be the structure that stands today. ​ The temple complex features two platforms: the lower platform accessible through two vahalkadas (entrance structures) on the east and south, and the upper platform reached via a flight of steps on the eastern side. ​ Annually, the Maha Saman Devalaya hosts the Saman Devala Perahera, a vibrant procession that showcases traditional Sri Lankan culture and attracts numerous devotees and tourists. ​

A sacred and historic temple dedicated to God Saman, the guardian deity of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). The temple has a calm and spiritual atmosphere, attracting both devotees and visitors. Its traditional architecture, cultural significance, and annual Perahera (procession) make it an important religious landmark in Ratnapura. A peaceful place to experience Sri Lanka’s heritage and devotion.

Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya is a famous religious place in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to God Saman, one of the guardian deities of the island. The devalaya is located near the Kalu Ganga and is visited by many pilgrims every year, especially during the Sri Pada pilgrimage season. The temple has a peaceful environment and beautiful ancient architecture. People come here to worship and pray for blessings and protection. It is also an important cultural site with historical value. The annual Esala festival held at the devalaya is colorful and full of traditional dances and rituals. This devalaya shows the deep respect Sri Lankans have for their spiritual traditions and local gods.

The Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya is considered the main Devalaya of deity Saman except for the Shrine at top of Sri Pada. The Ratnapura Fort and a church was built on the ground of Saman Devalaya around 1618-1620 by the Portuguese King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781) of Kandyan Kingdom captured the Ratnapura, destroyed the church and the Portuguese Fort at Ratnapura and built a temple (Maha Saman Devalaya) on the site. It is believed that the current temple is the temple built by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. This temple, dedicated to one of the four guardian deities of the island, There is some evidence to suggest that there was an ancient devale (described as a “Hindu temple”) here before Portuguese times. The present devale is approached from the north east up a long processional way, and then through a gateway with an adjacent bo tree, which leads into a large rectangular outer enclosure. It is here that the elephants are dressed for the perahera procession during the annual festival.

🕊️ Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya is a serene and spiritual place, ideal for anyone seeking peace and blessings. Devotees can bring fruit offerings (fruit watti) to worship God Sumana Saman, but please note that king coconut is not allowed, and fruits should not be pre-cut. The temple staff will prepare your offerings with their own plates. hours are from 7:00 AM to 12:00 noon and again from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. A truly peaceful and sacred experience. 🌿🙏

Maha Saman Devalaya, also known as Sumana Saman Devalaya, is a shrine in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, dedicated to the deity Saman. He is the guardian of Sri Pada (also called Samanthakuta), a sacred mountain believed to bear the Buddha’s left footprint from his visit to Sri Lanka. When you enter the Dewalaya, you can feel a deep sense of calm. The surroundings are quiet. It is a great spot to relax your mind and feel close to nature. The architecture of the temple is simple yet elegant. During festival times, especially the Perahera, the Saman Devalaya becomes full of life with colorful processions and traditional dances. Whether you go there for religious reasons or just to enjoy the peaceful environment, Saman Dewalaya is a wonderful place to visit. It gives both spiritual comfort and natural beauty in one place.

A sacred gem in Ratnapura, rich in history and spiritual serenity. Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya is a revered temple dedicated to deity Saman, the guardian of Sabaragamuwa and Adam's Peak. Originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 17th century after Portuguese destruction, the temple showcases exquisite Kandyan-era architecture, with whitewashed courtyards and intricately carved statues. The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped, providing a serene environment perfect for reflection and meditation. The annual Esala Perahera held here in July or August is a vibrant cultural event, featuring traditional drummers, dancers, and decorated elephants, offering a mesmerizing experience that reflects Sri Lanka's rich heritage. Visitors are welcome such as lighting ince. participate in rituals, or offering flowers, allowing for a deeper connection to the spiritual significance of the site.

Good safari service

Enjoyed well

Place located the way to elephant bath place from main road so you can watch elephants time to and that can be kind of nice experience if you meet group of elephants while shopping in here. Parking is around 100 meters far from the shop so be careful to park there if you wish to shop

Good price,,,good place,,,,,high quality cloth and others,,, near basilur tea gallery pinnawala,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, basilur tea gallery good place best price

Nice place to buy souvenirs

Says open but it is close now what a waste of time

They had 3 elephants and they cared well about them. We paid 5000rs (2.Pers.) after negotiations with our driver as we just wanted to watch the elephants and no riding. Photos, washing and feeding is available for extra tip. What we liked is that there was no rush we where able to spend as much time as we like there.

Price is 5000LKR for 20Min Elephant ride, bath and pictures (You also have to tip).

Riding an elephant has its unique feeling, it gave me a sensation of power. But I can't give it 5 stars because of the animal abuse.

Don't buy the most expensive ticket, the cheapest one is enough. We enjoyed to massage the elephant in the river rather than riding.

It was nice but you can't help but feel bad. They were very informative but more capital needs to be injected to improve the conditions.

This is animal abuse!!! Elephants should be free and if you want to see them go to a national park to see them in the natural habitat. Please do not support places like this, elephants should be free!

Really bad experience, leave as far as you can from this place. The elephant was forced to go in the water, forced to walk, forced to do the shower, only a tourist activity and no caring. It’s not natural to pet this sad elephant and to take pictures like you are enjoying the moment. Only for social media picture, cause I swear that is the saddest moment I lived in Sri Lanka.

A must visit place if you come to Ratnapura. You can learn a lot about the history of Sabaragamuwa province.

it is located in Rathnapura town area.Very easy to access.closes at 4pm.Costs 100 per adult.It was used as an office by Ahalepola adikaram.There is a musium as a well maintained garden.

The museum is the old Ehelepola Walawwa where the Ehelepola Adhikaram used to live There's not a lot of things to see The entry is LKR 100 for locals Parking and toilets on premises If you're old, or a history buff, you might be interested in what they have.

The museum is closed for renovation, instead they offer to visit their garden for "half the price of the ticket", which means foreigners get their "special" price of 300 rupees (locals 50 rupees), which is already (in my humble opinion) considered cheating. The garden itself should be free due to its poor condition and small size. Nothing to see, trash everywhere (see attached photos). I would not recommend this place to other foreigners, only disappointment is guaranteed. Please don't support and avoid this place

There are limited things to observe, but for those who are interested in history, and gems, then this place will be valuable. this museum has gems, old items, and so many things which were related to Rathnapura.

Beautiful calm environment and properties that belongs to great history of SriLanka. Located at Rathnapura city and museum established at Ehelapoala Nilame Waluwa. There are so many historical valued equipment's and properties specially most of those were found at Sabaragamuwa province..

Well described museum. You will get all information about the history of sabaragamu province from here. Highly recommend to go there trough your journey and grab the experience.