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Pinnawala Open Air Zoo — Kegalle

Cover photo: Ajai S (Unsplash)

District

Kegalle

Province

Sabaragamuwa

Best for

Families skipping the orphanage crowds; open-plan zoo beside the river

Map

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About this place

Open-air zoo at Pinnawala, a few minutes from the orphanage, with large enclosures for big cats, primates and native deer. Reach by tuk-tuk from Rambukkana station or Kegalle town; separate small ticket. Go early morning when animals are active, and pair it with the orphanage in one half day.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Go early morning when animals are most active; the site spans ~44 acres so allow 2-3 hours on foot.
• Separate ticket from the orphanage - pair both in one half day, orphanage river bath first.
• Carry water, sun hat and rain cover; shade is patchy and paths are long.
• Follow keeper rules at enclosures; do not feed animals outside designated sessions.

How to travel there

Same access as the orphanage: Rambukkana station + tuk-tuk, or bus to Pinnawala from Kegalle; a few minutes by tuk-tuk between zoo and orphanage.

Where to stay

Pinnawala/Rambukkana lodges and guesthouses; Kegalle town hotels.

Nearby places

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Millennium Elephant Foundation, Rambukkana railway station, Kegalle spice gardens

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