Pinnawela is a small town a short distance from Kegalle. It is not particularly fascinating except for one unique orphanage situated in this town, the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. Established in 1975 as a place to house young elephants who found themselves separated and lost from their herds or orphaned by poachers, Pinnawela has now become a popular tourist site.

The orphanage is situated besides a small river and it is captivating to watch the baby elephants bathe each other whilst at play.