Pinnawala is most famous for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, one of the largest in the world. Established in 1975, it cares for abandoned or injured elephants, offering visitors the chance to observe bathing, feeding, and social interaction up close. The nearby Pinnawala Zoo and Millennium Elephant Foundation offer more insight into Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation efforts. While controversial among some wildlife advocates, it remains a popular family-friendly stop between Kandy and Colombo.