Gurugram to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Gurugram to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Planning a trip from Gurugram to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey, including information on language, currency, distance, how to reach, expenses, best time to go, what to eat, where to go, and frequently asked questions.

Language

The official languages of Gurugram are Hindi and English. In Pinnawala, the main language is Sinhala, but English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The currency in Gurugram is the Indian Rupee (INR). In Pinnawala, the currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Distance

The distance between Gurugram and Pinnawala is approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Gurugram:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Pinnawala is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From Gurugram, you can fly to Colombo and then take a taxi or bus to Pinnawala.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Pinnawala is Rambukkana Railway Station. From Gurugram, you can take a train to Rambukkana and then a bus or taxi to Pinnawala.
• By Road: The distance between Gurugram and Pinnawala is approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles). You can drive or hire a car from Gurugram to Pinnawala.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, here are some general estimates:

• Flight tickets: Round-trip flight tickets from Gurugram to Colombo can cost anywhere from INR 20,000 to INR 40,000.
• Train tickets: Train tickets from Gurugram to Rambukkana can cost anywhere from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000.
• Bus tickets: Bus tickets from Rambukkana to Pinnawala can cost anywhere from INR 100 to INR 200.
• Accommodation: Hotel rooms in Pinnawala can cost anywhere from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per night.
• Food and drinks: Food and drinks in Pinnawala are relatively inexpensive. You can expect to spend around INR 500 to INR 1,000 per day on meals.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally mild and there is less rainfall.

What to Eat

Pinnawala has a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines. Here are some of the local dishes that you should try:

• Rice and curry: This is the national dish of Sri Lanka and is a must-try for any visitor. It consists of rice served with a variety of curries.
• Hoppers: These are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter. They are often served with eggs or vegetables.
• Kottu roti: This is a popular street food dish made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or fish.
• Sri Lankan tea: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Pinnawala is a great place to try it. You can visit a tea plantation or simply enjoy a cup of tea at a local cafe.

Where to Go

In addition to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, there are several other places that you can visit in Pinnawala:

• Ramboda Falls: These are beautiful waterfalls located about 40 kilometers from Pinnawala. You can hike to the falls or take a scenic drive.
• Laxapana Falls: These are another set of beautiful waterfalls located about 50 kilometers from Pinnawala. You can hike to the falls or take a scenic drive.
• Horagolla National Park: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and bears. You can take a safari or go for a hike in the park.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:

• What are the visiting hours of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? The orphanage is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.
• Is it possible to interact with the elephants at the orphanage? Yes, you can interact with the elephants by feeding them or bathing them. However, you should always follow the instructions of the orphanage staff.
• Is there an entrance fee to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? Yes, there is an entrance fee of LKR 2,500 for adults and LKR 1,500 for children.
• Where can I stay near the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage? There are several hotels and guesthouses located near the orphanage. You can find a list of recommended accommodations on the orphanage's website.