Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens
A large, established zoological garden in Colombo featuring diverse species, landscaped gardens, an aquarium, and butterfly garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A large, established zoological garden in Colombo featuring diverse species, landscaped gardens, an aquarium, and butterfly garden.
"A lively place full of excitement and wonder, great for families to enjoy nature and discovery."
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Heat
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right at opening. Enjoy cooler temps and more active animals.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Family Outings
A well-maintained, peaceful spot for kids to enjoy nature and discover animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Aquarium
Aquarium Section
Explore a dazzling underwater world with colorful fish swimming gracefully. A major draw for all ages.
Majestic Big Cats
Lion and Tiger Enclosures
Witness the proud lions resting and the powerful tigers. A classic zoo experience that captivates visitors.
Playful Parrots
Aviary
Be charmed by the splashes of color and cheerful chatter of various parrot species.
Graceful Zebras
Savanna Enclosure
Watch zebras wander gracefully across their open space, a beautiful sight in the zoo's grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Better Visit
Manage Expectations for Animal Welfare
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Heat
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right at opening. Enjoy cooler temps and more active animals.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Family Outings
A well-maintained, peaceful spot for kids to enjoy nature and discover animals.
What are some things to do on Saturday around Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
🚶♀️ Pleasant Shaded Walkways
Enjoy a refreshing escape from the city with shaded paths and greenery.
⚠️ Decline Unofficial Offers
Politely refuse unofficial offers from staff for closer animal encounters or photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Heat
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right at opening. Enjoy cooler temps and more active animals.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Family Outings
A well-maintained, peaceful spot for kids to enjoy nature and discover animals.
🚶♀️ Pleasant Shaded Walkways
Enjoy a refreshing escape from the city with shaded paths and greenery.
⚠️ Decline Unofficial Offers
Politely refuse unofficial offers from staff for closer animal encounters or photos.
🐠 Don't Miss the Aquarium
One of the biggest attractions, glowing with colorful fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dehiwala Zoo offers a lively experience with a diverse range of animals and a popular aquarium, making it a good family outing. However, some visitors have noted concerns about animal welfare, enclosure conditions, and a perceived decrease in animal populations, with entry fees sometimes seen as high relative to the current state.
"The Dehiwala Zoo is a lively place full of excitement and wonder. On weekends it can feel a little bit crowded, especially with families and kids running happily from one enclosure to another. The aquarium is one of the biggest attractions, glowing with colorful fish swimming gracefully. Outside, the lions rest proudly in their den while the zebras wander gracefully across their open space. Parrots add splashes of color and cheerful sounds, drawing children close with their bright feathers and chatter. With so many animals and attractions, the zoo remains a favorite spot where kids enjoy nature, fun, and discovery."
Phoebus ༄
"A great family outing spot!
Dehiwala Zoo is a well-maintained and peaceful place to explore a variety of animals and birds. The shaded pathways and greenery make the walk enjoyable, especially with kids. The animal enclosures are fairly spacious, and the aquarium and reptile sections are interesting. The sea lion and elephant shows are a hit with children! Some areas could be improved for better animal welfare, but overall, it’s a lovely educational experience in the heart of Colombo."
Gopinath
"A Nice Half-Day Trip
The zoo is definitely a worthwhile half-day trip, especially if you’re a tourist visiting Colombo with kids. It’s easy to combine with some shopping or sightseeing in the area, and offers a relaxed environment for families to enjoy.
The grounds are spacious and make for a pleasant walk, even if you’re not particularly into animals — it’s a refreshing escape from the city. For the best experience, I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the heat and crowds.
One important note: politely decline any offers from staff or workers to get closer to the animals or to take special photos — these offers are unofficial and should be avoided.
Overall, it’s a great way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re looking for a child-friendly activity or just a quiet stroll among greenery.
As for the infrastructure, there is definitely room for improvement."
Bo Epa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dehiwala Zoo is accessible by public transport, including buses that run along Galle Road. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in Colombo.
Yes, parking is generally available at the zoo, though it can get busy on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
A taxi or tuk-tuk is a convenient option from Colombo city center, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
The zoo is located on Galle Road, a major bus route, making it easily accessible from various parts of Colombo and surrounding areas.
The grounds are spacious and make for a pleasant walk, but some areas might be challenging due to uneven paths. Check with the zoo for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry charges were around 3000 LKR per adult in May 2025, which some visitors found steep given the current conditions. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
The zoo is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official Dehiwala Zoo website or contact them directly for current operating hours.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the entrance.
Specific discount information is not readily available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Refund policies are typically determined by the zoo's management. It's best to review their terms and conditions or contact them directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include tigers, lions, chimpanzees, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, kangaroos, and oryx. However, some animals like camels were noted as being in a pathetic state.
Sea lion and elephant shows are mentioned as a hit with children, adding to the entertainment value.
Reviews vary, with some noting spacious enclosures and others mentioning that some areas have become wild or that animals appear underfed and lack energy.
While there are many photogenic animals, some visitors noted that the overall maintenance and animal conditions might not be ideal for capturing stunning wildlife shots.
The zoo has shaded pathways, greenery, and an aquarium. Some areas might be undergoing renovations, so facilities could be impacted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options within the zoo are not extensively detailed in reviews. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water or check for available vendors upon arrival.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted in most public parks and attractions, but it's always good to confirm with the zoo's specific policies.
Yes, the area around Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia offers various dining options, from local eateries to more established restaurants.
You can find a range of Sri Lankan cuisine, as well as international options, in the vicinity of the zoo.
Given the limited information on zoo dining, exploring nearby restaurants might offer a wider variety and better value.
📸 📸 Photography
The aquarium, aviaries with colorful birds, and enclosures with well-lit animals offer good photo opportunities.
Photography of animals is generally allowed, but be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions within certain enclosures.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, which is ideal for photography and can also lead to more active animals.
Be cautious of unofficial offers for closer access for photos, as these are not recommended.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance, while a wider lens can be good for capturing the environment and larger groups.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, aim for a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and the intense midday sun. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for a mix of well-maintained exhibits and areas that might need some attention. Remember to politely decline any unofficial offers for closer animal encounters, as advised by other visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially experience fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Public transport options are available, which can be a cost-effective way to reach the zoo from Colombo.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Dehiwala Zoo: A Visitor's Guide
Recent visitor feedback suggests a mixed experience. While the zoo is praised for its potential as a family outing and its pleasant grounds, some reviews highlight concerns regarding animal welfare and the overall maintenance of certain areas. The aquarium and specific animal exhibits like lions and zebras are often cited as highlights. However, there are also mentions of decreased animal populations and enclosures appearing neglected in some parts. It's important for visitors to be aware of these varying perspectives when planning their visit.
For an optimal visit, arriving early is frequently recommended to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, particularly on weekends. The zoo offers a chance for children to learn about nature and animals in a relatively accessible urban setting. Despite some areas needing improvement, it remains a significant attraction for those seeking a glimpse into the animal kingdom within Colombo.
Animal Welfare and Zoo Conditions
One reviewer noted a decrease in the animal population and some enclosures becoming 'wild' since a previous visit. This sentiment is echoed by others who expressed sadness over the current state of the zoo compared to earlier years. The zoo was also undergoing renovations during some visits, with a lack of prior notice impacting visitor expectations.
Despite these concerns, the zoo continues to be a place where children enjoy nature and discovery, and shows like the sea lion and elephant performances are still a hit. Visitors are advised to manage their expectations and focus on the educational aspects, while also being mindful of the feedback regarding animal conditions.
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