Dehiwala Zoo, Colombo: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Dehiwala Zoo Overview

The Dehiwala Zoo, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a popular attraction showcasing a diverse array of wildlife in a picturesque setting. Established in 1936, the zoo spans 11 hectares and is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine life. With educational programs and entertaining exhibits, the zoo offers a family-friendly environment for visitors to learn about and appreciate the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka and beyond.

Established in the year 1936, Dehiwala Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Asia. It is also believed that the open zoo concept was introduced by this particular zoo which was further taken ahead by various others. Basically known as the Dehiwala Zoo, the real name of the zoo is the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka.

The place is a flourishing landscape that is housing over 2,500 splendid animals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and much more. The distinct species does not limit to the ones found in Sri Lanka but there are animals from various other countries too. Not only the fauna, but the tropical flora of the zoo is also renowned for its diversity among its visitors.

The visitors can experience the variety of the species kept in the zoo along with close interaction with the various harmless birds and mammals. They also get to witness the lifecycle of various animals and insects along with the breeding and symbolic patterns of butterflies and fish. Also, the two of the most popular activities of the zoo, elephant dance & show and the other being the night safari is a must-to-do.

The soothing green flora and dense wood patches in the zoo make it even more appealing to the tourists. Also, one can unwind themselves in the butterfly garden where they could witness the colorful myriad of butterflies fluttering over their heads. You must take help from the zoo map in order to not miss any part of the sprawling zoo.

How To Reach

Dehiwala Zoo is 40 KM away from the Colombo Airport which would take around one hour and fifteen minutes to cover.

By Taxi:
You could hire a taxi just from the outside of the airport which can drive you till the zoo in the time span of forty minutes. This entire journey could cost you anything between INR 1,700 and INR 5,500. Although costly, taxi is the most convenient way to reach the zoo from the airport.

By Bus:
Bus will take an hour and fifty minutes to drop you to the zoo from the airport. However, you will find several buses plying on the A2 route to the Dehiwala Zoo which could be the cheaper way to travel.

By Air:
You could take a 15 minutes flight from Colombo Airport to Diyawanna Oya which would cost you between INR 7,000 to INR 16,000. From there, you would have to travel the rest of 10.5 KM by taxi which would take around 15 minutes and INR 600- 800.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Dehiwala Zoo is in winter or the dry season when there is less to no rainfall in the country. The winter months from October to February have soothingly cold temperatures and no humidity in the air. This would fit perfectly for you to wander around the zoo and not feel uneasy unlike summer months with hot temperatures and high humidity levels.

However, in the daytime, one should visit as early as the zoo opens as it is the least crowded time of the day and plus you will get to roam around comfortably without having to worry about the closing time.

Lastly, although the closing time of the zoo is 06:00 PM, the entry for the visitors closes by 05:30 PM sharp. So do not visit if you are not reaching the zoo on time. Moreover, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the zoo in half an hour, so plan early.

Other Essential Information

Location: 120 Galvihara Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Entry fee:
- Foreign Adult: Rs 2,500

- Foreign Child: Rs 1,250

- SAARC Adult: Rs 700

- SAARC Child: Rs 350

- Local Adult: Rs 100

- Local Child: Rs 30

- School groups higher than 25 students: Rs 20

Timings: 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM on all days of the week.

Interesting Facts about Dehiwala Zoo

Visiting Dehiwala Zoo for the first time? Here are some interesting facts about it to give you an unmatchable experience:

- Dehiwala Zoo organizes a night safari between 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday which you must get indulged in.

- Dehiwala Zoo lets you interact with the animals, birds, insects, and reptiles from up close.

- Dehiwala Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Asia which was established in the year 1936.

- The zoo pioneered the open zoo concept among the upcoming zoos.

- The zoo houses over 2,500 animals from tropical and local species.

- The zoo is not only popular for its distinct fauna but tropical flora too.

- The zoo also features the lifecycle and breeding patterns of the various animals to convert the tour into an educational experience.

- The zoo focuses on the breeding of rare and endangered species in order to protect them from extinction.

Dehiwala Zoo Night Safari

Enough of clubs and pubs to spend a memorable night! Hit Dehiwala Zoo Night Safari which is a freshly started service by the zoo where they take their guests on a safari at night. Here, people can witness animals in their natural habitat enjoying their daily life.

They really enjoy the nocturnal activities of the distinct wildlife species and so making this safari a very demanding activity of the zoo. It is a very adventurous activity where one can bring their families and lovers to spend an enthusiastic night in the woods.

This is a weekly activity which is enjoyed by the locals and foreigners alike. So you have to definitely get your tickets booked beforehand. You could choose a slot from 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The experience is worth all the money you spend which is LKR 700 for the adults and LKR 350 for a child for a single ticket.