National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, Colombo: Address, Phone Number, National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka Reviews: 3/5
National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
3
About
This zoo features animals from across Asia, as well as a nightly elephant circus.
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
781 within 5 kms

Palmyrah Restaurant
318
0.4 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly

Robata Grill and Lounge
87
60 m₱₱₱₱ • Chinese • Japanese • Seafood

Nuga Gama
1,282
0.7 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly

AYU
119
60 m₱₱₱₱ • Indian • European • Asian

Noodles Restaurant
891
0.7 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Chinese • Asian • Thai

Raja Bojun
559
0.3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Asian • Sri Lankan • Vegetarian Friendly

Bowl'd
54
0.3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Asian • Contemporary • Fusion

Cloud Red
183
0.5 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Bar • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly

Cheers Pub
539
0.7 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Bar • British • Pub

The London Grill
372
0.7 km₱₱₱₱ • Steakhouse • International • European
Attractions
150 within 10 kms

Traditional Puppet Art Museum
9
0 mSpeciality Museums

Jims Poker Room
15
82 mCasinos

Liberty Plaza
50
78 mShopping Malls

Nastars
2
0.1 kmShopping Malls

Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Polwatte
26
0.3 kmChurches & Cathedrals

Expo Rail
49
0.3 kmScenic Railroads

Colombo Swimming Club
52
0.4 kmSports Camps & Clinics

Green Path
55
0.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Seema Malakaya Temple
419
0.9 kmReligious Sites

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
3,096
1.1 kmReligious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.0
507 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
135
Average
123
Poor
70
Terrible
86
dilan m
Sri Lanka31 contributions
Friends
Zoo is well cleaned and layered out properly now. Directions are given to all places so that you won’t miss anything in the park. The only the problem I noticed Is public washrooms, they are not properly maintained. Overall the visit was aw.
Written 6 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
blacktown2017
Sydney, Australia103 contributions
what a nice lovely place to visit, you don't need to travel far but make sure that you are there early in the morning to avoid the heat. the layout is excellent, all you have to do is follow the arrows which they are numbered, the only two things that minorly disappointed me were, even though the sign said that they accept credit cards, they actually don't (maybe the machine was down that day) and the other thing was i didn't get to see any leopards the cage was empty with broken door. apart from that, really a great place to spend the day,
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cabeysiriwardhane
Western Province, Sri Lanka11 contributions
The aquarium is done very nicely. Inside the aquarium very calm and quiet. The Zoo is very crowded during the holidays. If you visit the zoo in the day time on a weekday you can enjoy than a holiday. Too limited space for some animals. The zoo is open from 8. am to 10 pm during weekends (Usually 8.am to 6 pm).
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MonteBurns
New York City, NY915 contributions
Couples
We had a no plan day in Columbo so a TripAdvisor search show us that the zoo was t far from our hotel. A 100 ruble tuk tuk rode later we were there.
Nice place. Well kept and well laid out. Maps are given out at the ticket counter so we had an idea what direction to walk.
The zoo itself is very clean and the animals are well tended to. No staving malnourished animals to be seen.
We enjoyed our visit and walking around. Snacks are available. Signs saying don’t feed the animals are posted so don’t waste your resources bringing food for the animals. We had a green apple and wanted to give it to Prince the horse but I asked the guy first and he said no. I felt bad for Prince cause I showed it to him already and he looked happy to eat it.
Admission for tourists is a bit steep. 3000 rubies a person. That’s about $16.50 a ticket but it is a great way to spend 2-3 hours.
If you like zoos you should go here.
Nice place. Well kept and well laid out. Maps are given out at the ticket counter so we had an idea what direction to walk.
The zoo itself is very clean and the animals are well tended to. No staving malnourished animals to be seen.
We enjoyed our visit and walking around. Snacks are available. Signs saying don’t feed the animals are posted so don’t waste your resources bringing food for the animals. We had a green apple and wanted to give it to Prince the horse but I asked the guy first and he said no. I felt bad for Prince cause I showed it to him already and he looked happy to eat it.
Admission for tourists is a bit steep. 3000 rubies a person. That’s about $16.50 a ticket but it is a great way to spend 2-3 hours.
If you like zoos you should go here.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sand77M
Dubai, United Arab Emirates32 contributions
Family
After many years with my family we have visited the Dehiwala Zoo (thats the name we call from the childhood). Its far better than before & there are lots of new things & improvements. We love the way of the Macaw parrots were amazing.
We all enjoyed the way of the Tigers its like a glass cage & feels like tiger come near to you.
We also had lunch in the main Restaurant the food was ok bit over priced however the service was very poor & not enough servers.
Overall good experience there also kids activities which little once can enjoy..
Thank you.
We all enjoyed the way of the Tigers its like a glass cage & feels like tiger come near to you.
We also had lunch in the main Restaurant the food was ok bit over priced however the service was very poor & not enough servers.
Overall good experience there also kids activities which little once can enjoy..
Thank you.
Written 12 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Srinal Wijesuriya
Negombo, Sri Lanka65 contributions
I had good experience with my family at weekend. It was so crowed day. The staff try there best to keep this clean.
But I couldn't see big development about the zoo. When I visited my childhood I can remember there were more animals than today. There wasn't good maintenance.
There was Children Play area. That was good. I think Zoo is National treasure.So need more attention for this.
But I couldn't see big development about the zoo. When I visited my childhood I can remember there were more animals than today. There wasn't good maintenance.
There was Children Play area. That was good. I think Zoo is National treasure.So need more attention for this.
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meuraanjana,
Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka80 contributions
Couples
Dehiwala zoo is one of my childhood favorite visits, but disappointingly I see very less change during the years. Only the entrance is enhanced. And the tiger cage.
Guys this is national treasure. Locals well as the international tourist adore this place.
Do not let the fame fade away,
Remember if you don’t care the animal lives and well being, the concrete you use to decor it is a complete waste.
I hope you guys will re create the facility in a more greater way.
Still a place to be visited though.
Guys this is national treasure. Locals well as the international tourist adore this place.
Do not let the fame fade away,
Remember if you don’t care the animal lives and well being, the concrete you use to decor it is a complete waste.
I hope you guys will re create the facility in a more greater way.
Still a place to be visited though.
Written 20 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My Tropical Journal
Colombo, Sri Lanka132 contributions
Couples
Popular attraction for families and kids specially during weekends. Can enjoy well if avoid busy times. There are many endemic and foreign creatures including birds, mammals, reptiles, snakes, fish etc. Considerably large area is allocated for the park and have tried squeezing best possible number of species in one location.
Sad part is animals are caged. Always feel when I visit this place, it will be a better view if the park is moved to a larger location big enough for them to roam freely. Pros is the effort of allowing local kids to get a glimpse of species that are uncommon to Sri Lanka.
There are few food stalls and restaurant to grab snack and meals in between the tiring walk. But make sure to feed yourself only, without feeding animals since they might get sick.
Recommend for anyone who love zoology. Please avoid if you are a hardcore animal welfare person who hate seeing caged animals. Better avoiding at first point, rather complaining.
Sad part is animals are caged. Always feel when I visit this place, it will be a better view if the park is moved to a larger location big enough for them to roam freely. Pros is the effort of allowing local kids to get a glimpse of species that are uncommon to Sri Lanka.
There are few food stalls and restaurant to grab snack and meals in between the tiring walk. But make sure to feed yourself only, without feeding animals since they might get sick.
Recommend for anyone who love zoology. Please avoid if you are a hardcore animal welfare person who hate seeing caged animals. Better avoiding at first point, rather complaining.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ankur C
Greater Noida, India109 contributions
Family
Dehiwala Zoo is an amazing place to visit with children. The great variety of animals and the various shows like bird show, sea lion show and elephant dance show are unique and wonderful. There is also a kids play area where the kids can have a gret time while their parents can rest. Overall a very nice place, highly recommended
Written 15 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas R
Dresden, Germany9 contributions
Couples
Animals and Enclosures are in bad condition. Entry fee for Overseas is 3.000 Rps (15 Euro), Locals pay just 800 Rps.
Don‘t buy the cutten fruits from Locals offered in front of the Zoo to feed the animals. Feeding of Animals in the Zoo is strictly forbidden! Only cash accepted.
Don‘t buy the cutten fruits from Locals offered in front of the Zoo to feed the animals. Feeding of Animals in the Zoo is strictly forbidden! Only cash accepted.
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
how much charge for each local adult and child?
My Tropical Journal
Colombo, Sri Lanka132 contributions
The above rates are correct. Adult Rs. 100 and kids Rs 30. But if you are a foreigner with residential visa, pls take those doc with you. +94 112712751 . Hope they will answer. :)
shocked123
Colombo, Sri Lanka61 contributions
what about parking a car over here? thanks in advance
Vachintha Piyadasa
Colombo, Sri Lanka1,823 contributions
There is no designated vehicle park for the zoo. However there are some spaces to park vehicles by the sides of the road. If you go there on a weekday, finding a decent parking space won't be problem. But during weekends, it may be a little difficult.
i want too oder 6 tickets
Aruna Gunawardena
Colombo, Sri Lanka3,931 contributions
We buy at the gate.
mahbub2016
Bangladesh
Dear sir, We will be stay at Colombo 24-25 July at hotel ERO Lanka.How can we visit Garden ? Time,transport with all about.
Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon
Gampaha, Sri Lanka491 contributions
Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala 10350, Sri Lanka.
Phone: +94 11 2 712752
Hours: 8:30AM–6PM
Better take a Taxi or Three Wheel.
whoelseKhartoum
Khartoum24 contributions
opening hours
najimudeen
Melaka, Malaysia106 contributions
The opening hours of Dehiwela Zoological garden is from 10..00 am to 5.00 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
- We recommend booking National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka:
- Colombo City Tour (From ₱6,660.01)
- 3 Day Tour Sri Lanka with Minitours (From ₱47,360.42)
- Day Tour to Colombo from Kandy by Lux Tours Lanka (From ₱4,440.00)
- Seethawaka Botanical Garden Day Tour From Colombo With Lunch (From ₱3,413.25)
- 3 Day Pasikudha Tour from Dambulla (From ₱28,817.85)
- Hotels near National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka:
- (0.04 km) Mövenpick Hotel Colombo
- (0.12 km) Wonder Hotel Colombo
- (0.21 km) Colombo Haven Bed & Breakfast
- (0.19 km) Sheraton Colombo Hotel
- (0.21 km) Backpack Lanka Hostel
- Restaurants near National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka:
- (0.00 km) Panino (Cotton Collection)
- (0.00 km) Capri Club
- (0.06 km) Robata Grill and Lounge
- (0.06 km) AYU
- (0.16 km) Carnival