Sri Lanka
outdoors
Dehiwala Zoo, officially known as the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Asia. Located in Dehiwala, a suburb of Colombo, this lush and beautifully landscaped zoo is home to a vast collection of animals, birds, reptiles, and marine life.
The zoo is a highlight of many Sri Lanka tour packages, attracting both locals and tourists who come to admire exotic species and enjoy daily animal shows, including the famous elephant performance. With its shaded walkways, scenic ponds, and engaging exhibits, Dehiwala Zoo provides a fun-filled day for families, nature lovers, and animal enthusiasts alike.
The entrance fee for Dehiwala Zoo is around ₹28 for Sri Lankan adults, ₹8 for Sri Lankan children (ages 3–12), ₹700 for overseas adult visitors, and ₹350 for overseas children.
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
120 Galvihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Colombo Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
Elephant Show
One of the zoo’s main attractions, where elephants perform coordinated routines, offering a blend of entertainment and education about their behavior.
Reptile House
Home to a fascinating collection of snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, this exhibit provides insight into Sri Lanka’s diverse reptilian life.
Aquarium
Showcasing freshwater and marine species from across the world, the aquarium highlights Sri Lanka’s rich aquatic biodiversity.
Dehiwala Zoo is famous for its wide variety of wildlife, beautiful landscaping, and daily elephant shows that delight visitors of all ages.
The entry fee is around ₹600 for foreign visitors and ₹300 for SAARC nationals, with discounts for children and students.
The zoo is just 10 km from Colombo and can be reached conveniently by taxi, tuk-tuk, or local bus. It’s also close to Mount Lavinia Beach for combined day trips.
Yes, several cafés and snack stalls are located within the zoo premises, along with rest areas, washrooms, and souvenir shops for visitor convenience.
Yes, photography is allowed, but visitors are advised to avoid flash or loud noises that may disturb the animals.
Trusted by 1,00,000+ travellers
Dedicated experts to plan your trips
Secure bookings, clear cancellations
10,000+ unique trips to choose from
5.0
Krish Patel
Reviewed: Aug 11, 2025Nysa Reddy
Reviewed: Sep 08, 2025
