Dehiwala Zoo (Colombo zoo)

Is Dehiwala Zoo worth visiting?

Quick answer: Dehiwala Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens, is Sri Lanka's oldest zoo, open since 1936 and about 11 km south of Colombo Fort. Foreign adults pay USD 17.70 and children USD 8.85, paid in rupees, and the zoo's own page gives hours of 8.30 am to 5.00 pm every day. It makes an easy half day in Colombo, especially with children.

The zoo is run by the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the same government department that runs the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoo and the Ridiyagama Safari Park. Its address is 120 Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, just inland from the Galle Road.

How much are Dehiwala Zoo tickets?

These are the prices on the zoo's Dehiwala page on 26 October 2026:

The zoo says all payments must be made in Sri Lankan rupees, so the dollar price is converted at the counter. SAARC prices are for visitors from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan. Bring your passport if you want the SAARC rate.

These are the same prices as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The entry ticket prices guide compares them with Sigiriya, the ancient cities and other sites.

What are the opening hours?

The zoo's website gives three versions, so plan for the shortest:

The safe plan is to arrive between 8.30 am and 2 pm. Mornings are cooler, and many animals are more active before the midday heat. To confirm on the day, call the zoo on 0112 712 752.

Can you book tickets online?

Yes. The zoo's FAQ says tickets can be bought online, which helps you skip queues, and links to the eTicket service at tickets.nationalzoo.gov.lk. You can also pay at the entrance. On weekends and school holidays, booking ahead saves time.

What is the elephant encounter?

The zoo lists a "Special encounter of Elephant Friends" at 10.00 am for Rs 7,080. That is the only timed activity the Dehiwala page shows. It does not say how long the encounter lasts or whether the price is per person, so ask at the ticket counter before you pay.

The zoo also runs an animal interaction programme, which is the only way you are allowed to feed animals. Do not feed animals with your own food.

What can you see at the zoo?

The zoo describes a collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic animals from Sri Lanka and around the world, and says it is known for conservation breeding and education.

One species it highlights is the Bandula barb (Pethia bandula), an endangered freshwater fish found only in the Nikkaduwa stream in the Galapitamada area of Sabaragamuwa Province. The Department of National Zoological Gardens and the Department of Wildlife Conservation run a captive breeding programme for it. It is a small fish, but it is one of the most range-restricted animals in the country, and few visitors know to look for it.

What are the zoo rules?

The zoo's park rules are stricter than many visitors expect:

• No plastic or polythene. Bringing plastic and polythene into the zoo is strictly prohibited. Carry a reusable bottle and a cloth bag.
• No pets and no noise makers. Drums, cymbals, whistles and portable speakers are not allowed.
• No smoking, alcohol or drugs anywhere in the zoo.
• No climbing on barriers or walls, and no entering closed or construction areas.
• No harassing animals. Visitors who harass an animal can be removed or fined.
• Official guides only. The zoo warns not to give money to anyone who is not an official guide.
• Watch your belongings on crowded paths. The zoo says it is not responsible for lost items.

The FAQ says there are cafeterias, food stalls and rest areas inside, and parking for cars, motorbikes and buses near the main entrance.

How do you get to Dehiwala Zoo?

Times are from OpenStreetMap with no traffic, checked on 26 October 2026. Colombo traffic is heavy at rush hour, so allow more. Tuk-tuk fares use the Western Province rate of Rs 110 for the first km and Rs 90 per km after; see the tuk-tuk fares guide for how to use it. Taxi apps also work well in this part of Colombo.

Dehiwala Zoo or Pinnawala?

Distances are OpenStreetMap routes with no traffic. If you have one free day near Colombo, the day trips from Colombo guide compares Pinnawala with Galle, Kandy and others. Families can use our Sri Lanka with kids guide for more ideas, and the 9-day itinerary with parents fits both Pinnawala and an easy Colombo day.