Information
Landmark: Dehiwala ZooCity: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Dehiwala Zoo, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
The Dehiwala Zoo, officially called the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, ranks among the country’s oldest and most famous, where peacocks strut under the shade of towering palms.In Dehiwala, a bustling suburb of Colombo, you’ll find a place teeming with life-monkeys chattering in the trees, bright parrots flashing their wings-and it draws crowds of both locals and travelers year-round.First.Dehiwala, in Colombo District of Sri Lanka’s Western Province, sits at roughly 6.9062° N and 79.9784° E, and the Dehiwala Zoo lies about 12 kilometers south of Colombo’s bustling center-close enough for a short, breezy drive from the capital.You’ll find it right on Galle Road, with buses and tuk-tuks passing by all day.Number two.The Dehiwala Zoo opened its gates in 1936, and over the years it’s blossomed into one of Sri Lanka’s top attractions, where visitors still pause to watch the bright macaws chatter in the trees.It started with just a handful of animals-a few goats bleating in a wooden pen-and over the years grew into a full-scale zoological park.The zoo has helped protect endangered species and joined wildlife programs around the world, from breeding rare snow leopards to restoring fragile habitats.Number three.At Dehiwala Zoo, you can wander past roaring lions and playful monkeys, then catch lively shows that blend fun with lessons on protecting wildlife.Animal Exhibits: The zoo houses everything from towering Sri Lankan elephants and sleek leopards to playful monkeys chattering in the trees, along with sloth bears, crocodiles, colorful birds, reptiles, and shimmering fish.Some of these animals come from far corners of the world, but many call Sri Lanka home.The zoo’s biggest draw is its herd of Sri Lankan elephants-massive, dust-gray giants from one of the rarest Asian elephant subspecies.You can get right up close to these incredible animals, watching the flick of a cobra’s tongue, while also learning how conservation programs are working to protect them.Inside the Reptile House, you’ll find an array of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, from the Indian cobra to the massive python.It’s a favorite stop for anyone curious about these remarkable animals, with an aquarium displaying shimmering schools of freshwater and marine fish-many native to Sri Lanka-colorful aviaries filled with parrots, peacocks, flamingos, and the proud Sri Lanka junglefowl, a children’s area where little ones can feed gentle goats or play conservation-themed games, and lively elephant shows where the animals demonstrate their skills while keepers share how they’re cared for.Watching the elephants eat-tossing hay with their trunks-is a crowd favorite, and the zoo also runs lively wildlife programs that teach visitors, especially kids, why conservation matters.You can join interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and guided tours that shine a light on why protecting wildlife matters, all while the zoo sits nestled among sweeping lawns and botanical gardens alive with bright blooms and towering trees.The quiet, leafy paths make it a perfect place for a slow nature walk, and Dehiwala Zoo also plays its part in protecting wildlife through conservation and breeding programs, focusing on endangered species.It partners with groups at home and abroad to safeguard wildlife, focusing on Sri Lanka’s own treasures-the elephant, the shaggy-coated sloth bear, and the elusive leopard.The zoo belongs to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and works with partners worldwide to protect biodiversity, from safeguarding rare orchids to promoting humane, sustainable care for wildlife.Number five.Planning a visit?The zoo welcomes guests daily, opening its gates at 8:30 a.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m., just as the evening air begins to cool.The best time to go is in the morning, when you might catch monkeys chattering in the trees.Ticket prices differ for locals and visitors, and kids or seniors get a discount.Check the latest rates before you go.On a guided tour, friendly staff might point out how a tiger’s stripes help it blend into tall grass, while sharing insights about the animals, their habitats, and ongoing conservation work.These tours are great for anyone eager to learn more about wildlife, and you’re free to snap photos of the animals-like a tiger stretched out in the sun-along with their habitats.Don’t use flash-it can startle the animals.Around the zoo, you’ll find souvenir shops stocked with plush pandas, T-shirts, and books, plus a few food stalls for a quick snack.You’ll find food stalls and small restaurants serving hot snacks and cold drinks, their aromas drifting through the air.Just 2 km away, Mount Lavinia Beach offers a breezy stretch of sand where you can unwind by the sea.After a day at the zoo, it’s the perfect spot to relax with the sea breeze on your face.About 12 km north in Colombo, the National Museum invites you to explore Sri Lanka’s past through ancient coins, royal crowns, and other treasures.Just 11 km away, Galle Face Green stretches wide beside the Indian Ocean, its grassy expanse meeting the crash of blue waves.It’s the perfect spot for a stroll, where you can breathe in the salty sea air and watch the sun slip below the horizon.The best time to visit the Dehiwala Zoo is in the morning, ideally before noon, when the animals are lively and the air still feels cool.The crisp morning air keeps visitors relaxed and the animals calm.On weekdays, you’ll find fewer people-quiet paths and open benches make the visit more relaxing-while weekends often draw more local families, filling the place with chatter and laughter.Eight.In conclusion, Dehiwala Zoo is a great spot for families to explore, offering a chance to learn about wildlife conservation while watching everything from playful monkeys to towering giraffes just a few steps away.It helps safeguard endangered species and teaches people about animal welfare, from the roar of a rescued tiger to the quiet care of a shelter dog.Whether you love animals, have kids in tow, or just want a day’s escape in Colombo, the Dehiwala Zoo welcomes you with bright parrots, shaded paths, and an experience you won’t forget.
