Visit National Zoological Gardens
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
PopularColombo, Sri Lanka
Popular
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
25°C – 32°C, warm and dry with minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
25°C – 32°C, warm and dry with minimal rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchair accessible paths; walking required; seating available.
Wheelchair accessible paths; walking required; seating available.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews on upkeep and welfare, moderate entry fees.
Mixed reviews on upkeep and welfare, moderate entry fees.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Enjoyable Walk
Couples enjoyed the pleasant walk amidst lush greenery and diverse wildlife exhibits.
Diverse Species
Visitors were impressed by the variety of animals, including big cats and elephants.
Aquarium Delight
Couples enjoyed the aquarium, finding it a charming addition to the zoo experience.
Welfare Concerns
Many couples were concerned about animal welfare and enclosure conditions.
Poor Maintenance
Travelers noted issues with litter, odors, and an overall lack of upkeep.
Lonely Animals
Some animals appeared isolated and lonely, impacting the experience for couples.
Hours of operation
Monday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on a digital stroll through National Zoological Gardens.
Experience a virtual tour of National Zoological Gardens.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
HIGH
24-31°C
Warm with occasional rain showers.
Warm with occasional rain showers.
Open
Recommended
April experiences warm weather with occasional rain. Domestic tourist numbers rise due to local holidays, leading to higher crowd levels and prices.
April experiences warm weather with occasional rain. Domestic tourist numbers rise due to local holidays, leading to higher crowd levels and prices.
May
LOW
26-34°C
May in Colombo is characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, marking the onset of the southwest monsoon season.
May in Colombo is characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, marking the onset of the southwest monsoon season.
Open
Some outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions.
Some outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions.
Not recommended
Visiting the zoo in May is less crowded, but be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential disruptions to outdoor exhibits.
Visiting the zoo in May is less crowded, but be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential disruptions to outdoor exhibits.
June
LOW
27-34°C
June continues the southwest monsoon with high temperatures and frequent heavy rains.
June continues the southwest monsoon with high temperatures and frequent heavy rains.
Open
Outdoor activities may be affected by heavy rainfall.
Outdoor activities may be affected by heavy rainfall.
Not recommended
June's heavy rains make it a less ideal time to visit the zoo, with potential limitations on outdoor exhibits.
June's heavy rains make it a less ideal time to visit the zoo, with potential limitations on outdoor exhibits.
July
MEDIUM
26-33°C
July experiences continued monsoon rains, though slightly less intense than in May and June.
July experiences continued monsoon rains, though slightly less intense than in May and June.
Open
Some outdoor exhibits may still be affected by rain.
Some outdoor exhibits may still be affected by rain.
Not recommended
While July sees a slight increase in visitors, the weather remains wet, which can impact the zoo experience.
While July sees a slight increase in visitors, the weather remains wet, which can impact the zoo experience.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Public buses, including routes 118 and 176, stop at the Dehiwala Zoo bus stop on Allen Avenue, approximately 1.7 km from the zoo.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe provide direct access to the zoo from central Colombo.
Car
Visitors can drive to the zoo and utilize the on-site parking facilities, accessible via Galle Road.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
