Visit National Zoological Gardens
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Popular
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.
How to book
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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
December
HIGH
25-32°C
December brings temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, averaging 28.5°C. Rainfall continues to decrease, averaging 213 mm over approximately 10 days of rain.
December brings temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, averaging 28.5°C. Rainfall continues to decrease, averaging 213 mm over approximately 10 days of rain.
Open
Higher demand may lead to limited availability in accommodations and attractions.
Higher demand may lead to limited availability in accommodations and attractions.
Recommended
December offers pleasant weather with reduced rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo. However, the peak tourist season leads to higher prices and crowded attractions. Early bookings are recommended.
December offers pleasant weather with reduced rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo. However, the peak tourist season leads to higher prices and crowded attractions. Early bookings are recommended.
January
HIGH
25-32°C
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Warm and dry with minimal rainfall.
Open
Recommended
January offers warm and dry weather, making it an ideal time to visit. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices due to the peak tourist season.
January offers warm and dry weather, making it an ideal time to visit. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices due to the peak tourist season.
February
MEDIUM
24-28°C
Warm with occasional light showers.
Warm with occasional light showers.
Open
Recommended
February continues to offer favorable weather conditions with slightly fewer crowds compared to January. Prices remain elevated due to the ongoing peak season.
February continues to offer favorable weather conditions with slightly fewer crowds compared to January. Prices remain elevated due to the ongoing peak season.
March
MEDIUM
24-33°C
Warm with increased chances of rain.
Warm with increased chances of rain.
Open
Recommended
March offers warm temperatures with a slight increase in rainfall. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain higher due to the peak season.
March offers warm temperatures with a slight increase in rainfall. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain higher due to the peak season.
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