Explore the Wonders of Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
Discover the diverse wildlife and enchanting beauty of Dehiwala Zoological Gardens, a premier attraction for nature lovers in Sri Lanka.
Dehiwala Zoological Gardens is a must-visit destination for tourists in Sri Lanka. This expansive zoo showcases a diverse range of wildlife and offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
- 120 Galvihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Kalubowila, LK
- +94112712751
- Monday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the animals at their most active.
- Bring a camera to capture the amazing animals, but remember to respect the wildlife by not feeding them.
- Check the schedule for animal shows in advance to plan your visit around these entertaining events.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo requires a fair amount of walking to explore fully.
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated areas amidst the beautiful gardens.
Getting There
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Public Bus
To reach the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens from the Colombo Fort area, head to the Colombo Fort bus terminal. Look for buses heading towards Dehiwala or Mount Lavinia, specifically those that say 'Dehiwala' on their front display. Buses number 100, 101, and 120 typically go there. Board the bus and stay on for about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Disembark at the 'Dehiwala Zoo' stop, which is right outside the entrance to the zoo. The zoo is located at 120 Galvihara Rd, just a short walk from the bus stop.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a tuk-tuk from your location in Colombo. Simply flag down a tuk-tuk or use a ride-hailing app like PickMe or Uber. Provide the driver with the address '120 Galvihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia'. The journey will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Most drivers are familiar with the zoo, so you can also just say 'Dehiwala Zoo'.
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Train
For a scenic route, you can take a train from Colombo Fort to Dehiwala. First, head to the Colombo Fort railway station. Purchase a ticket for the train heading towards Galle or Matara, and make sure to get off at the Dehiwala station, which is about 15 minutes away. Once you arrive at Dehiwala station, exit the station and take a left. Walk straight for about 15 minutes until you reach Galvihara Road. Turn right on Galvihara Road, and you'll find the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens a short distance ahead on your left.
Discover more about Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
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