Zoological Garden

Zoological Garden

Dehiwala Zoo

This is an Asian standard zoo situated in Dehiwala 10 km south of the Fort, Colombo, in which animals are well kept. The major attraction of this zoo is the elephant show which is held daily at 5.15 pm. The zoo has a wide collection of other creatures, including a fine range of birds and an aquarium. The zoo opens from 8.30 hrs to 18.00 hrs daily.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the department of National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela, 90 km from Colombo. It was established in 1975 and several animals brought here at the inception are now mature enough for breeding, which is the ultimate aim of the institution. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage has largest captive herd in the world

The Pinnawela elephant orphanage has not only got the largest captive herd of elephants in the entire world but it also has become the most successful elephant breeding center, according to reports. The elephant orphanage was established with seven orphans today has a population of sixty three. The elephant orphanage now boasts of its sixteenth birth and the second generation of births in captivity. It has become a major tourist attraction because of its uniqueness. This is an ideal site for photography, research and education on elephants as the visitor is able to observe a large herd comprised of week old babies to sixty year olds.

National Zoological Garden

Situated 11 km from the Fort - Colombo 1, the zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of aquatic life. Also walk through Aviary, Reptilian, and Butterfly Park to see another amazing world of wild animals. There are daily elephant performance at 5.15 p.m. Open daily between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

Botanic Garden

Sri Lanka has three beautiful Botanic Gardens - Peradeniya at an elevation of 488 meters, Hakgala at an elevation of 1,680 meters and Henarathgoda in the low country.