Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada): Climbing Sri Lanka’s Sacred Mountain

BY  Sibashree Oct 24, 2025

You know what’s so special about visiting quaint and offbeat places? These are the places to make quirky and personal connections.  Jaffna has not been an exception. Let me share a story! It was while exploring the Jaffna Public Market. An old lady jokingly refused to sell a tourist a kilo of dried fish. She said, “You don’t look like someone who appreciates the smell of sun-dried fish!” By the end, she laughed and gave him a small bundle for free. The whole thing was so warm. An old lady, who was probably talking to a person for the first time, was very cordial in her behavior. You will not get this shopping experience in any shopping mall or supermarket. Another highlight was when a priest offered me some sweets at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. There were hundreds of visitors, and I don’t know why he came up to me and offered the sweets. He said, “For you, even if you are a stranger, my blessings are for you!” I had tears in my eyes. With moments like this, Jaffna will always remain one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s not just about the scenic beauty, but the warmth and inclusivity.  In addition, the recent inauguration of the International Cricket Stadium at Mandaitivu Island will be a new landmark of the city. With a capacity of 40000 spectators, it will promote national integrity and more tourism through sports.  Here, I will talk about how to reach Jaffna, the places to visit, the safety quotient, cultural exploration, and more! Keep reading this Jaffna, Sri Lanka travel guide.  You can also follow our Jaffna travel itinerary to plan your trip better.  Cultural Exploration In Jaffna, Sri Lanka: Why Is It So Special? The origin of Jaffna’s name takes us back to its Tamil roots. There was a blind musician called Yalpanan who used to play an instrument called Yal. Thus, the place got its name as Yalpanam or Yalpanapattinam, meaning the Port of the Iyre.  Furthermore, the historical evidence suggests that Tamil Presence here dates back to at least 300 B.C. Archaeological sites such as Pomparippu are a telltale sign of the Tamilian presence.  Jaffna was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom in the medieval days before European colonization happened here.  Moreover, thanks to the Tamilian culture in Jaffna, in recent times, it has become a favorite destination of Indian travelers. A Tour and Travel World report suggests a 325% increase in searches among Indian travelers.  Direct accessibility to Jaffna from various parts of South India via flights is another reason why Jaffna is so popular among Indian tourists.  You will get flights to Jaffna from cities such as Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, and Chennai.  Top 10 Unknown Cultural Things About Jaffna, Sri Lanka 1. Traditional Tamil musical performances during temple festivals.2. Unique Jaffna-style architecture in homes and temples.3. Palmyrah palm-based crafts and products.4. Indigenous Tamil martial arts demonstrations.5. Local storytelling traditions passed down orally.6. Community-led cultural tours and workshops.7. Traditional Tamil wedding customs.8. Seasonal harvest festivals like Thai Pongal.9. Local folklore and legends tied to historical sites.10. Ancient Tamil inscriptions found in temple ruins. Food Culture And Culinary Tours In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  Jaffna cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and unique Tamil dishes. Popular items include Jaffna crab curry, Kool (seafood soup), Odiyal Kool, and Palmyrah jaggery sweets.  Food tours in Jaffna offer cooking classes, market visits, and traditional meal experiences with local families. However, the traditional delicacies of Jaffna tell the stories of the tradition, history, and resilience of Northern Sri Lanka. In addition, Jaffna City, in recent times, has played an important part in changing the food trends of the country. Also, it has ensured a lesser reliance on expensive imports.  Today, you will see increased use of Palmyrah jaggery, palmyrah flour, or even palmyrah vinegar, the typical Jaffna ingredients. So, in Colombian food is an example of how, Jaffna is emerging as a crucial destination in the country's food landscape.  Colombo, in fact, now has a Kaachai Varai, or Jaffna Market, from where seafood, spices, and other ingredients are sourced. This endeavor supports the local fishermen, farmers, and producers.  Moreover, Jaffna is an important location for hands-on culinary tours in northeastern Sri Lanka. For example, celebrated Australian chef Peter Kuruvita conducts a culinary tour in the northeast part of Sri Lanka, and Jaffna is one of the destinations.  On this tour, you will get to know about the art of cooking in clay pots over an open fire. Overall, getting familiar with the local food is one of the top cultural things to do in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.  A 3-Day Culinary Tourism Itinerary In Jaffna It’s time to experience the eclectic nature of Jaffna food, where Tamil, Muslim, and European influences have merged. Here is a 3-day culinary tourism itinerary in Jaffna.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna and checking in.• Having Jaffna-style idiyappam with coconut sambol and mutton gravy.• Exploring the Jaffna Market, a gold mine of dried fish and palmyrah jaggery, tamarind, and spices unique to the region.• Trying palm treacle sweets, vadai, and murukku.Day 2• Having Jaffna crab curry or nandu kool (crab soup) with red rice.• Pairing the food with poriyal and rasam.Day 3• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and try nelli juice or Indian gooseberry drink.• Book an Airbnb or a local guide experience and learn to cook pittu, prawn curry, and other local delicacies. If you want to extend your culinary tour in Jaffna, you can plan a day trip to Delft Island. There, you will find the best coconut toddy and island-style seafood delicacies. Also, you can attend a palmyrah tapping demonstration or explore the northernmost markets in Point Pedro.  A 5-Day History-Focused Itinerary In Jaffna Mentioned in the ancient Tamil scripture as Naga Nadu, or the land of the Nagas, Jaffna has been ruled by the Pandya, Chola, and Rajarata kingdoms. Later, it also became a colony of the Portuguese and British.  Here are the historical places in Jaffna to see within a 5-day travel itinerary.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrive in Jaffna from Colombo by car or train.• Check into the hotel.• Breakfast with traditional Tamil food.• Visit the Jaffna Fort (1618).• Lunch• Visiting the Jaffna Public Library• Walking along the Jaffna Lagoon waterfront near the Dutch Fort AreaDay 2• Breakfast and a visit to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil• Visiting the Minister’s House or Manthiri Manai• Lunch• A drive to Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Return to Jaffna TownDay 3• Travel north to Dambakolapatuna Temple, at a distance of 35 km• Lunch and exploring Kankesanthurai• Visiting the 2000-year-old site of Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Visiting the St. Mary’s CathedralDay 4• Taking an early ferry to Delft Island (Neduntheevu) from Kurikadduwan Jetty.• Visiting the Delft Fort (Portuguese-Dutch) ruins, Queen’s Tower lighthouse, and Baobab Tree• Spotting the wild ponies• Having local seafood for lunch• A ferry ride to Nainativu Island and spotting places like the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Viharaya• Return to JaffnaDay 5• Breakfast and visiting the Chunnakam Market• Visiting the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Visiting Point Pedro and attractions such as the Old lighthouse• Farewell dinner A 5-Day Cultural Itinerary In Jaffna Attending the Palmyrah workshop was a memorable event in my Jaffna tour. Also, Point Pedro, the northernmost part, offered the most culturally vivid experience. DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna• Exploring the Jaffna Public Library after breakfast• Walking through the Old Park• Exploring Jaffna Fort• Visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in the eveningDay 2• Visiting Point Pedro Market• Driving to the Palmyrah Handicraft Centre• Having a home-style Tamil Meal• Visiting Manthiri Manai (Minister’s Palace) and Sangilean Thoppu, believed to be the remains of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom’s royal complex.• Attending a Bharatanatyam or Naddu Koothu performanceDay 3• A ferry ride from Kurikadduwan Jetty to Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)• Visiting Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (Hindu temple) and Nagadeepa Viharaya (Buddhist temple)• Trip to Delft Island (Neduntheevu)• Exploring colonial ruins: the Delft Fort, Queen’s Tower, and Baobab Tree• Ferry ride to JaffnaDay 4• Having kothu roti and Sombol for breakfast• Visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral and Ariyalai Hindu Temple• A visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Exploring the Chavakachcheri Heritage Houses• Taking part in a home-cooking demonstration with a local familyDay 5• Attending a Palmyrah workshop• Visiting the Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Exploring Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Seafood meal• Shopping in the afternoon Cultural Etiquette For Foreign Tourists Tourists should dress modestly, especially when visiting the temples in Jaffna.  Shoes must be removed before entering religious sites.  Photography should be respectful, and permission should be sought when capturing images of locals or ceremonies. Must Visit Destinations In Jaffna, Sri Lanka If you want the best cultural and historical experience in Jaffna, don’t miss a visit to the following places.  1. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is the cultural and spiritual epicenter of Jaffna. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it shows a unique Dravidian-style architecture. Also, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival in July-August attracts a lot of visitors.  2. Jaffna Fort Built by the Portuguese in 1618, the fort is an example of quintessential European military architecture, and it was later occupied by the Dutch.  It overlooks the Jaffna Lagoon, and it is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  3. Delft Island A popular day-trip destination, Delft Island in the Jaffna Peninsula is known for its Dutch remnants, and it is a great place for spotting ponies.  4. Casuarina Beach As the person in charge of our hostel said, I visited Casuarina Beach after 5 PM. He said, “The quiet at the beach just before sunset is something unbelievable.” I experienced the magic.  The birds were coming home, and the soft white sand, like a blank canvas, was changing colors every second.  5. Keerimalai Springs Located by the sea, the Keerimalai Springs and Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple are a unique combination of spirituality and scenic beauty.  The water of these springs has healing properties.  6. Point Pedro Point Pedro has a historic lighthouse, and it is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it has the most vibrant markets for buying fresh seafood produce.  Here, you can also meet the fishermen and gain an understanding of their unique ways of living in Point Pedro. It has the most beautiful beaches in Jaffna.  7. Jaffna Library Tragically destroyed in 1981, the newly built Jaffna Library stands as a symbol of resilience. It is one of the most revered libraries in Asia, and it was first built by the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1st January 1935.  It has a collection of 844 books, 30 magazines, and newspapers.  8. Nagadeepa Vihara Nagadeepa Vihara is the place where Lord Buddha visited for the second time. He also ended the dispute between two Naga Kings fighting over the ownership of an ornate throne.  Mahodara and Chulodara, these two Naga kings, became devoted followers of Lord Buddha.  9. Manthiri Manai Manthiri Manai, or the Minister’s Mansion, stands out thanks to its unique Indo-Islamic and European architecture. Located at a distance of just 1 km from Point Pedro, Manthiri Manai is an archaeologically protected site. Also, it is said to be the residence of the minister of the medieval Jaffna Kingdom.  How To Reach Jaffna, Sri Lanka? Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the gateway for Jaffna to the rest of the world. From there, you can take a flight to the Jaffna International Airport. Buses and trains are also available from Colombo to Jaffna.  I took the Jaffna train from Colombo Fort. The journey is scenic. However, I remember the 7-8-hour journey for the social experience. People are talking about cricket, sharing coconuts, or humming local tunes.  However, buses departing every 3-4 hours from Colombo to Jaffna are the cheapest option. The ticket price starts at around 1,348.26 Sri Lankan rupees.  Top Hotels, Resorts, And Stays In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  1. Jetwing Jaffna – Centrally located with modern amenities and rooftop dining.2. North Gate by Jetwing – Offers luxury accommodations near the railway station.3. Subhas Hotel – Historic hotel with spacious rooms and traditional cuisine.4. Thambu Illam – Boutique guesthouse with cultural ambiance.5. Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant – Budget-friendly with local food options. 10 Sustainable And Ethical Travel Tips For Jaffna, Sri Lanka 1. Support local businesses and artisans.2. Use refillable water bottles.3. Avoid single-use plastics.4. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly.5. Participate in community-led tours.6. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.7. Minimize energy and water usage.8. Avoid disturbing wildlife.9. Learn basic Tamil phrases.10. Share positive travel experiences to promote responsible tourism. Jaffna Nightlife And Evening Activities The nightlife in Jaffna is about rejuvenation and introspection. This is the best time of the day to attend temple rituals, enjoy local dining experiences, and attend cultural performances.  Furthermore, Evening walks along the beach and exploring the markets are some delightful experiences in the evening. Best Seasons To Visit Jaffna, Sri Lanka The best time to visit Jaffna is from December to March. You must avoid the monsoon season from October to November due to heavy rains.  Festivals like Thai Pongal in January offer cultural immersion opportunities. Also, July-August is the month of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival.  Budget And Affordability For A 7 Day Travel Vacation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Jaffna is a budget-friendly destination. You will get diverse food, transportation, and accommodation options. The entry fees to the museums and cultural places are also quite reasonable.  Furthermore, the travel expenses will depend on the type of traveler. Here is a quick breakdown. Types of TravelerExpenses (Approximately)Solo Traveler$300–$400Couple$600–$800Family of 4$1000–$1200 Crime Rates And Safety Tips For Tourists Jaffna is a safe place to travel. The crime rate in different aspects is low to moderate, and here are some essential data (Source: Numbeo) related to crime in Jaffna.  Crime Index46.64Safety Index53.36Level of Crime50:00Armed Robbery35.71Things from Car Stolen46.43 Is Visiting An Off-Beat Location Like Jaffna Worth It? Yes, Jaffna is a must-visit destination to experience the rawness and cultural richness of Northern Sri Lanka. It is a budget-friendly destination with a Tamil origin and a colonial past.  Furthermore, food here is an extension of who the people are. Simple and soulful! Also, Jaffna tells the story of human resilience and how it has survived a war-torn past! Jaffna Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna travel guide. 1. How Many Days Are Enough In Jaffna? Three to four days are enough if you want to explore the major cultural and historical sites. However, if you want to explore the local markets and have a deep cultural connection with the local people, you will need at least 5 to 7 days.  2. Which Part Of Sri Lanka Is Most Beautiful? I cannot pick any particular part of Sri Lanka as the most beautiful.It has the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, Kandy, a significant religious hub, is a popular tourist destination.However, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka stands out with its spiritual vibe, history, and cultural richness. It is a coastal destination with a diverse tourism profile. 3. What Language Is Spoken In Jaffna?  Tamil is spoken in Jaffna. However, it is a little different from the Tamil language spoken in India. The Tamil language here is heavily impacted by the Jaffna dialect.  Read Also: Luang Prabang Travel Guide: Why I Loved It? (Activities, Attractions, History, Itinerary, And More) Cheapest Places To Travel Around The World In 2025: Traveling On A Shoestring Learn All About the Best Solo Trip in India Right Here!

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

By the time I heard Baker's Falls, my legs already knew we were on the return leg of the Horton Plains loop.  We had started before sunrise to beat the mist at World's End. We also walked the open plateau in that strange, cold, grassland light, and then dropped back into cloud forest for the final stretch.  The falls announced themselves before they appeared as a low rush of water through the trees. After the wide-open plains, that first glimpse of water tumbling over dark rock into the ferns felt almost intimate by comparison. Baker’s Falls Quick Facts DetailInformationHeightAround 20 MetersWidthAround 25 MetersRiverBelihul Oya, a Tributary of the Walawe RiverLocationHorton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya DistrictDistance from EntranceAround 3 Km from the Main Loop TrailFull Loop Distance9.5 Km Round Trip, including Bakers Falls and World’s EndPark ElevationAround 2100 to 2300 MetersEntry FeeEntry Fee to Horton Plains National Park, No Additional FeeNamed AfterSir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, who is said to have come upon it in 1845 Where Is Bakers Falls And How To Reach? Baker's Falls is inside Horton Plains National Park in the Nuwara Eliya District. You have to walk from the entrance along the main park trail to reach Baker's Falls.  Belihul Oya, a major tributary of the Walawe River, has formed this waterfall.  Reaching The Park Entrance You can reach Horton Plains National Park from Nuwara Eliya, at a distance of around 32 km.  You can also travel from the towns of Pattipola and Ohiya, both of which sit on the upcountry railway line.  If you are traveling by train, you will have to hire a tuk-tuk or taxi for the final stretch to the gate. The Hike To The Falls You can reach Baker's Falls via the park's main loop trail. The same trail also takes in Little World's End and the main World's End escarpment.  From the entrance, it is about 4 km to World's End, then roughly 2 km further around the loop to Baker's Falls, and another 3.5 km back to the entrance. So, it is a 9.5 km round trip in total, usually taking about three hours at a comfortable pace. To reach the water itself, you'll descend a set of steps from the main trail down to the viewing area. World's End: The Rest Of The Loop Almost nobody visits Baker's Falls on its own. It is one stop on the wider Horton Plains circuit. It is located alongside Little World's End (a roughly 300 m drop) and the main World's End escarpment. In the World's End escarpment, the plateau falls away nearly 880 m Horton Plains is unusual among Sri Lanka's national parks in that visitors can walk the main trail independently, without a mandatory guide. However, hiring one at the entrance is a good way to learn more about the park's cloud-forest ecology and resident sambar deer. What Makes Baker's Falls Worth The Walk Baker's Falls is modest by Sri Lankan standards, with a height of around 20 meters. It is dwarfed by giants like Bambarakanda further south.  But its setting is what makes it memorable.  The Belihul Oya spreads across a wide, dark rock face in two stages, hemmed in by rhododendron and tree-fern growth. These trees feel completely different from the open grassland just a couple of kilometres back up the trail.  Originally known as Gonagala Ella, the falls were renamed after Baker. Baker is credited with discovering them during his time exploring and hunting in the Nuwara Eliya highlands. After the exposed walk to World's End, where wind and cold are the main things you are contending with. The descent into the forest around Baker's Falls is a genuine change of pace. It is quieter, greener, and sheltered.  Most people treat it as the natural place to stop, catch your breath, and refill water before the final stretch back to the entrance. What Is The Best Time To Visit Bakers Falls? SeasonMonthsWhat to Expect Dry SeasonJanuary to AprilBest overall conditions.Clearer views at World's End and easier underfoot.Wet SeasonMay to SeptemberFrequent Mist, Especially After Mid-MorningSlippery Trail SectionsEarly MorningAny Season, Before 9-10 AMEssential for a Clear View at World's End Before the Cloud Rolls in. A One-Day Itinerary: The Full Horton Plains Loop TimeStopNotes5:30 AMDepart Nuwara EliyaStart Early to Beat the Mist at World’s End6:30 AMArrive at Park EntranceBuy Tickets and Start the Loop Trail. 7:15 AMLittle World's EndFirst Viewpoint, About 45 minutes in7:45 AMWorld's EndThe Main EscarpmentAim to Arrive Before 9 AM for Clear Views9 AMBaker's FallsRoughly 2 Km Further Along the Loop.Descend the Steps to the Base.10:30 AMReturn to EntranceFinal 3.5 Km Stretch Back Along the Trail.11:30 AMDepart for Nuwara EliyaYou Can Also Continue Toward Ella if Heading Further into the Hill Country.  Practical Tips To Keep In Mind For A Trip To Baker’s Falls Start before sunrise because World's End is frequently shrouded in mist by mid-morning, especially from April to September. Wear proper hiking shoes as parts of the trail are uneven. Also, the steps down to Baker's Falls can be slippery. Pack warm layers. Horton Plains sits above 2,000 m and mornings are cold, even though the walk itself will warm you up. There is no swimming at the pool below Baker's Falls. It is deeper than it looks and has a history of drownings. We reached the park entrance again a little after ten, legs tired and jackets finally shed.  Of everything on the Horton Plains loop, World's End is the view people talk about. However, Baker's Falls is the one I would send someone back for on its own.

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, or Dehiwala Zoo, is one of the first zoos in Asia.  So, if you have enjoyed the Kaudulla National Park safari, you will also love a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo.  This zoo has an area of 26 acres, and it is home to more than 2000 animals. Furthermore, you will find fountains, orchids, and peaceful lakes here. Moreover, it offers a unique Night Safari experience. On this night safari, you can spot the mysterious nocturnal animals.  In addition, you can join the educational workshops here to learn about wildlife conservation.  So, come and have a thrilling wildlife experience at Dehiwala Zoo. However, before I talk about its location, how to travel, things to do, and the best time to travel, here is a quick look at the essential details.  Dehiwala Zoo In Colombo: Quick Info  Address120 Galvihara Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri LankaTimings8:30 AM to 6 PMTicket- LKR 100 for Local Adults- LKR 2,500 for ForeignersFacilities- Souvenir Shops- Restaurants- Boat Rides- Icecream Stalls- Zoo Aquarium- Butterfly Garden Pony Rides- Elephant Rides- Flowers- Fountains How To Reach Dehiwala Zoo?  Dehiwala Zoo is well accessible by air, train, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. While the easiest option is to take a taxi or private car, traveling by bus is the cheapest way.  1. By Air Dehiwala Zoo is just 40 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport.  Furthermore, you will easily get a ride-hailing service or a taxi to reach the Dehiwala Zoo within 45 minutes.  2. By Train The Dehiwala Railway Station is the closest to the zoo. So, if you are traveling from the north, you have to take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Dehiwala Railway Station.  Also, if you are traveling from the south, you can stop at Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach is just 1.4 km away from the railway station.  Tuk-tuks are available from both these railway stations, and the train ticket price will be between 40 and 100 LKR.  3. By Taxis Or Ride-Hailing Apps The easiest way to reach Dehiwala Zoo is to take a ride-hailing service or a taxi. Uber and PickMe are the main ride-hailing services here.  You can book vans, tuk-tuks, or cabs using these apps.  Furthermore, the travel cost in this way is between 1700 and 2400 LKR.  4. By Bus  You will get buses to Dehiwala Zoo throughout the day. You can take bus 176, 100, and 101.  Furthermore, the ticket prices are between 30 and 50 LKR.  What Are The Best Things To Do At Dehiwala Zoo?  From watching the elephant performance to taking a ride in the zoo train, the activities in the zoo are diverse and ideal for tourists of all age groups.  However, for me, the most delightful part was watching the elephants in action. Here is more about the things to do at Dehiwala Zoo.  1. Watching The Animal Shows  Located on the Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala Zoo has monkeys, animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals.  The zoo further hosts animal shows.  So, you will love seeing an elephant dancing or a seal playing with a ball.  2. A Walk Through The Zoo The zoological garden has a reptile house, aviary, aquarium, and butterfly garden. So, you can take a walk through the garden.  The zoological garden area also has a dedicated botanical garden.  However, if you don’t want to walk much, you can take a ride on the zoo train.  3. Learn About The Flora And Fauna Present Here  If you want to know about the animals and plants here, you have to take a guided tour. Furthermore, you can learn about the flora and fauna and the rich history of the zoo from the Educational Center.  Moreover, the zoological garden has an animal hospital. You will find veterinary doctors and caregivers at work there.  4. Take A Part In The Night Safari  The zoo has a dedicated Leopard Trail for night safaris. You can watch the nocturnal animals in action during the safari.  Furthermore, you can arrange a picnic or explore the local Dehiwala Market. Furthermore, if you want a spiritual experience, visit the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.  If you want to explore more Buddhist places of importance in Sri Lanka, you can visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery and Sigiriya Rock.  What is the Best Time to Visit Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka? December to April is the best time to visit Dehiwala Zoo. This is the dry season and hence is ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife spotting.  However, it is also the peak season. So, plan a visit early in the day and avoid weekends.  Furthermore, May to November is the wet season in the garden, and the zoo looks lush and green. However, the animals can be less active in these months.  Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka Irrespective of the season of your visit, you have to keep the following things in mind.  You have to wear comfortable footwear with a good grip as you have to walk a lot through the zoo.  Furthermore, you have to be respectful to the animals and follow the rules of the zoo. Is A Trip To Dehiwala Zoo Worth The Experience?  Yes, Dehiwala Zoo is a place worth visiting because you don’t just spot animals here, but learn about their livelihood and nature.  Furthermore, this is one of the oldest zoos in Asia and was built in 1936.  However, the zoo authority must be more focused on the preservation of the zoo, as the last time I visited, certain things drew my attention.  Seeing the animals here, the night safari, and the performances by animals have become more like a curriculum, and they show a lack of infrastructure.  So, you may feel sometimes disappointed if you are planning to visit the zoo to see a performance of the animals.  Still, many people visit this zoo because of its heritage.