Water World Lanka
Water World Lanka
4
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Water World Lanka is one of Kelaniya’s most popular attractions and is home to South Asia’s first underwater tunnel aquarium. Located along Kelani River, the aquarium is home to a collection of over 500 fish species from all around the world including rare black diamond stingrays. You can even view piranha feedings and live shark dives. There's also a bird park that houses the world’s first aviary-themed river safari.
Tickets include entry to the aquarium, bird park and underwater tunnel, and there are special concessions for large groups. Spend at least two hours here; it’s best to visit on weekdays—it gets crowded on weekends and public holidays.
– Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
77 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
34
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Hasna_Haris
Mawanella, Sri Lanka118 contributions
Jan 2022
one of the best aquarium and birds park. largest number of fishes. under the fish name written explanation of that fish or something. I went there after two years lots of changes, birds park fully opened there is lots of birds items. I went there on Saturday so much of rush of people, so avoid going on weekends. ticket price for adults for 320LKR for Sri Lankan (270LKR for Aquarium 50LKR for Birds) best place for kids and adults because its mind relaxing can learn new things. small parking area for parking. underwater tunnel's elevator not working this time don't know why. there is lots of birds there white peacocks and regular peacocks different verity of birds etc. sounds of birds and sounds of water mesmerizing.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HDZ S
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Friends
Visited Water World last week and it was breathtaking. Amazing array of Fishes.Under Water Tunnel was magnificent as surprisingly long.The bird cages were big and most birds were freely roaming.You could see the birds were enjoying their cages.The tunnel is relatively long but you can't expect it to be huge considering the ticket fee!!In Singapore prices of each ticket exceed Rs.5000.Here it is only 350.Amazing and totally worth the cost.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dessertholiday
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia44 contributions
Jan 2020
There are a large number of beautiful sea creatures to admire in this aquarium plus some exotic birds. If you plan to go to the piranha feeding you should be on time since they only feed them what looks like one chicken leg.
This place was more extensive then I expected it to be and we spent an enjoyable couple of hours here. The kiosk has reasonably priced food too.
The main complaint is that the exhibits often bear no resemblance to what is on the sign for the tank. Though on the plus side almost all have an english description.
Tourist prices are less then 3x local price, so almost a bargain ;)
This place was more extensive then I expected it to be and we spent an enjoyable couple of hours here. The kiosk has reasonably priced food too.
The main complaint is that the exhibits often bear no resemblance to what is on the sign for the tank. Though on the plus side almost all have an english description.
Tourist prices are less then 3x local price, so almost a bargain ;)
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MR
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
the worst aquarium and bird zoo we have ever seen. the animals, especially the birds, are held in absolutely unbelievably small cages, even the big ones - sometimes up to 10 big birds in a cage so small, they can hardly open their wings! birds who should be able to fly like cranichs, are held 4 in one cage, desperately trying to fly but the roof is very low and the cage extremely small... so when one opes his wings, the other cannot. same story with all the others! how they hold theirs animals is a real nightmare.
and the tunnel? maybe 6m long or something, then over. the pictures of the tunnel are not what it looks like in reality. they make it look bigger and longer on the fotos, but it is a thing of 1 minute to watch and pass through.
the childrens playground was dirty, the handwashing station there was broken, as well as one of the toilets was flooding everything because it was broken. no one cared, no one fixed it even after we told them that something is broken. no interest at all.
do not support this thing called "water world". it's "water hell" for most of the animals there, especially the birds. i have never seen a zoo or aquarium holding it's animals in such small cages and areas. a real nightmare.
and the tunnel? maybe 6m long or something, then over. the pictures of the tunnel are not what it looks like in reality. they make it look bigger and longer on the fotos, but it is a thing of 1 minute to watch and pass through.
the childrens playground was dirty, the handwashing station there was broken, as well as one of the toilets was flooding everything because it was broken. no one cared, no one fixed it even after we told them that something is broken. no interest at all.
do not support this thing called "water world". it's "water hell" for most of the animals there, especially the birds. i have never seen a zoo or aquarium holding it's animals in such small cages and areas. a real nightmare.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mananga K
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
Amazing place with lots of species of fish and birds. Fish looked healthy and matured. Clean and large bird cages, birds were active and looked well taken care of. Lots of trees, maybe the most green attraction in Colombo! Good for kids and adults alike. They can improve the cafeteria. Staff were friendly and helpful. They also have free bird feeding, free fish feeding and diving shows. The best attraction was the newly opened River Safari.
It was a new experience filled with beautiful natural scapes, plants, fish and free flying birds. The River safari bird cages were huge! Maybe 100 feet long and 20+ feet tall. It was a treat to watch them so free. Highly recommend this place for all.
It was a new experience filled with beautiful natural scapes, plants, fish and free flying birds. The River safari bird cages were huge! Maybe 100 feet long and 20+ feet tall. It was a treat to watch them so free. Highly recommend this place for all.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuzraan
Colombo, Sri Lanka254 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
I took my family (wife and 2 kids below 7) in June 2013. This is a 2-in-1 facility / attraction. Water World and Birds park.
We have visited many aquariums and Bird Parks around the world. However, in Sri lankan context, this place need very special appreciation. Lots of efforts and energy has gone in to produce such an outstanding facility. We were amazed how this was maintained and kept tidy! This is commendable!
Kids enjoyed thoroughly. Water world has a great variety of fish from various parts of the world.
You can experience the first “Under Water Tunnel Aquarium” in South Asia. Its a lovely experience. Very reasonably priced attarction, popular among locals and tourist.
Bird park has many variety of birds from different origins and a pair of most expensive macav too.
Request every body to help keep this attarction clean and tidy.
Distances: Airport to Water World: approx 45 minutes, Colombo to Water World: approx 30 to 45 minutes
We have visited many aquariums and Bird Parks around the world. However, in Sri lankan context, this place need very special appreciation. Lots of efforts and energy has gone in to produce such an outstanding facility. We were amazed how this was maintained and kept tidy! This is commendable!
Kids enjoyed thoroughly. Water world has a great variety of fish from various parts of the world.
You can experience the first “Under Water Tunnel Aquarium” in South Asia. Its a lovely experience. Very reasonably priced attarction, popular among locals and tourist.
Bird park has many variety of birds from different origins and a pair of most expensive macav too.
Request every body to help keep this attarction clean and tidy.
Distances: Airport to Water World: approx 45 minutes, Colombo to Water World: approx 30 to 45 minutes
Written July 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinnathamby V
Colombo, Sri Lanka213 contributions
May 2014 • Family
Actually a great place for kids and adults too. Especially the Underwater world is amazing, similar to Singapore but we must proud that we have it here!!! Really my son enjoyed hence he is SHARK fan. We may come again with many kids and their families too.
Written June 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raj39
UK6 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
It's easy to citisize but the owner has made a tremendous effort all of his own to offer something unique to the general public , the majority who cannot travel abroad. In any country the national zoo must take the lead but here it's another story. Ddirector after Ddirector who was appointed to the national zoo ruined the place. Today Dehiwela is a concrete jungle. At least this man has wide experience in Aqua culture and avi culture and he has made a good effort. We need to encourage such people not discourage.
Written March 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asanke G
Sydney, Australia32 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
There are three ways to look in to this place as per March 2013.
[1] Form the eye of a local who, have not experienced a popular aquarium in a foreign country.
[2] From the eye of a person who has been to at least one of the popular foreign aquariums , but still want to spend some time in a local aquarium with friends, kids and family.
[3] from the eye of a person who is looking for a world class aquarium to visit.
I recommend this place to the first two group of people. When compared to the other aquariums in Sri Lanaka, I believe this place is well maintained.(More to improve of course). The displays are well maintained, informative and spacious. The tour is worth for the amount we pay.
I went with few friends and few kids aging around 5 years. They had a nice time there.
The under water tunnel they market these days (2013) is well set up and I believe this is a good achievement in the Sri Lnakan context. The tunnel is 30 feet long and the setup has well established with standards.
There is a large play area with loads of play equipment.
Overall, this is a great experience for the locals who do not have the luxury of traveling abroad.
There are many points to improve: As tharinduc mentioned
[1] First place limited Car parking. management should look in to this seriously. There are few adjoining land plots converted in to car parks by neighbors and started a business there. But I recommend this should be organised, otherwise this will become a mafia.
[2] Overall the pace get hot when its around noon, mainly because the concrete structures. Air conditioning will not be a feasible option. But spraying cool water in places can be done.
[3] The Bird cages are double meshed , making it hard to see the birds. Sometimes its necessary to protect birds from crazy visitors. But this needs to be addressed without comprising the main course of displaying the birds.
[4] The only canteen is not sufficient when the place is crowded. The management should set up a good canteen and a souvenir shop.
Overall,
This is a good place for a local who want to witness a good aquarium or want to spend few hours with your loved ones showing them some beautiful fish and birds.
If you are a traveler who already have experienced aquariums abroad or want to experience a world class aquarium, this may not be the place for you.
Hope the management improve the place to give a convenient experience to visitors.
[1] Form the eye of a local who, have not experienced a popular aquarium in a foreign country.
[2] From the eye of a person who has been to at least one of the popular foreign aquariums , but still want to spend some time in a local aquarium with friends, kids and family.
[3] from the eye of a person who is looking for a world class aquarium to visit.
I recommend this place to the first two group of people. When compared to the other aquariums in Sri Lanaka, I believe this place is well maintained.(More to improve of course). The displays are well maintained, informative and spacious. The tour is worth for the amount we pay.
I went with few friends and few kids aging around 5 years. They had a nice time there.
The under water tunnel they market these days (2013) is well set up and I believe this is a good achievement in the Sri Lnakan context. The tunnel is 30 feet long and the setup has well established with standards.
There is a large play area with loads of play equipment.
Overall, this is a great experience for the locals who do not have the luxury of traveling abroad.
There are many points to improve: As tharinduc mentioned
[1] First place limited Car parking. management should look in to this seriously. There are few adjoining land plots converted in to car parks by neighbors and started a business there. But I recommend this should be organised, otherwise this will become a mafia.
[2] Overall the pace get hot when its around noon, mainly because the concrete structures. Air conditioning will not be a feasible option. But spraying cool water in places can be done.
[3] The Bird cages are double meshed , making it hard to see the birds. Sometimes its necessary to protect birds from crazy visitors. But this needs to be addressed without comprising the main course of displaying the birds.
[4] The only canteen is not sufficient when the place is crowded. The management should set up a good canteen and a souvenir shop.
Overall,
This is a good place for a local who want to witness a good aquarium or want to spend few hours with your loved ones showing them some beautiful fish and birds.
If you are a traveler who already have experienced aquariums abroad or want to experience a world class aquarium, this may not be the place for you.
Hope the management improve the place to give a convenient experience to visitors.
Written March 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Treshi
Colombo, Sri Lanka2,932 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
One of the nice aquariums in the country situated in Kelaniya. It has over 500 varieties of fish and the place is very famous among children.
Written June 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the cost of a ticket to the waterworld
thejan kodi
Thalawathugoda, Sri Lanka134 contributions
For locals it was Rs. 320 for adult and Rs. 220 for kid. Dont know about the foreigners. but I'm sure not that much expensive
Is this place opened on poya days?
Sri Shan
Victoria, Australia82 contributions
Yes. you can check with this number as well.
+94 115 555 434
anshuliiml
Mumbai, India42 contributions
What's the entry fee for foreigners?
Nagalingam K
20 contributions
Adult : LKR 600
Children: LKR 400
piyatharsan
Colombo, Sri Lanka
How long do we need to see all the areas in water world? And is there any food court inside the water world?
Warless
Fahaheel, Kuwait24 contributions
You can finish your visit within 3 to 4 hours.
Food court not available & the cafeteria is limited to chips, ice cream, chocolate, soft drinks etc...
Water World Lanka (Kelaniya) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Water World Lanka
- Water World Lanka is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Water World Lanka tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Water World Lanka tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Water World Lanka:
- (0.35 mi) Grand 7 Hotel Thalawathugoda
- (0.72 mi) Villa Talangama
- (0.11 mi) Vacation Rental Home in Thalawathugoda
- (1.25 mi) Sky Breeze
- (5.78 mi) The Penthouse Above Sea
- Restaurants near Water World Lanka:
- (0.38 mi) Grand Monarch
- (0.37 mi) Grill Kitchen
- (3.49 mi) Bro Pub & Restaurant
- (3.49 mi) Garton's Ark
- (0.53 mi) Barista
Water World Lanka Information
Excellent Reviews | 22 |
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Very Good Reviews | 34 |
Water World Lanka Photos | 101 |