Are you looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in Sri Lanka? Do you want to see and interact with hundreds of species of fish and birds in a natural and spacious setting? If yes, then you should visit Water World Kelaniya, the largest and most popular aquarium and bird park in the country. Water World Kelaniya is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of aquatic and avian life in a natural and educational setting. Located on the banks of the Kelani River, Water World Kelaniya consists of two parks: Water World and Bird Park.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to Water World Kelaniya, including the location, timings, entry fee, attractions, and nearby hotels. We will also compare Water World Kelaniya with other similar attractions in Sri Lanka or the region, and show you why it is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Location and How to Get There
Water World Kelaniya is located at No. 95, Biyagama Road, Bollegala, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. It is about 10 km from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, and about 30 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. You can reach Water World Kelaniya by car, bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. The nearest bus stop is Bollegala Junction, which is about 500 m from the entrance of the park. The park has a spacious parking area for visitors who come by car.
If you are coming from Colombo, you can take the A1 highway and follow the signs to Water World Kelaniya. The journey will take about 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. If you are coming from the airport, you can take the E03 expressway and exit at Kadawatha. Then, take the A1 highway and follow the signs to Water World Kelaniya. The journey will take about 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Colombo Fort or Pettah to Bollegala Junction. The bus number is 175, and the fare is Rs. 40. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. From Bollegala Junction, you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to Water World Kelaniya. The tuk-tuk fare is about Rs. 100, and the ride will take about 5 minutes.
You can also take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from Colombo or the airport to Water World Kelaniya. The taxi fare is about Rs. 1500 from Colombo, and about Rs. 3000 from the airport. The tuk-tuk fare is about Rs. 800 from Colombo, and about Rs. 1500 from the airport. The ride will take about 20 minutes from Colombo, and about 40 minutes from the airport, depending on the traffic.
Timings and Entry Fee
Water World Kelaniya is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on public holidays. The last entry is at 5:00 pm. The entry fee for Water World Kelaniya is as follows:
- Adults: Rs. 800
- Children (3-12 years): Rs. 500
- Children (below 3 years): Free
- School groups (per student): Rs. 300
- Foreigners: USD 10
The entry fee includes access to both Water World and Bird Park. You can buy tickets at the ticket counter at the entrance of the park, or online through the official website of Water World Kelaniya.
Attractions and Highlights
Water World Kelaniya has a variety of attractions and highlights that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the main features of Water World and Bird Park:
Water World
Water World is Sri Lanka's first and largest public aquarium, housing over 500 species of marine and freshwater fish, as well as other aquatic animals such as turtles, crocodiles, and stingrays. Water World has several sections, each with a different theme and display. Some of the most popular sections are:
- Underwater Tunnel: This is the main attraction of Water World, where you can walk through a 25-meter-long glass tunnel and see the fish swim around you. You can spot sharks, rays, eels, groupers, and many other colorful and exotic fish in this section. The underwater tunnel is a rare and thrilling experience that you will not forget.
- Shark Dome: This is a dome-shaped tank that houses several species of sharks, such as blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, and bamboo sharks. You can watch the sharks from above or below, and learn about their habits and behaviors. The shark dome is a fascinating and educational section that will make you appreciate these misunderstood creatures.
- Live Diving Shows: These are daily shows where professional divers enter the underwater tunnel and interact with the fish and the audience. You can see the divers feed the fish, perform tricks, and answer questions from the visitors. The live diving shows are held at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. The live diving shows are a fun and interactive way to learn more about the aquatic life and the divers' skills.
- Boat Yard: This is a section where you can see the replicas of various boats and ships that are used in Sri Lanka and around the world. You can learn about the history and culture of maritime activities, and see how the boats are made and operated. The boat yard is a unique and informative section that will give you a glimpse of the nautical world.
- Touch Pool: This is a section where you can touch and feel some of the aquatic animals, such as starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and snails. You can also feed some of the fish, such as koi and goldfish, in this section. The touch pool is a fun and hands-on way to get closer to the aquatic animals and learn about their features and functions.
- Educational Programs: These are programs that are designed to educate and inspire visitors about the aquatic life and the environment. You can learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of the fish and other animals, and participate in quizzes, games, and workshops. The educational programs are suitable for school groups, families, and individuals. The educational programs are a great way to enhance your knowledge and awareness of the aquatic world and its challenges.
Bird Park
Bird Park is Sri Lanka's first and largest bird park, housing over 2000 birds of more than 200 species, both native and exotic. Bird Park has a natural and spacious environment, where the birds can fly freely and interact with the visitors. Bird Park has several sections, each with a different theme and display. Some of the most popular sections are:
- Rainforest Lories: This is a section where you can see and feed the lories, which are small and colorful parrots that live in the rainforests. You can buy a cup of nectar for Rs. 100 and feed the lories by hand. You can also take pictures with the lories, and see them perform tricks and mimic sounds. The rainforest lories are a delightful and charming section that will make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.
- Macaws: This is a section where you can see and admire the macaws, which are large and colorful parrots that live in the tropical and subtropical regions. You can see different species of macaws, such as blue-and-yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, and green-winged macaws, and learn about their characteristics and behaviors. The macaws are a stunning and majestic section that will make you marvel at their beauty and intelligence.
- Lories: This is a section where you can see and feed the lories, which are small and colorful parrots that live in the tropical and subtropical regions. You can buy a cup of nectar for Rs. 100 and feed the lories by hand. You can also take pictures with the lories, and see them perform tricks and mimic sounds. The lories are a cheerful and lively section that will make you smile and laugh.
- Conures: This is a section where you can see and feed the conures, which are small and colorful parrots that live in the tropical and subtropical regions. You can buy a cup of nectar for Rs. 100 and feed the conures by hand. You can also take pictures with the conures, and see them perform tricks and mimic sounds. The conures are a playful and energetic section that will make you enjoy and have fun.
- Cockatoos: This is a section where you can see and feed the cockatoos, which are large and white parrots that live in the tropical and subtropical regions. You can buy a cup of nectar for Rs. 100 and feed the cockatoos by hand. You can also take pictures with the cockatoos, and see them perform tricks and mimic sounds. The cockatoos are a friendly and sociable section that will make you feel welcome and loved.
Nearby Hotels and Accommodation
If you are looking for a place to stay near Water World Kelaniya, you have several options to choose from. Here are some of the nearby hotels and accommodation that offer comfortable and affordable rooms and services:
- The Covanro: This is a four-star hotel that is located about 3 km from Water World Kelaniya. It has 68 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a banquet hall. The room rates start from Rs. 10,000 per night. The Covanro is a luxurious and elegant hotel that offers a range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
- Pegasus Reef Hotel: This is a four-star hotel that is located about 5 km from Water World Kelaniya. It has 140 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a conference center. The room rates start from Rs. 12,000 per night. The Pegasus Reef Hotel is a modern and stylish hotel that offers a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and the Colombo skyline.
- The Saffron: This is a three-star hotel that is located about 6 km from Water World Kelaniya. It has 50 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a meeting room. The room rates start from Rs. 8,000 per night. The Saffron is a cozy and charming hotel that offers a warm and friendly atmosphere and a personalized service. You can book your room online through the official website of The Saffron.
- The Villa: This is a guest house that is located about 7 km from Water World Kelaniya. It has 10 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a terrace. The room rates start from Rs. 5,000 per night. The Villa is a quaint and serene guest house that offers a home away from home experience and a relaxing environment. You can book your room online through the official website of The Villa.
Comparison with Other Similar Attractions
Water World Kelaniya is not the only attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the aquatic and avian life in Sri Lanka or the region. There are other similar attractions that have their own features and advantages. Here are some of the other attractions that you can compare with Water World Kelaniya:
- National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka: This is the largest and oldest zoo in Sri Lanka, located in Dehiwala, about 15 km from Colombo. It has over 3000 animals of more than 350 species, including fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. It also has a butterfly garden, an aquarium, a marine drive, and a nocturnal house. The entry fee for the zoo is Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 30 for children. The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a comprehensive and diverse attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about a wide range of animals in a well-maintained and spacious setting.
- National Aquarium of Sri Lanka: This is the second largest aquarium in Sri Lanka, located in Hikkaduwa, about 100 km from Colombo. It has over 500 species of marine and freshwater fish, as well as other aquatic animals such as turtles, crabs, and lobsters. It also has a coral garden, a sea turtle hatchery, and a museum. The entry fee for the aquarium is Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 150 for children. The National Aquarium of Sri Lanka is a colorful and captivating attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the rich and diverse marine life of Sri Lanka and the world.
- Jurong Bird Park: This is the largest and most famous bird park in Asia, located in Singapore, about 3000 km from Colombo. It has over 5000 birds of more than 400 species, including flamingos, penguins, hornbills, toucans, and eagles. It also has a waterfall, a lory loft, a bird discovery center, and a bird show. The entry fee for the bird park is SGD 30 for adults and SGD 20 for children. The Jurong Bird Park is a spectacular and impressive attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the amazing and diverse birds of the world in a natural and interactive setting.
- Ocean Park: This is a marine-themed park in Hong Kong, about 4000 km from Colombo. It has over 80,000 animals of more than 1000 species, including fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. It also has a cable car, a roller coaster, a giant panda habitat, and a dolphin show. The entry fee for the park is HKD 498 for adults and HKD 249 for children. The Ocean Park is a thrilling and adventurous attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the incredible and diverse animals of the ocean and the land in a fun and exciting setting.
Why Visit Water World Kelaniya
Water World Kelaniya is a unique and exciting attraction that offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the aquatic and avian life in a natural and educational setting. It is a great place to visit for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers who love nature and wildlife. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Water World Kelaniya:
- You can see and interact with over 500 species of fish and over 2000 birds of more than 200 species, both native and exotic, in a spacious and natural environment.
- You can walk through the underwater tunnel and see the fish swim around you, or watch the live diving shows and see the divers feed and play with the fish.
- You can feed and touch some of the aquatic and avian animals, such as lories, conures, cockatoos, starfish, sea cucumbers, and crabs, and take pictures with them.
- You can learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of the aquatic and avian life, and participate in quizzes, games, and workshops.
- You can enjoy the scenic views of the Kelani River and the surrounding greenery, and relax in the peaceful and serene atmosphere.
- You can support the project of boosting Sri Lankan tourism, and contribute to the development and maintenance of the park.
Conclusion
Water World Kelaniya is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of aquatic and avian life in a natural and educational setting. It is also a great place to have fun and create memorable experiences with your loved ones. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, make sure to include Water World Kelaniya in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
