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Water World Kelaniya sits on a five-acre stretch of land along the Kelani River, roughly 10 kilometres from central Colombo. It is the only public aquarium in Sri Lanka and houses South Asia’s first underwater tunnel aquarium, a 30-foot glass passage unveiled in 2013 at a reported cost of Rs. 60 million. The site combines an aquarium, a bird park, a river safari, and several smaller attractions into a single visit, making it one of the few family-oriented wildlife attractions within easy reach of the capital.
The site is built on the banks of the Kelani River, and several seating areas overlook the water. The layout encourages a walking route through the aquarium section, the bird park, and the newer additions, with the river safari at a separate boarding point.
Water World Kelaniya Activities
The Underwater Tunnel Aquarium
The underwater tunnel is the attraction that first brought Water World into public attention. It consists of a 30-foot-long glass tube surrounded by seawater, allowing visitors to walk through while sharks, stingrays, and reef fish swim overhead and alongside. The tunnel was the first of its kind in South Asia when it opened.
A conveyor belt system was installed at some point but has been reported as non-functional in recent time. The tunnel can be walked through repeatedly, which some visitors use to extend the experience.
The wider aquarium section surrounding the tunnel contains over 150 display tanks and ponds with a combined water capacity of more than one million litres. A separate shark dome holds 110,000 litres of seawater. The collection includes rare freshwater and marine species such as the arapaima (the largest freshwater fish in the world), lungfish, electric eel, and freshwater stingrays from the Amazon. The freshwater collection is described as the largest in Sri Lanka, with a dedicated tank for koi.
In 2025, the facility introduced three new themed sections: Sea World, which focuses on reef tanks and marine ecosystems; Rainforest, which showcases Sri Lanka’s freshwater habitats with cascades and aquatic plants; and Marine Jewels, which displays smaller, detailed exhibits of colourful fish, sea stars, and other ocean life.
Bird Park
The Bird Park is a separate section within the same grounds and is described as the first bird park in Sri Lanka. Its collection includes what the facility states is the largest species collection of exotic parrots in the country, with 7 species of macaws, 13 species of lories, 15 species of conure, and 8 species of cockatoo.
Notable individual birds include a pair of Timneh African grey parrots described as the only pair in Sri Lanka, a crested crane, a greater vasa parrot, and an ostrich. The park also holds breeding records for the green peacock and white peacock, which it states were first bred in Sri Lanka at this facility.
The Bird Park is also the only public facility in Sri Lanka where visitors can see rainforest lories. The enclosures are designed to resemble natural habitats, though some visitor reviews mention that certain cages are small and that viewing can be partially obstructed by double-caging. Free bird feeding sessions are held at scheduled times, and staff provide food for visitors to hand-feed the birds.
River Safari
The River Safari is the most recent major addition and is described by the facility as the world’s first aviary-themed river safari. It is a 15-minute boat ride through a constructed environment that represents the Amazon rainforest, Australia, Africa, and tropical Asia.
During the ride, visitors travel past themed planting, fish tanks, and bird enclosures. A recorded commentary plays over speakers, and in the Amazon section, a staff member dressed as a tribal figure performs a short routine involving a spear. The boat is small and holds a limited number of passengers, so waits can occur during busy periods.
Reviews of the River Safari are generally positive, with several visitors describing it as the highlight of the visit. Some note that the ride is short and that the track could be extended or better maintained, but the consensus is that it adds significant value to the full package compared to the basic ticket.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Water World Kelaniya operates a tiered ticket system with separate pricing for local residents and foreign visitors, and two main packages. Prices have changed over time, and the figures below reflect the most recent available information. Visitors should confirm current rates directly with the facility before travelling, as prices are subject to change.
Package B — Aquarium, Bird Park, and Underwater Tunnel
- Local adults: Rs. 750
- Local children (ages 3–11): Rs. 500
- Foreign adults: Rs. 2,000
- Foreign children: Rs. 1,400
Package A — Full Package Including River Safari
- Local adults: Rs. 1,100
- Local children (ages 3–11): Rs. 750
- Foreign adults: Rs. 2,500
- Foreign children: Rs. 1,800
The full package includes everything in Package B plus the River Safari boat ride. A 2026 visitor report confirms paying Rs. 1,100 for the full package as a local adult. Older sources list lower prices — Rs. 280 for a combined package and Rs. 320–350 for local adults — which reflects the facility’s price increases over the years.
Parking is available on-site and is generally free, though some older sources mention a charge of Rs. 150 for two hours. The parking area is on the opposite side of the road from the main entrance, and capacity is limited during peak periods.
Free Activities & Scheduled Events
Several activities are included in the ticket price at no additional charge. The free sessions are a significant part of the visitor experience, particularly for families with children.
- Bird feeding: Held on weekends and public holidays at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, and 4.00pm. On weekdays, sessions are at 11.30am and 4.00pm.
- Fish feeding: Same schedule as bird feeding — weekends and public holidays at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, and 4.00pm; weekdays at 11.30am and 4.00pm.
- Diving shows: Held on weekends and public holidays at 10.00am, 1.30pm, and 3.30pm. On weekdays, shows can be arranged for school groups depending on crowd conditions. The facility’s own schedule page lists diving shows on Saturday from 11.00am to 12.00pm, Wednesday from 3.00pm to 4.00pm, and Friday from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.
The Touch Pool allows visitors to handle certain marine creatures, and the Shooter’s Gallery offers an air rifle target activity. Boat riding at the boatyard is also available.
Location
Water World Kelaniya is located at 95 Biyagama Road, Thalwatta, Kelaniya, in the Gampaha District. The site is on the banks of the Kelani River, approximately 10 kilometres from central Colombo.
Getting There
By Train and Bus
Kelaniya railway station is on the main line from Colombo Fort. From the station, visitors can take a tuk-tuk or a bus along Biyagama Road. Buses running along Biyagama Road pass the Kelaniya Temple on the way, and Water World is on the right side of the road when travelling from the station. A tuk-tuk from the station is the most direct option.
By Car
From Paliyagoda junction on the Kandy Road, take Biyagama Road and drive towards Kelaniya Temple. After 3.5 kilometres, you reach the Kelaniya Temple roundabout. Turn left and continue on the main Biyagama Road for another 3 kilometres; Water World is on the main road. From Kaduwela, cross the Kaduwela bridge and reach Biyagama Road. Turn left at Bandarawatte junction and travel 4 kilometres towards Kelaniya; Water World will be on your left. The Southern Expressway provides easy access from southern areas.
Contact number for inquiries: +94 11 555 5434 or +94 112 269 226. The official website is waterworld.lk.
Opening Hours
Water World Kelaniya is generally open daily from 09:30 to 17:30.
The facility is open on Poya days (full moon public holidays), which is relevant for visitors planning around Sri Lanka’s monthly holiday calendar.
What to Know Before You Go?
The on-site restaurant and cafeteria have received mixed feedback. Several visitors describe the food as overpriced for what is offered, with small portions and limited options. The Lakpura travel guide notes that the restaurant essentially offers bottled drinks and snacks rather than full meals, and recommends bringing your own food for a proper lunch. The cafeteria is a reasonable stop for a drink or a light snack, but not a destination for a sit-down meal.
The facility covers a five-acre site, and most of the walking route is outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are useful, particularly during the hotter months. The route through the aquarium section is partly shaded and partly indoor, but the bird park and river safari boarding area are exposed.
Photography is permitted throughout the facility. The underwater tunnel and the bird feeding sessions are the most popular photo opportunities. The tunnel is dimly lit for the benefit of the marine life, so low-light settings or a steady hand are useful.
Water World Kelaniya is not a water park in the conventional sense. There are no swimming pools or water slides. The “water” in the name refers to the aquarium and the river setting, not to water-based recreation. Visitors expecting a splash park or swimming facility will find something different from what the name suggests.