Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Viharamahadevi Park Overview

Viharamahadevi Park, nestled in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a verdant oasis known for its tranquility and lush landscapes. Named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the park offers a serene escape with its scenic ponds, vibrant flower beds, and towering trees. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and relaxation. The park's central location adds to its allure, making it a cherished urban retreat in Colombo.

In Colombo’s heart, Viharamahadevi Park is home to a spectacular display of green space and recreational environment. The locals as well as tourists, are attracted to the park for its clean, bright and cheerful ambience. Whether you are out with your friends and family or with your spouse, Viharamahadevi Park is a perfect leisure space for you.

People are often found basking under the sun, enjoying picnics and appreciating the light breeze. The Park boasts of a well maintained and alluring landscape. Every corner of the park is perfect for photographs. Spring season, showers the garden with colourful, fragrant blossoms.

Your eyes will find pleasure in the tall palms canopying the walkways, soft green grass spread across the area and beautiful fountains conspiring with the sun to create charming rainbows. Sri Lanka’s Buddhist faith is marked by the presence of a huge gold-toned, brass, Buddha statue, facing the Colombo Town Hall, which is surrounded by fountains and lotus ponds.

The Cenotaph War Memorial is set up in the park premises to honour the martyrs of WWI and WWII. A popular spot among tourists is the lake where visitors can have a boat ride and experience the wobbly suspension bridge. If children accompany you, take them to the play area for a fun time or give them a pony ride of the park.

The park’s mini aquarium has a display of local fish, turtles and lobsters. Several food stalls selling cotton candy, ice cream and local snacks are set up all across the park. At night, the park presents a dreamy aura with lit up pathways, fountains and buildings. Viharamahadevi Park is a central location for several city events like Vesak Poya, Navam Perahera etc. During this time the city gathers for a celebration here.

How To Reach

There are several ways to reach Viharamahadevi Park from Bandaranaike International Airport. You can book a taxi from online cab booking apps or get one from the taxi stand at the airport. There are several public bus services available at the airport that run after every 30 minutes to Colombo city.

You can travel further by hopping on a rickshaw to Viharamahadevi Park. For a hassle-free experience, try pre-booking your private airport transfer.

Best Time To Visit

Viharamahadevi Park is located on a coastal line which lends it pleasant weather throughout the year. The park is open to visitors all year 24x7 so you can enjoy the beauty of Viharamahadevi Park whenever you like. It is still best to check the weather before planning a visit to Viharamahadevi Park.

Summers:
Colombo experiences summers from May till September. The heat can get intense during the day. During the months of March, April and May, you can witness a cover of colourful blossoms in the park. April-June also experiences heavy rain which can cause a hindrance for a park tour.

Winters:
Winters in Colombo last from October till February. The weather is pleasant and perfect for spending a day in the park. The best time to visit Viharamahadevi Park is from December till early May.

Other Essential Information

Location:
Viharamahadevi Park is set in the heart of Colombo. It is located in Cinnamon gardens also known as Colombo 7, opposite the Colombo Town Hall.

Timings:
Viharamahadevi Park is open to all public from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for all the days of the week.

Entry fee:
You must pay an entry fee of 20 LKR for an adult and 10 LKR for children, before entering Viharamahadevi Park.

History of Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is a legacy of the British colonial era. It was built in 1897 on the land donated by Captain Charles Henry de Soysa and inaugurated as ‘Victoria Park’ after Queen Victoria. The park also had a statue of Queen Victoria in the premises.

The British Army owned the Victoria Park up until 1951 and used it for several purposes including cricket matches between England, Australia and Sri Lanka and Australian Army’s 17th Brigade. After World War I, a Victory Tower was built in Galle Face Green, which was rebuilt after World War II as the Memorial wall in Victoria Park to honour the military personnel killed in the wars.

The engraved names mark as a remembrance of the martyrs. In August of 1951, after the independence of Sri Lanka from colonial rule, the park underwent restoration and was opened for the public. In 1958, during a huge ceremony, a Vihara Maha Devi statue was erected in the park and Victoria Park was renamed as Viharamahadevi Park.

Viharamahadevi Park FAQs

Are pets allowed inside the park?

Yes. Viharamahadevi Park is a public park. You can bring your pets inside the park but make sure to maintain a neat and clean environment in the premises. Also, keep them on a leash to avoid any kind of inconvenience to other visitors or pets.

Are there washrooms available?

Yes, you can find a separate female and male washroom facility inside the park premises. Remember to keep some change handy when you use the park’s washrooms.

Is it safe to visit the park at night?

Viharamahadevi Park is open to the public for 24 hours. While the park soaks in the sunshine during the day, the nights are bright with colourful lights. You can safely stroll through the park as it has lit pathways and street lights at every corner. The fountains light up and enhance beauty during night time. A night stroll through the park not only keeps you from the heat of the day but also blesses with stunning views like that of the beautifully lit town hall across the street.

Can couples visit this park?

Viharamahadevi Park has been open to the public since 1951. It is a perfect hangout place for everyone, including couples. There are several benches all across the park and well-maintained pathways for light strolls. Couples can enjoy some quality time biking through the area or by having a picnic near the fountains. You can also take your partner for a paddleboat ride in the lake or visit the aquarium and mini zoo in the park.

Is the park clean?

Yes. Viharamahadevi Park is known to be one of the biggest urban parks of Colombo. Under the care of the municipal council of Colombo, the park was restored and has since maintained a clean and green reputation. Locals and tourists flock to the park for a relaxing time. The green pathways, tall palm trees, blooming gardens and lakes are well maintained and attract visitors from all places. Viharamahadevi Park is a usual gathering spot for locals and tourists and so the premises are always kept tidy and neat.

Is it good for family picnics?

Yes. One of the most famous lounging spaces for people of Colombo is the Viharamahadevi Park. Take your friends and family for a relaxing picnic at Viharamahadevi Park. The natural surroundings of palm trees, soft green grass, neat pathways and beautiful fountains make for a perfect picnic spot. You can have a calm setting for conversations or enjoy fun activities around the area. Visit the mini zoo or see colourful fish at the aquarium.