A lush garden, green spaces, beautiful nature, is that all you expect from a visit to Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo? Of course not, this park is a difficult place to describe in one or two words, but deserves to be described in several lines and must be visited in fact to discover the magic that characterizes this park, which has entitled it to be one of the best gardens in Colombo and one of the most important tourist destinations in Colombo not to be missed.
The park was opened to be a park for visitors and families in particular, as it is ranked among the best tourist places in Colombo for families, to become a refuge for them to come away from the noise of life and enjoy moments of contemplation and relaxation, you will enjoy during your visit.
Best things to do in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo
- It is special to start your day in this park by taking a walk around it and witnessing the magic that you will find spread here and there, especially on its lush trees and large green spaces, and you can rest in the seats that are designated for sitting.
You'll also find uniquely styled sculptures as well as beautiful fountains and water pools.
- In the park, you will find a beautiful artificial lake where you can have fun.
- With the wonderful Viharamahadevi Colombo atmosphere, you will feel more energized to do sports activities that you will find very entertaining, such as walking on the walking paths provided in the park, or taking a ride on a bike available for rent, or maybe you want to exercise with the free exercise equipment available.- This park is a popular destination for many as it combines fun and educational activities, as it includes a small zoo with a small group of animals and birds, including horses, that you can ride and visit.
- Scattered throughout the park and its surroundings, many talented painters can make a drawing of you or your loved ones and offer it to them.You can also buy and keep beautiful original natural paintings of the most important monuments.
- Viharamahadevi Colombo Park has a special playground for children, where they will find everything to entertain them.
Services and catering
- In terms of services, the park offered a number of public facilities and services, the most important of which are a gift store, a restaurant, public toilets, parking, in addition to a cafe.
Working hours
Every day: 06:00 - 18:00
Entrance fee to Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo
free entrance
The best hotels in Colombo
Colombo includes some of the best Sri Lankan hotels, and in this article we have collected for you the recommended and tested Colombo hotels from Arab visitors..Read more
Near Viharamahadevi Park Colombo
There are more attractions near the park and we recommend you to explore them, such as Face Green Park Colombo, 3.55 km away, and Gangaramaya Temple Colombo, 1.76 km away from the park.
Best time to visit
Viharamahadevi Park is located on a coastline that gives it a pleasant climate all year round. The park is open to visitors all year round 24×7 so you can enjoy the beauty of Viharamahadevi Garden whenever you want. It is always best to check the weather before planning a visit to Viharamahadevi Park.
Summer:
Summer experiences in Colombo from May to September. It can be hot during the day. During the months of March, April and May, you can enjoy a canopy of colorful flowers in the garden. April-June also experiences heavy rains which can be an obstacle to visiting the park.
Winter:
Winter in Colombo lasts from October to February. The weather is pleasant and perfect for a day in the park. The best time to visit Viharamahadevi Park is from December to early May.^
Info needed
Location:
Viharamahadevi Park is located in the heart of Colombo. It is located in Cinnamon Gardens, also known as Colombo 7, opposite the Colombo City Hall.
Opening hours:
Viharamahadevi Park is open to the public from 7am to 8pm every day of the week.
Entrance fee:
You need to pay an entrance fee of LYD 20 for adults and SR 10 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 land donated by Captain Charles Henri de Suissa and opened as "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria. The garden also had a statue of Queen Victoria on the premises.
The British Army owned Victoria Park until 1951 and used it for several purposes, including cricket matches between England, Australia and Sri Lanka and the 17th Brigade of the Australian Army. After World War I, the Victory Tower was built on Galle Face Green, which was rebuilt after World War II as a memorial wall in Victoria Park to honor servicemen killed in the wars.
The engraved names refer to the memory of the martyrs. In August 1951, after Sri Lanka gained independence from colonial rule, the park was restored and opened to the public. In 1958, during a grand celebration, a statue of Vihara Maha Devi was erected in the park and Victoria Park was renamed Vihara Mahadevi Park.
Hotel Viharamahadevi Park - Colombo
One of the nearby hotels we recommend is Movenpick Hotel Colombo, which is 3.21 km from the park and is one of the best 5-star hotels in Colombo.
Not to be missed
Here are the best things to do for SMEs in Viharamahadevi Park:
1. Cenotaph War Memorial
Visit the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park to pay homage to the dead of the Ceylon Army during the First and Second World Wars. The memorial consists of a monument honoring the martyrs of World War I and a memorial wall to the martyrs of World War II, with their names engraved on the structures.
2. Take a picture of Buddha
In Viharamahadevi Park, just across from Colombo City Hall, stands a large golden statue of Buddha. It is a beautiful copper building surrounded by lotus ponds and fountains.
3. Look at the aquarium
On the east side of the park, you can visit the small aquarium after paying a small entrance fee. It features a small selection of local fish, lobsters and turtles.
4. Have a picnic
Viharamahadevi Park is a nice place to hang out with friends and family. The garden offers sunshine, green grass, flower gardens, large trees, fountains and a lake for a relaxing picnic.
5. Enjoy the lake garden
Viharamahadevi is home to a beautiful man-made lake usually surrounded by birds. Visitors can jump on boats and paddle on the water. Visitors also enjoy the suspension bridge over the lake.
6. Stroll on the sidewalks
An essential part of Viharamahadevi Park's landscape is its elegant and well-maintained walkways. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing walk on the green sidewalks or cover the perimeter of the park with a bike ride.
7. Ride a pony
If you're visiting Viharamahadevi Park with children, take them on a horseback ride. For a small fee, children can ride around the park on a small horse.
8. Enjoy the blooming flowers
From March to May, the Viharamahadevi Garden is in blooming season. Visitors will find a splendid view of the undulating gardens with colorful flowers adorning the landscape.
9. Enjoy the night view
While the days are warm and cheerful at Viharamahadevi Park, the nights are cool with dazzling lights. All the walkways, fountains and adjacent buildings are illuminated and display another side of the garden's beauty.
10. Take your children to the playground
. Viharamahadevi Park has a large playground for children. Kids love this area because it has everything from hills and tunnels to a playground and water area.
11. Satisfy Your Appetite
After a successful day of relaxation and fun, treat yourself to some delicious snacks. You can find many stalls throughout the park selling sweet silk, ice cream, candy corn, etc.
The best hotels in Colombo
Colombo includes some of the best Sri Lankan hotels, and in this article we have collected for you the recommended and tested Colombo hotels from Arab visitors..Read more
Places to visit near Viharamahadevi Park
Apart from the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's identity is also marked by other notable places and buildings. Here is a list of some of the famous attractions near Viharamahadevi Park that you can visit:
1. The National Museum
Known as the largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum in Colombo is the author of the cultural and natural history of Sri Lanka. It contains a collection of precious artifacts such as the crown and throne of the last king of Kandy and a Buddha statue dating back to the 4th century. The European architecture of the building is a reminder of the country's colonial past.
2. Independence Square
In Colombo, this is a sign of Sri Lanka's independence from British rule. You can trace the past with its traditional architecture or by visiting the Memorial Museum. Nowadays, Independence Square is a comfortable place for people. Its green lawns and paths are used for refreshing walks and relaxing evenings.
3. Gangaramaya Temple
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, it occupies a sacred place among the people. The temple contains many religious relics such as a lock of Buddha's hair and a sacred fig tree called Buddha. In addition to properties of religious significance, Gangaramaya Temple houses an archaeology museum that displays a variety of artifacts such as ancient cars, elephant ivory, swords, etc.
4. Seema Malakaya
Seema Malakaya Temple is located in a peaceful setting in the middle of the tranquil Beira Lake and is part of Gangaramaya Temple. A floating platform connected to the temple buildings. The visitor finds tranquility in the atmosphere of the temple surrounded by lush vegetation and a variety of birds.
5. Pettah Floating Market
Enjoy a unique shopping experience at the Pettah Floating Market. The market is built over Lake Beira and houses about 90 stalls, some of which are located on boats. It is the perfect place to buy local products such as local produce, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, etc. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the lake while shopping.
6. Galle Green Face
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place in Colombo, Galle Face Green is the place to be. Stretching along the coastline over an area of 5 hectares, Galle Face Green offers a contrast between civilization and the blue ocean on both sides. Visitors can enjoy evening walks, picnics and street food or enjoy beautiful sunsets with loved ones.
7. Art Gallery
National The National Art Gallery is located in the Cinnamon Gardens and is known as the premier art gallery in Sri Lanka. It has two rooms, one with a permanent exhibition of paintings and the other dedicated to exhibiting local artists. If you are interested in art, a visit to the National Art Gallery can be a good introduction to the culture and creative genius of the people.
8. Excel World Amusement Park
Everyone deserves to have a little fun, no matter what their age. Excel World is an entertainment store in Colombo. It offers dozens of games and activities such as bowling, laser tag, etc. The park has a food court and an interesting fake snow area.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Viharamahadevi Park from Bandaranaike International Airport. You can book a cab from online cab booking apps or get one at the airport cab stand. There are several public bus services available at the airport that run every 30 minutes to Colombo.
You can travel even further by hopping on an autorickshaw to Viharamahadevi Park. For a hassle-free experience, try pre-booking your airport transfer.