How To Explore Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo
Colombo is not in the best interest of those who love the great outdoors, hiking and beaches. However, Colombo is a location for those who love to explore parks, temples and locations of cultural and traditional value. The Viharamahadevi Park is one such area which is located in the heart of Colombo and an ideal space for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
The Viharamahadevi Park
The Viharamahadevi Park has served many purposes during the course of years. Initially, the park was known as the Victoria Park after Queen Victoria which was built during the British Colonial Government. The park is said to have been a location to host the British Army during the 2nd World War which later on became a cricket ground which hosted a match between the English team, touring in the year 1930. After the 2nd World War ended, the park was restored to look much of what it is today. After the island gained its independence the park was renamed as Viharamahadevi Park after Queen Viharamahadevi who was the mother of King Dutugamunu. There are many hotels such as Cinnamon Red Colombo, restaurants, shopping malls and many other attractions located around the Viharamahadevi Park making it a must visit location in Colombo.
When to go and how to go to the park
Sri Lanka being the beautiful tropical island it is, has sunshine and warm winds throughout the year except for a few days of rains brought across by the Monsoon Rains. The weather is delightful most of the time but if you are visiting specifically to explore and walk around Sri Lanka it is best to avoid June to August as it is the rainy season. Most of the Colombo city hotels are located in the vicinity making the park in walking distance of the hotels. If you are staying in the heart of Colombo or coming towards Colombo, perhaps to go shopping, a visit to the Viharamahadevi Park would be an ideal break. You can take a trishaw from around Colombo to Viharamahadevi Park as it is a location that everyone will know. If you are on foot, then you can find it on Google Maps or get directions from the locals and find your way to the location. If you are used to taking the public bus services, you can do that as well as there are many buses that stop around the Viharamahadevi Park.
What to do and see at the park
The park was developed to a great extent during the last few years as a part of developing Colombo project. The park now consists of a golden Buddha statue, a children’s play area and many walking and cycling tracks. The park is peaceful and serene during weekdays as there are not many people who visit the park from Monday to Friday during morning hours. If you wish to walk freely while enjoying the view, the best time to visit the Viharamahadevi Park is in the morning hours of a weekday. During evenings and weekends, the park tends to get very crowded. A lot of families bring the children to the play area and there are many young couples, university students and locals from out of Colombo visiting the park. The park is beautifully lit up at night and especially during national holidays. For independence day and Vesak celebrations, there are so many lights that illuminate the area making it an absolutely stunning view. The park is well maintained and clean. There are rules and regulations about the use of plastic and polythene in the park and many garbage bins are provided in and around the Viharamahadevi Park.
