Viharamahadevi Park

SIGHTSEEING, COLOMBO Updated : Apr 25, 2017, 02.24 PM IST

Kiran Mehta

Kiran calls Mumbai home, but is never far from her next trip. Her job involves zipping across the globe, but she insists it is hard work. She has checked into ashrams, lived with strangers in Europe, and tried her hand at extreme sports in Australia, etc., all in an effort to bring you back a story. In addition to the Times Group, she has contributed to National Geographic Traveller (India), Hindustan Times, Spenta Multimedia, The Hindu etc., where she recounts her globe-trotting adventures.


Walk through the park and you'll get all the space you need. This is a breath of fresh air in a bustling metro since it is the largest, and also the oldest, park in Colombo. It was built on land donated by a local philanthropist, Henry De Souza, during the British rule of Lanka. And so, it was named Victoria Park. Later it was re-named to honour the mother of the ancient and brave King Dutugamunu.

Stroll through the park and admire the many flowering trees. Bring a book along, find a shady corner, covered with lush grass and let time stand still. Or make a day of it by bringing along a picnic basket full of local delicacies. Or you could just walk through and admire the Buddha statue and the many water fountains. But it's not all sedate here, this park knows how to throw a party and it often serves as a venue for concerts and public events.
Liked this article? Let your friends know about it