Constructed during the British Colonial Era, the Viharamahadevi Park was initially christened as Victoria Park. Located in the heart of Colombo, it is one of the oldest and largest parks in Sri Lanka. Subsequently renamed as Viharamahadevi after the mother of the heroic King Dutugemunu, the park today is a popular spot for city dwellers.

Encompassing a vast estate, the Viharamahadevi Park is centrally situated in between Town Hall and Cinnamon Gardens. The well-manicured gardens have become an integral part of the city, as it is utilised every single day. A hot spot for families to spend the day underneath the cooling shade of the trees in the park.

View of Colombo Municipal Council from Viharamahadevi Park

Complementing the interior, spaces and seats are included in its beautiful layout. Perfect for a picnic, the tended gardens are an economical retreat for the day-tripper. The space merged with the Colombo Public Library and the war memorial provides for an interesting stroll. Another fun feature of the park is the Suspension Bridge fixed over a small body of water. The slightly wobbly nature of the bridge makes crossing it a little bit of a fun adventure!

The park also maintains a kids’ play area complete with paved play spaces. The carefully tiled pathways found inside the park and bordering outside it are frequently used by joggers. Delighting visitors further the primary road of the park hosts a number of artists vending their works. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, a beautiful painting by one of these illustrators would do.

During the British occupation, the land that is now the park was donated by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa, the most famous philanthropist in Sri Lanka. The Victoria Park was used by the British Army during World War II and until 1995, the park accommodated cricket matches as it had a cricket ground.

Learn More about other things to do in Colombo, Nearby Hotels and Related Tours.