Tourists looking around for something to keep them occupied while in Colombo, Sri Lanka could consider paying a visit to the lush green fields of the Vihara Maha Devi Park.
Located right in the heart of Colombo and just a few kilometers away from the local shopping areas of Fort and Pettah, the park is an oasis amidst the hustle of the city outside. The park is easy to find since the beautiful Town Hall building with its colonial architecture stands right in front of the park.
The Vihara Maha Devi Park is named after the mother of King Dutugemunu. According to local history, King Dutugemunu (161 -136 BC) was considered as a hero of the nation and as a mark of respect the park was named after his mother, the queen, who in turn was considered as the heroine of the nation.
The park is about the largest area of greenery tourists would encounter in Colombo, and is best viewed during the months of March and May.
This period is just before the arrival of the island's drenching monsoons, where most of its flowers and shrubs are in bloom.Right in the center of the park stands a statue of Queen Victoria which is symbolic of British rule in the country. However, facing the outside of the park is a huge image of a Golden Buddha just at the entrance; this is also symbolic of the religious influences which the country prides itself on.
The park is perhaps one of the few places where tourists will get to see the remaining cinnamon trees which belong to the Cinnamon Gardens. A part from this, tourists could also enjoy the array of Ebony, Fig, Eucalyptus, Bo and Sal trees that are spread out across the garden, including the creeper like parasitic plants that are found around the lotus ponds.
Tourists may be in for a surprise with the occasional elephant passing by. Elephants from nearby temples along the Beira Lake are known to be kept in a section of the park, adding to the curiosity of visitors. Towards the west is a children's playground and carnival.
The carnival is usually operational during the weekends; however, the playground remains open for families. The park is a good venue for a picnic or a quiet place to catch up on a good book.
A Sri Lanka holiday would not be complete without a visit to the park and a visit here is sure to enhance one's Sri Lankatravel experience and is perhaps a good way of getting acquainted with the local culture and people. Another means of gaining insight into the local culture would be to access the informative tourist portal Truly Sri Lanka.
Vihara Maha Devi Park- Acres Of Green Waiting To Be Explored