Vihara Mahadevi Park : A Haven for Leisure
Places of leisure and entertainment have become a key focus during the new era of development. When talking of leisure, one will definitely not forget to walk in to the Viharamaha Devi Park which is situated right at the heart of Colombo. Having come a long way since the colonial times, the park has been known for its children’s play area, the massive canopy, seating spaces, amphitheatre and many more features. Although it has been a major place of attraction, it was revamped much to the excitement of the passersby and leisure lovers. In an attempt to rediscover the park after its renovation, the Daily Mirror Life visited this massive space and explored the various additions it has introduced to keep visitors occupied.
A Glimpse from the Past
The Viharamaha Devi Park, formerly known as Victoria Park, is the oldest and the largest park in the city of Colombo. It has been donated to the Colombo city by Sir Charles Henry De Soysa, a Ceylonese entrepreneur and philanthropist, during the time of the British and was named Victoria Park after Queen Victoria. Although it was named after Queen Victoria it remained Viharamaha Devi Park after it was renamed after Queen Viharamaha Devi, the mother of King Dutugemunu.
The Park Today
From then to now, the park has evolved to be one of the cleanest places in town, where a maintenance crew of 120 people work daily to keep it at its best. Today the park has many features including the new kids’ play area, little seating spaces made of wood and concrete, cycling and jogging tracks, a mini lake for boat rides, a suspension bridge, amphitheatre and a mini aquarium. It is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council.
Kids Play Area
This is one of the main attractions in the park. During the evenings if one happens to pass by the park they will never miss the kids play area which is full of little children. There is a massive plastic play-house, mini tunnels, swings, merry-go-round, scooting tracks and a watery play zone which comes live after 5.00pm when the sprinklers are turned on.
Cycling and Jogging Tracks
The Park is also a favourite destination for fitness freaks. The latest renovations have also introduced cycling and jogging tracks where during the evenings you could see many joggers and cyclists taking their turns.
Seating Places
Once inside the Park one can notice many seating places made of concrete and wood. In most instances couples occupy these seats and from then to now the Viharamaha Devi Park has always been a popular destination for couples to have a time of their own.
Pony and Boat Rides
Visitors can also go a few rounds on a pony and many children often trouble their parents to take them on one. In addition to that there is a mini lake towards the middle of the premises where people can go on a boat ride. When the Daily Mirror visited the place many kids were eagerly waiting for their turn.
Suspension Bridge
A suspension bridge runs across the lake and children love to walk on it since it swings to either side. The bridge gives a scenic view of the lake and surroundings.
Rock Aquarium
Adjoining the kids’ play area is a gigantic black rock which serves as an aquarium. Inside there are big and little fishes of all sizes along with a lobster and some turtles. Tickets for adults are priced at Rs.20 and Rs.10 for children.
Amphitheatre
This is a popular place in the park and it is located facing Nelum Pokuna. Many small scale outdoor events such as concerts, competitions, religious events and other theatrical performances can be hosted here. Steps are arranged as seating space and trees shadow the corners.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja
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