ViharaMahadevi Park

ViharaMahadevi Park

A large green space in the centre of Colombo, ViharaMahadevi Park is named after the mother of King Dutugemunu. It is a welcome shady spot with tropical trees as well as orchids and exotic plants. The park attracts a wide variety of birds and occasionally the odd elephant may be spotted here with its mahout (caretaker). The railings to the south of the park, along Green Path, display works of upcoming artists during the week and students’ works on Sundays. The white-domed Town Hall, dating back to 1927, overlooks the park to the northeast.

Reminiscent of the US White House, it is hard to miss. Further north is De Soysa, or Lipton Circus, one of Colombo’s major intersections, where the Odel store is located. Across the road from Odel is the impressive looking Devatagaha Mosque.