Viharamahadevi Park
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha (Albert Crescent), Colombo, Sri Lanka
Your base for exploring this tourist attraction is the ancient city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. For tourist information about Colombo, go to Colombo Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Sri Lanka, read also the Sri Lanka Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation there? Use AsiaExplorers Budget Accommodation Guide, the no-frills website to cover your budget accommodation needs.
Viharamahadevi Park, located at Cinnamon Gardens, is a lovely patch of greenery in the middle of Colombo. It is on the opposite site of the road from the Colombo Town Hall.
Like many roads and places in Colombo, the Viharamahadevi Park is a rename of a park created by the British. Originally named Victoria Park after Queen Victoria, it was renamed in 1958 in honour of a different queen, a Sri Lankan one rather than a British. This is quite similar to what happens in former British colonies. I suppose the name Viharamahadevi was chosen so that the initials V.P. can be retained. I visited the park with members of AsiaExplorers during our tour of Sri Lanka.
Viharamahadevi, the girl who would be queen, was born poor, and was cast adrift as a sacrifice to favour the gods. she was rescued off the coast at Kirinda by King Kavantissa, who took her as his wife. Her only significance in history is for having a son, Dutugemunu, who managed to wrestle Anuradhapura back from the conquering Cholas of South India and united Sri Lanka for the first time.
Viharamahadevi Park Photo Gallery
A statue of the Buddha greets visitors to the Viharamahadevi Park.
A big old tree in Viharamahadevi Park.
Cooling off under the shade at the park.
The Buddha statue is within view of the Colombo Town Hall.
Colombo Travel Guide
Useful tips and information on tourist attractions for planning a trip there.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
