Reflecting pools
Facing the dome.
Kondephy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY 3.0 · Yomal Indula Perera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mithila Madawa Gunathilake — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY 3.0 · Rehan Julian — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dinil Samarasinha — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0
Colombo's oldest and largest park, covering about 18 hectares in Cinnamon Gardens in front of the white-domed Town Hall. The British laid it out as Victoria Park, and it was renamed in 1958 after Queen Viharamahadevi, mother of King Dutugemunu. Long, straight reflecting pools run down its centre, mirroring the Town Hall dome, under huge trees with hanging roots. There are fountains, walking paths, a mini zoo and children's play areas, and at one edge a war memorial in the form of a white obelisk. During the Second World War the British Army occupied it; it was restored and reopened to the public in 1951. The park once had a cricket ground that hosted international matches. Entry is free. It is a pleasant green break from the city's bustle, full of families at weekends, and best early in the morning or late in the day when the heat eases.
Facing the dome.
With hanging roots.
A white obelisk.
Cinnamon Gardens, opposite Town Hall, Colombo 7
Yes, entry is free; it is Colombo's oldest and largest park.
