How To Cycle Around Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park

If you are in Colombo, a great opportunity awaits you at Viharamahadevi Park, which was formerly known as Victoria Park.

The garden was built by the British during the colonial era of Ceylon.

Located in the heart of the city, this green space is an ideal place for visitors to relax, stroll, and enjoy nature.

Spread across 45 acres, it is situated opposite the colonial-era town area in Cinnamon Gardens.

Cycling in the Park

If you are a cycling enthusiast or someone interested in fitness, one of the best activities here is to rent a bicycle and explore the park.

There is an authorized bicycle rental service inside Viharamahadevi.

The cost is approximately LKR 400 per hour, and you can also rent a bicycle for shorter durations, such as half an hour.

However, it is recommended to rent a bicycle for about one to two hours, which gives you enough time to cycle leisurely around the Viharamahadevi park, take breaks, and fully enjoy the surroundings.

Cycle Path

A designated cycle path runs around the the garden and connects with nearby city roads.

As you ride, you will pass by several roads with different names.

The path allows you to, stop at various points, enjoy scenic views and Rest before continuing your ride.

Sightseeing and Exercise

Cycling here enables you twin opportunities such as physical exercise and sightseeing.

While sightseeing will help you explore many attractions within and around the park.

Among them includes large, mature trees and landscaped gardens, a dedicated area for medicinal plants, decorative fountains and an open-air theatre  and a large Buddha statue, which replaced the former statue of Queen Victoria.

Opportunity Witness Colombo’s Landmarks

You can also see several nearby landmarks.

The Colombo Municipal Council building (a large iconic white structure), Colombo Public Library, Art Street near the park, Lotus Theater and the Lionel Wendt Theatre

Spending a few hours here at Viharamahadevi allows you to experience both nature and city landmarks.

Biodiversity

The park is a lush and historic green space with rich biodiversity. It contains around 89 plant species, of which 42 are considered exotic.

Some of the notable trees include, Mesua ferrea (Na Tree), Terminalia arjuna (Kumbuk), Mangifera indica (Mango) and Cassia fistula

The wide lawns provide space to relax, and the large trees offer plenty of shade.

A study published on ResearchGate recorded 1,194 individual plants across 32 families through a floristic survey.

A Park with Urban Biodiversity

Despite being located in the middle of a busy city, the garden supports a variety of wildlife.

It is home to many birds and animals, including, flying foxes (fruit bats) and Herons.

Roads Around The Park

• Dharmapala Mawatha – Northern edge
• Nelum Pokuna Mawatha (Green Path) – Western/Northwestern side
• C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha (Alexandra Road) – Eastern/Southeastern side
• Ward Place – Nearby connecting road

Parking is mainly available on the western and northwestern sides.

Where to Purchase ‘Bicycle’ For Rent

The bicycle rental facility inside the park operates from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Terms and Conditions:

• You must provide an ID card or passport as security
• Payment is made at the start; any extra time is charged later
• Different sizes of bicycles are available to suit your preference

Easily the park falls under one key aspects of ‘Things to Do in Colombo.’