Are you ready to explore the captivating realms of Independence Square Sri Lanka? Let us uncover the rich history and tapestry entangled in the landmark. Let’s look at the fascinating story of Sri Lanka’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Let’s all observe and understand the architectural awe that adorns the square, including the Independence Memorial Hall and the museum underneath the hall. Get ready to stroll around Independence Square and join us as we navigate through lush gardens, tranquil surroundings, and the mountains and birds. Let’s also engage in the cultural significance and national pride that define this historic site.
About Independence Square In Sri Lanka
Image Credit: AntanO for Wikimedia Commons
Independence Square in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a touching symbol of the nation’s struggle for freedom from British colonial rule. Formerly known as Torrington Square, its new name in 1948 marked the country’s independence. The architect Tom Neville Wynne-Jones designed the square and blended colonial and indigenous styles into its architecture. The centre of the Independence Memorial Hall is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. It offers a tranquil retreat for visitors, inviting them to reflect on Sri Lanka’s history and cultural heritage. It serves as a revered gathering place for celebrations and ceremonies, embodying the essence of national pride.
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Activities To Do Near Independence Square Sri Lanka
1. Independence Memorial Hall
Image Credit: Jolle~commonswiki for Wikimedia Commons
The Independence Memorial Hall, built on February 4, 1948, signifies freedom from British rule and has traditional Sri Lankan architecture. It is used for national celebrations, religious events, or cultural ceremonies. The hall has caved columns on the outside and a tiled roof with lion statues. The entire structure symbolizes the freedom and pride of the country. Beneath the hall is the museum, where all the artefacts and documents related to independence and other vital events are stored. People inclined to learn more about the history of the country and the monuments can visit the hall, speak to the staff or locals, and visit the museum for more detailed knowledge. With such a rich tapestry in their historical and cultural backgrounds, Sri Lanka has become a famous vacation hotspot, especially for introverts.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening
Location: Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, district of Colombo
Entry Fees: none, but other activities can have nominal charges
2. Picnic & Cycling
Image Credit: Luis Valencia for Pexels
Sri Lanka is well known to be a serene country with islands, beaches, villages, and towns that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and give a person time to find themselves in the quietness of Independence Square. The vast lawns around the square have become a great place for people to come and have picnics with their family, friends, or partners. With nature around them and tons of birds chirping away, the grounds offer perfect sunlight. Those who prefer more activity on the grounds can play frisbee, rent a bicycle, or bring their own to cycle around the compound and enjoy the view of the mountains and historical monuments. After a long and exhaustive touring day, having a picnic in the gardens or cycling around for a moment would be a fantastic idea for a day off from travelling.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening
Location: Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, district of Colombo
Entry Fees: none, but other activities can have nominal charges
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3. Photography
Image Credit: Muhammad Alawi for Pexels
Independence Square, with its magnificent beauty and a calm environment filled with other visitors and tourists, is a photographer’s paradise garden with stunning colonial architecture, vast landscapes, and tons of people lounging in the gardens and cycling around the place. The picturesque environment gives off the perfect essence of the culture in Colombo and life in people’s daily activities. Many photographers, amateurs, and professionals can have stunning photos to take. There are pathways for people to jog on or go for their morning walks, which are constructed so that everyone gets a gorgeous view of the mountains and their surroundings and a quiet yet safe place to perform their morning workout.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening
Location: Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, district of Colombo
Entry Fees: none, but other activities can have nominal charges
4. Independence Arcade
Image Credit: Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne for Wikimedia Commons
The Independence Arcade was built in 1899 and, years later, in 2012, transformed into a cultural hub relevant to today’s time. It still keeps its colonial architecture and gives an aura of higher society. It is not a game arcade but a shopping arcade. The building has transformed from a historical monument and modernized its use into a shopping and dining arcade. You can find big brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Titan, as well as many cafes and restaurants here, as dining options. The arcade also entertains with a boutique cinema set in a luxurious setting and outdoor seating for those who wish to enjoy the weather outside.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening
Location: Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, district of Colombo
Entry Fees: none, but other activities can have nominal charges
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5. Bird-watching
With tons of trees, plants, bushes, and mountains around the area, many birds either migrate to Independence Square Sri Lanka, or can be seen flying around the monuments. You can also hike up or drive to the mountains you can see from the gardens, and bird watch there. Sri Lanka is well known to have numerous bird species, many of which you will only find in Sri Lankan lands. The best time would be early morning or in the afternoon. The common species of birds, like the house crows, mynas, and bulbuls, can be seen around the area along with more exotic birds. With the chirping and singing of birds and a vast space to discover new species and nature, Independence Square, Sri Lanka, is a wonderful attraction in Colombo.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening
Location: Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, district of Colombo
Entry Fees: none, but other activities can have nominal charges
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If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, this guide covers you for a day. Whether you just want to spend your day leisurely with your friends, family, or loved ones, or you want to satisfy the history buff in you, this guide will help you sort out your plans for a day in Sri Lanka. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable day in Sri Lanka.
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Cover Image Credit: Azeez Abubakr for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Independence Square Sri Lanka
What can I do at Independence Square?
Visitors and tourists can visit the hall and the museum, basking in the serenity of the environment, have picnics, and participate in cycling or bird watching in the nearby vicinity.
What is the significance of Independence Square Sri Lanka?
The square is a symbol of the struggle Sri Lanka went through to get freedom and independence from the British Colonial Rule. With the square’s significance at such a height, it is one of the popular spots in Colombo that many people find themselves going to.
Are there any entrance fees required for me to enter the square?
No, the square is public property so it belongs to everyone and anyone can come and visit the attractions of the square. However, visiting the museum does require nominal costs.
Who can visit Independence Square?
Anyone can visit people of all professions are allowed and you can visit here with anyone. Your family, friends, partners, classmates, schoolmates, colleagues, etc.
Is Independence Square suitable for family outings? Why?
Independence Square is incredibly suitable for family outings because the main thing many people will do when they get there is have a picnic. Picnics with family are always perfect in Gardens with a serene environment and enough space for everyone to enjoy. The gardens are the best place to do so and have the best view of the mountains, old-time architecture and nature.
How can I get to Independence Square in Colombo?
The square is accessible through taxis and public transportation. It is located in Colombo 7 to be exact, and it’s a small distance from the other.
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