6 Best Picnic Places In Sri Lanka To Spend Quality Time With Your Loved Ones

The island country of Sri Lanka is known for its tea plantations, white sand beaches, delectable cuisine, rich biodiversity, and enchanting locations. The picnic places in Sri Lanka are so scenic that you will feel as if the location has turned out straight out of a painting. One can visit these places with family and friends and spend quality time amidst the beauty of nature. Apart from offering scenic views, some of these landscaped locations also have activities to keep you entertained.

6 Best Picnic Places In Sri Lanka

Many spots in Sri Lanka will make you want to hold the view in your eyes forever. Here is a compilation of the best picnic places in Sri Lanka:

1. St. Clair’s Falls

Image Credit: Juavenita for Wikimedia Commons

One of the most exhilarating waterfalls in Sri Lanka, St. Clair’s Falls or St. Clair’s Waterfall, is nestled in the Thalawakele area. It is also known as the “Little Niagra of Sri Lanka.” One of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, St. Clair’s Falls comprises two falls- “Maha Ella” or “The Greater Fall” with a height of 80 m and “Kuda Ella” or “The Lesser Fall” with a height of 50 m.

The waterfall is surrounded by green hills and tea estates. While on a picnic, you can also head to the lush green St. Clair Tea Estate to enjoy a cup of tea amidst the picturesque views. If you are searching for day outing places in Sri Lanka, visit the picturesque St. Clair’s Falls.

Location: Hatton-Talawakele Highway, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm

Must Read: 10 Best Villas In Negombo Where You Can Chill At The Enchanting Beaches Of Sri Lanka

2. Royal Botanical Gardens

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Said to be the national asset of Sri Lanka, the Royal Botanical Gardens is maintained by the Department of National Botanic Gardens. Established in 1821, the gardens are spread over 147 acres and are famous for their orchid collection. The garden houses a diverse variety of flora, among which there are some exotic species as well.

Apart from being utilised for education and research, the garden is a beautiful and scenic picnic spot. There is a small lake, fernery, spice garden, an orchid house, a plant house, and an arboretum on the premises, which adds to the beauty of the garden. It is an ideal spot to take a walk or just lay back, relax and spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Location: Peradeniya Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:30 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: ₹ 256 (for foreign children of 5-12 years), ₹ 307 (for foreign students with ID proofs), ₹ 512 (for foreign children above 12 years)

3. Gampaha Botanical Garden

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Also known as Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Gampaha Botanical Garden is among the best picnic places in Colombo. Established in 1876 to introduce rubber to Sri Lanka, it houses a variety of species of trees, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and mammals. The garden is home to the largest rubber plant in Sri Lanka, with a height of 40 metres.

The park is segregated into a Japanese garden, an orchid garden, a glass house, a medicinal garden, two flower gardens, a rose garden, an educational, a bulb garden, and a central pond. On the premises, one can indulge in boat rides at the Attanagalu Oya River or walk at the bridge over the river.

Location: Gampaha-Minuwangoda main road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:30 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: ₹ 256 (for foreign children of 5-12 years), ₹ 307 (for foreign students with ID proofs), ₹ 512 (for foreign children above 12 years)

Suggested Read: 10 Beach Resorts In Colombo To Experience The Sri Lankan Hospitality

4. Independence Square

Image Credit: Ranuri00 for Wikimedia Commons

Surrounded by ponds, fountains, and the grand Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square is situated in the heart of Colombo. The Independence Square was built as a result of the commemoration of Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. A statue of D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is also present on the premises. The basement of the Independence Memorial Hall houses an Independence Memorial Museum which depicts the historical events of Sri Lanka.

Formerly known as Torrington Square, it has an open park and a ground where one can picnic with their family or friends. After the picnic, one can also visit the Arcade Independence Square, a shopping mall with all the modern conveniences, located nearby.

Location: 7 Independence Avenue, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Museum Timings: 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays
Museum Ticket Price: ₹ 1 for local children, ₹ 3 for local adults, ₹ 38 for foreign children and ₹ 77 for foreign adults

5. Victoria Park

Image Credit: Alexey Komarov for Wikimedia Commons

Renamed after Queen Victoria to honour her 60th Jubilee Coronation in 1897, Victoria Park is home to rare birds and flowers. One can spot exotic birds like Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Indian Blue Robin, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Yellow Eared-Bulbul, Cattle Egret, Brahminy Kite, and more. Nanu Oya River flows through the park, creating several small lakes.

Victoria Park is perfect for picnicking by the lake amidst the beholding views of nature. Kids’ entertainment is also taken care of as there is a provision of a children’s playground with swings and rides and a toy train. The park is quite popular among the locals as they come here for morning and evening strolls. Apart from a picnic spot, the park is a great spot for photographers and birdwatchers.

Location: PBC Highway, Nuwara Eliya
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: ₹ 10 for locals and ₹ 77 for foreigners

Suggested Read: 7 Most Haunted Places In Sri Lanka To Make You Face Your Darkest Fears

6. Gregory Lake

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Named after and built under the supervision of Sir William Gregory in 1873, Lake Gregory is a man-made lake and one of the ideal picnic spots in Sri Lanka. To explore the lake, one can hire a bicycle or indulge in boat rides at swan-shaped pedalos or a speedboat, water scooter ride, or a stallion ride. There is also provision for water sports like jet ski and kayaking. Helicopter rides are also available for those who want to have an eagle-eye view of the lake, subject to prior booking. The premises have food stalls and restaurants to satiate your hunger pangs. One can click Insta-worthy pictures amidst this scenic location. If you want to relax and rejuvenate your soul amidst the mesmerizing surroundings, Gregory Lake is the perfect place.

Location: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Ticket Price: ₹ 50 for locals and ₹ 300 for foreigners

Further Read: 10 Haputale Homestays That Are A Blend Of Modern Architecture And Traditional Charm

Now that you have a list of the incredible picnic places in Sri Lanka, save it for your next visit to the tropical country. Check out our Sri Lanka Tour Packages and book the one that best suits your requirements. These packages will surely make your vacation experience hassle-free and memorable for a lifetime.

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TravelTriangle Staff