Victoria Park in Sri Lanka provides a tranquil and calm ambience amidst the chaos and the hustle-bustle of the city. The park reflects the Victorian-era charm in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, also called ‘Little England’ due to its striking resemblances with the English countryside and landscapes. Visitors can visit this public park to take a break from all the tours and sightseeing and just soak in the beauty of nature. There are play areas for children, a greenhouse and various other facilities that visitors can enjoy which makes it a perfect travel destination.
The Fascinating History Of Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
Victoria Park has a glorious past and history that resembles and sheds light on the evolution of Sri Lanka as a whole. The origin of the park dates back to the 19th century when the British administration decided to set up numerous recreational spaces. It was named ‘La Petit Fleur’ at the time and was changed to Victoria Park after it transformed into a public park in 1897 to signify and celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond jubilee.
The park signifies the strength of British colonial rule, with the well-maintained lawns, the beautiful fountains and several exotic plant species that had been imported from Britain which reflected the Victorian-era landscape design. A lot of modern amenities have been added to the park now, with the greenhouse, children’s play areas and many more facilities that visitors can enjoy. Hence, the park signifies the infusion of colonial heritage and charm with modern amenities and design which makes it a must-visit destination for all travellers.
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Entry Fees And Timings Of Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
The park is open to the public from early morning till evening. Therefore, visitors can get ample time to roam around, marvel at the divine beauty of nature, and enjoy the various facilities provided by the park. Families can also have picnics in the serene and pleasant ambience of the park and enjoy its lush greenery. The usual timings of the park are 7 am to 6 pm which may be subject to change due to events, festivals, etc.
The public park has an entrance fee of Rs. 300 which is subject to change. Hence, visitors can look up the rates before visiting the park so that they can enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere and scenery hassle-free. Various festivals and events are also held in the park, due to which the timings and entry fees of the park may change. Therefore, it is advisable to look into the same via the website or simply look it up online to make sure you can make precious memories with your loved ones with no hindrances.
Interesting Things To Do In Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
Victoria Park offers a lot of facilities as well as a tranquil and calm ambience to its visitors.
- One of the things to do in Victoria Park is simply soak in the natural beauty as you stroll around on beautiful trails and paths with a backdrop of lush greenery that is well-maintained. This park proves to be a perfect spot for picnicking for families and friends.
- The park has a well- maintained children’s play area that has a variety of playground equipment for children such as swings, slides, etc. This makes it a perfect destination for families with children.
- Yoga and meditation are also widely practised in this park, which provides a serene escape from the chaos and hustle-bustle of the city. A lot of people visit this park for their morning and evening jogs, or to simply walk through and enjoy the serene environment.
- Another popular thing to do in Victoria Park is that visitors can embark on an educational exploration in this park and learn more about the various kinds of flora present there that have plaques on them. They can also visit the greenhouse for a rich educational experience.
- Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts can get many photo opportunities owing to the many varieties of flora and fauna present there as well as the stunning views of the park filled with lush greenery.
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3 Places To Visit Near Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
Image Credit: Sandunruki for Wikipedia Commons
There are various places to visit near Victoria Park that prove as must-visit destinations for travellers.
1. Moon Plains
Situated about 7 kms away from Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya, the Moon Plain is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit near Victoria Park. The scenic views of the surrounding hills are unmatched and the panoramic scenery allows for a lot of photo opportunities. This is a must-visit for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and visitors who are looking for a tranquil and serene escape among the hills.
Suggested read: Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya
2. Pedro Tea Estate
Located at a distance of about 3 kms from the park, this tea estate holds great significance in Sri Lanka. Visitors can visit the tea factory, learn more about the process of tea making or simply marvel at the stunning views and picturesque scenery of the hills.
3. Gregory Lake
Roughly situated about 2 kms from Victoria Park, this lake is the perfect spot for relaxation and a peaceful ambience. Visitors can go for leisure walks along the beautiful lake. There is cycling and horse riding available that visitors can enjoy.
How To Reach Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
Victoria Park is easily accessible by visitors through various modes of transportation.
By Road
You can drive a private car to the park by simply typing in the destination on your GPS or merely following the numerous signposts leading to your destination. There are also a number of taxis as well as cab services. Apps such as Uber and PickMe are highly popular throughout Sri Lanka
By Bus
Nuwara Eliya has a great network of buses that run frequently. There are buses heading towards Central Bus station in Nuwara Eliya, that will take you close to your destination.
By Train– The train station Nanu Oya is located at a mere 8 kms away from the park. From there, you can hail a taxi, cab or a tuk-tuk that will take you to your destination
Local Transport– Tuk-tuks are very popular throughout Sri Lanka and will take you to your destination. However, it is advisable to be careful of scams and decide on a fare before starting your journey, or you could choose to sit in tuk-tuks that have a metre system.
Further Read: National Parks in Sri Lanka
Now that you have a comprehensive guide of things to know before visiting Victoria Park, it’s time to pack your bags and set out on a trip to Sri Lanka and visit this beautiful destination for an unforgettable trip full of precious memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Victoria Park In Sri Lanka
What is the speciality of Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful city in Sri Lanka, that is surrounded by stunning hills and landscapes. It is marked by a lot of waterfalls and stunning scenery from hilltops. It is a perfect destination for a tranquil getaway.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya?
The best time to visit Victoria Park is March-May and August- September when the flowers are in full bloom and complements the lush greenery of the park.
Are there any hotels or lodging areas near Victoria Park?
Yes, there are many inns, hotels and other lodging options available that cater to all budgets. There are guest houses available near the park as well that ensure a comfortable stay in Nuwara Eliya.
What are some amenities offered in the Victoria Park?
The park has beautiful walking and jogging paths, playground areas for children, well- maintained restrooms as well as plenty of seating areas.
What are some restrictions in the Victoria Park?
Although there are no official restrictions pertaining to the park, it is strongly advised to not litter, damage the flora or engage in vandalising behaviour. It is of vital importance to maintain the natural beauty of this place and prevent the park from losing it’s Victorian-era charm.
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