The island nation of Sri Lanka is known for its tea plantations, white sand beaches, delicious cuisine, rich biodiversity and breathtaking locations. picnic spots in sri lanka These are so beautiful that you will feel as if the place is 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 beautiful views, some of these natural places also have activities to keep you entertained.
6 Best Picnic Spots in Sri Lanka
Many places in Sri Lanka will force you to keep the view in your mind forever. Here is a compilation of the best picnic spots in Sri Lanka:
1. St. Clair Falls
Image credit: Juavenita for Wikimedia Commons
One of the most delightful waterfalls of Sri Lanka, St. Clair Falls or St. Clair Falls, is located 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 Falls consists of two waterfalls – “Maha Ella” or “The Greater Fall” with a height of 80 meters and “Kuda Ella” or “The Lesser Fall” with a height of 50 meters. ,
This waterfall is surrounded by lush green hills and tea gardens. During a picnic, you can also visit the lush green St. Clair Tea Estate to enjoy a cup of tea amidst the picturesque views. If you are looking for day trips in Sri Lanka, visit the picturesque St. Clair Falls.
Place: Hatton-Talawakele Highway, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Time: 6 am to 5 pm
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2. Royal Botanical Garden
Image credit: Gbapt for Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Botanical Gardens, considered the national treasure of Sri Lanka, is maintained by the National Botanical Garden Department. Established in 1821, the gardens are spread over 147 acres and are famous for their orchid collection. This park has a wide variety of flora, including some exotic species.
Apart from being used for education and research, this garden is a beautiful and scenic picnic spot. The complex has a small lake, fernery, spice garden, an orchid house, a plant house and an arboretum, which add to the beauty of the garden. It is a perfect place for a stroll or to relax, unwind and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Place: Peradeniya Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Time: 7:30 am to 6 pm
ticket price: ₹ 256 (for foreign children aged 5-12 years), ₹ 307 (for foreign students with ID proof), ₹ 512 (for foreign children above 12 years)
3. Gampaha Botanical Garden
Gampaha Botanical Garden also known as Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is one of the best picnic spots in Colombo. Established in 1876 to introduce rubber to Sri Lanka, it houses various species of trees, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds and mammals. The garden is home to Sri Lanka’s largest rubber plant, reaching a height of 40 metres.
The park is divided into a Japanese garden, an orchid garden, a glass house, a medicinal garden, two flower gardens, a rose garden, an educational one, a bulb garden and a central pond. On the premises, one can enjoy a boat ride on the Attanagalu Oya River or walk on the bridge over the river.
Place: Gampaha-Minuwangoda Main Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Time: 7:30 am to 6 pm
ticket price: ₹ 256 (for foreign children aged 5-12 years), ₹ 307 (for foreign students with ID proof), ₹ 512 (for foreign children above 12 years)
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4. Independence Square
Image credit: Ranuri00 for Wikimedia Commons
Surrounded by ponds, fountains and the grand Independence Memorial Hall, Independence Square is located in the heart of Colombo. Independence Square was built as a result to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. A statue of DS Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, is also present in the complex. The basement of the Independence Memorial Hall houses an Independence Memorial Museum which depicts historical events of Sri Lanka.
Formerly known as Torrington Square, it has an open park and a field where one can have a picnic with their family or friends. After picnic, one can also visit Arcade Independence Square, a shopping mall with all modern amenities located nearby.
Place: 7 Independence Avenue, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Museum Timings: Closed on Sunday and Monday from 9 am to 5 pm
Museum Ticket Price: ₹1 for local children, ₹3 for local adults, ₹38 for foreign children and ₹77 for foreign adults
5. Victoria Park
Named after Queen Victoria in honor of her 60th jubilee coronation in 1897, Victoria Park is home to rare birds and flowers. Here you can spot Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Indian Blue Robin, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Yellow Eared-Bulbul, Cattle Egret, Brahminy Kite and other exotic birds. The Nanu Oya River flows through the park, forming several small lakes.
Victoria Park is perfect for having a picnic on the banks of the lake amidst the beautiful views of nature. Children’s entertainment is also taken care of as there is a playground for children along with swings and rides and a toy train. This park is quite popular among the local people as they come here for a walk in the morning and evening. Apart from being a picnic spot, this park is a great spot for photographers and bird lovers.
Place: PBC Highway, Nuwara Eliya
Time: 7 am to 6 pm
ticket price: ₹10 for locals and ₹77 for foreigners
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6. Gregory Lake
Named and built under the supervision of Sir William Gregory in 1873, Gregory Lake is a man-made lake and one of the ideal picnic spots in Sri Lanka. To explore the lake, one can rent a bicycle or enjoy a boat ride on a swan-shaped pedalo or speedboat, a water scooter ride or a stallion ride. There is also provision for water sports like jet ski and kayaking. For those who want to see the amazing view of the lake, helicopter rides are also available, provided they make prior booking. There are food stalls and restaurants on the premises to satiate your hunger. One can click Insta-worthy pictures amidst this beautiful place. If you want to relax and refresh your soul amidst captivating surroundings, Lake Gregory is the perfect place.
Place: Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Time: 8 am to 6 pm
ticket price: ₹50 for locals and ₹300 for foreigners
read ahead: 10 Haputale homestays that are a blend of modern architecture and traditional charm
Now that you have a list of incredible picnic spots in Sri Lanka, save it for your next trip to the tropical country. Check out our Sri Lanka tour packages and book the one that best suits your needs. These packages will definitely make your holiday experience hassle-free and memorable for a lifetime.
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FAQs About Picnic Spots In Sri Lanka
What are the best picnic spots in Sri Lanka?
The best picnic spots in Sri Lanka are:
1. Victoria Park
2. Gregory Lake
3. Gampaha Botanical Garden
4. St. Clair Falls
5. Royal Botanical Garden
6. Independence Square
What is very famous in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea plantations, white sand beaches, delicious cuisine, rich biodiversity and breathtaking locations.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April. This is the peak season when there is a large influx of travelers to Sri Lanka as the climatic conditions are favorable for sightseeing.
Is Sri Lanka tourist friendly?
Yes, Sri Lanka is tourist friendly and one of the best and safe places to visit in Asia.
Is Indian Rupee accepted in Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indian tourists can transact in Indian National Rupee (INR) as the Central Bank has made it a designated currency.
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