Beddagana Wetland Park — Attraction in Western Province

Beddegana wetland park is located amidst the heart of the Administrative capital Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte and minute away from the hustle and bustle of the city .The new Parliament Complex of Sri Lanka is very close proximity to this green hub. The parks Location within the declared "Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Bird Sanctuary" and highly urban built environment sets the stage for its paradigm importance. This 18 hectare territory is a home to many endemic birds and many other faunal species such as butterflies, dragonflies and mammals native to Sri Lankan and Asian wetlands. Apart from that this marsh area is a popular stopover of migratory birds. During the migratory season, one can catch sight of the diverse flocks of shorebirds or waders including plovers and sandpipers. The scientific studies carried out periodically in the Beddagana wetland has made evidence to this . It has been recorded that 50 species of birds, 20 species of fish ,119 species of butterflies make this wetland their habitat and endangered mammals included in the IUCN red list such as fishing cat is among the resident species of mammals. About 100 species of vegetation types provide the niches to the animal population. Meandering board walk which cut across internal water bodies and diverse wetland habitats butterfly walk and wader watch unveiling a hands on experience of many rare butterflies and dragonfly habitats , reed ponds with native reed species, created wetland forest patch with nature trails, Bird watching tower and bird hides situated at strategic locations showcasing memorable experience of birdlife in a typical inland wetland habitat are the attractions of this wetland park. Diyawanna floating Deck , unveiling a panoramic view of the Parliament lake and its surroundings can be reached through the forest walk - a trek through a natural swamp forest , an immaculate environment with endemic rare varieties of trees and climbers. The Wetland Park will be managed by a steering committee under the chairmanship of the UDA with relevant agencies such as Dept of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation, Central Environment Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism...

I recently visited the Kotte Rampart Wetland Park, drawn by its promise of rich biodiversity and natural beauty. However, my experience was deeply disappointing and frustrating for several reasons.

Entry Fee Discrepancy: Initially, I was charged 200 LKR for entry. However, upon discovering that I was a foreigner, the fee was hiked to 2000 LKR. While I understand different rates for locals and tourists, a tenfold increase seemed excessive, especially considering the lackluster experience that followed.

Unpleasant Environment: As a wildlife biologist, my primary intention was to observe and enjoy the park's wildlife. Unfortunately, instead of encountering flora and fauna, I was met with couples engaged in indecent activities every 50 meters along the path. This inappropriate behavior extended even to the observation tower, making it impossible to use for its intended purpose. The pervasive discomfort ruined any chance of enjoying the park's natural offerings.

Lack of Facilities: Adding to the frustration, none of the toilets were open. This was incredibly inconvenient, forcing me to cut my visit short after just 10 minutes on the trail. For a place charging such a hefty entrance fee, basic facilities like open restrooms should be a given.

Unresponsive Management: When I reported these issues at the counter, no action or assistance was provided. The staff's indifference to my complaints added to my overall dissatisfaction and left me feeling unheard and undervalued as a visitor.

Overall, my visit to the Wetland Park was a major letdown. The excessive entry fee, coupled with the uncomfortable environment and lack of basic amenities, made the experience far from enjoyable. The management's failure to address my concerns only added to the disappointment. I hope the authorities take immediate steps to address these issues and improve the visitor experience for everyone...

Beddagana Wetland Park is home to a variety of animal species. So much so, it invites over 50 species of exotic migratory birds, 119 species of butterflies, dragonflies and mammals to its flourishing swamp lands. Some of the migratory bird species are only native to Asian Wetland Parks. Avid bird watching enthusiasts could find themselves in a mini urban paradise here in Beddagana Wetland. Make sure to head to the bird watching tower for phenomenal angles.

If you’re in Colombo during the weekend and you want a brief getaway out of town, the Beddagana Wetland area is the ideal place. Here you could catch scenic nature at its purest and immerse yourself in tranquillity. When you enter the park complex, you will come across a wooden walking path that extends over the swamps, which makes moving around the area much convenient whilst giving you a panoramic view of the Beddagana Wetland. You can worry less about getting your feet muddy during the escapades and enjoy your wildlife tour.

Travellers never forget to click few dramatic captures of the Wetland Park while visiting. If you’re looking to get some captures for Instagram, you can head over during early dawn or dusk for the most spectacular views. Take a good camera not just for the portraits, but to zoom in on those exotic birds you may never have seen.

Located at the edge of Diyawanna Lake, with close proximity to the Sri Lankan Parliament, the marshlands of Beddagana Wetland Park are an enchanting natural landscape and a bird sanctuary that also happens to be an underrated public park. Spanning over 18 hectares of land space, this wetland park attracts many locals – in particular – families interested in exploring the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the park, and it’s a popular stopover for couples looking for an evening...