Diyasaru Park — Attraction in Western Province

Escape the city bustle and dive into a peaceful oasis at Diyasaru Park, Sri Lanka. This naturalistic haven stole my heart with its lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and hidden nooks perfect for quiet reflection or romantic escapades.

What enchanted me:

Nature's Embrace: Imagine strolling through a verdant maze of trees, serenaded by birdsong and enveloped by the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Diyasaru Park is a nature lover's paradise, with cascading waterfalls, hidden bridges, and tranquil ponds teeming with life. Romantic Rendezvous: Whether you're a couple seeking a secluded getaway or a solo traveler yearning for some self-love, Diyasaru Park delivers. Cozy pavilions nestled amidst the greenery offer breathtaking views and intimate moments. I can picture stolen kisses under the dappled sunlight and whispered secrets by the babbling brook. Serene Escape: The hustle and bustle of the city melt away as you step into this tranquil haven. Gentle breezes rustle the leaves, and the calming gurgling of the waterfalls invites you to slow down and simply be. I found myself lost in the moment, feeling my worries dissolve like mist in the morning sun. Things to Keep in Mind:

Footwear: Comfortable shoes are recommended, as navigating the park involves uneven terrain and winding paths. Picnic Perfect: Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a delightful meal surrounded by nature's beauty. Several charming spots are ideal for a romantic spread or a solo retreat. Respectful Retreat: Remember, this is a place of peace and nature's sanctuary. Treat it with respect by maintaining silence and keeping the park clean. Diyasaru Park is more than just a park; it's an experience. It's a place to reconnect with nature, rekindle romance, or simply find solace in the tranquil embrace of greenery. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a refreshing escape from the ordinary.

Pro Tip: Pack your camera! Diyasaru Park is a photographer's dream, with endless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature and create...

Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park (now known as the Diyasaru Park) is an wetland artificially built near new Parliament Complex in Sri Jayawardanapura in a marshland. This park lies hidden behind the Parliament on the Japan Sri Lanka friendship road with only a small board visible to the road. Diyasaru Park covers approximately 60 acres with artificial ponds and canals where you could see over 50 varieties of migratory birds, over 15 fish varieties including three endemic to Sri Lanka and over 25 butterfly species. It is also home to few crocodiles and about five Fishing Cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) locally known as “Handun Diviya” and “Kola Diviya“.

Being a wetland, this park serves home to many other different animals and marshy plants, dragonflies, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and many terrestrial and aquatic plant species indicating a high biodiversity value especially highlighting the value of urban wildlife. It contains a study center, open study area, board walks for walking through the wetland, butterfly garden, bird watching tower and bird hide, ground water wells, a laboratory, a herbarium, children’s pond, wetland agriculture area, rush and reed pond, audio video room and boat riding facilities.

Originally this park was a paddy land. During the late 1970’s the parliament lake was created and this land was used to deposit dredge material and cultivation ceased. At present it serves as a flood detention area, absorbing flood water during heavy storms and contributes protect parliament area from being inundated. Some of its other benefits are lowering the city temperature, providing a place for students to conduct biodiversity practicals, and providing a recreational area for lovers of nature.

The park is open all seven days of the week from...

Originally in 1980s, the area was a paddy field. Part of the land was used to build the parliament lake in late 1970s. The other part was used to deposit dredge material. Gradually, the land become heavily covered with invasive species and transformed to a wetland. During the flood occur in 2010, government initiated to reconstruct and modify the area as a wetland. The land was divided into several small islands and artificial canals were made.

Currently, park premises serve as a flood detention area by absorbing flood water during heavy storms and reduce inundation of the parliament area. The program to establish the park was initiated by Land Reclamation and Development Cooperation.

The name "Diyasaru" is for 'rich in water' in Sinhala. The vision of the park is “Releasing the Stress of Urbanization”.

The park is an artificially built wetland near new Parliament Complex in Sri Jayawardanapura. It lies hidden behind the Parliament on the Japan Sri Lanka friendship road. It is opposite to Diyawanna Oya where Beddagana Wetland Park is situated.

Diyasaru park is home for more than 250 species of animals across all ranges including molluscs, arthropods and vertebrates. Many rare and migrant birds, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, many types of fishes including endemics, amphibians, and reptiles are abundant. Numerically, there are about more than 80 species of wetland birds including 50 species of migratory birds, 15 species of fish including three endemics, 40 species of butterflies, 28 species of dragonflies, 28 species of reptiles, 7 species of mammals. A part of the park is reserved for five endangered fishing cats. Otters, purple faced leaf monkeys and estuarine crocodiles are also found in...