Referred to as the Gardens by the bank of Diyawanna Oya, Diyatha Uyana is a public Park located close to the Polduwa Junction. The park is widely known as an unwinding destination for locals.
Strategically situated in the lush suburbs of Colombo, Diyatha Uyana is not just another public park, but an underrated yet wonderful place to visit where you can get some fresh air, clear your mind, or even go jogging along the sidewalk.
If you’re touring around Colombo, Diyatha Uyana definitely belongs on your itinerary.
| Timings | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Entrance | Free |
| Location/Address | Google Maps |
How To Get To Diyatha Uyana
Diyatha Uyana is located in the Sri Lankan capital Sri Jayawardene Kotte – around 7 kilometres inland from the bustling city of Colombo. Travelling solo? You can hail a tuk-tuk from Colombo. It wouldn’t cost more than Rs. 800 if you’re using ride-hailing apps.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, there are bus routes from Colombo that heads past Diyatha Uyana, such as 177.
You might also like: Complete Guide on the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Activities/Things To Do In Diyatha Uyana
Diyatha Uyana is undoubtedly a place for everyone. Once a marshy land, this park now sustains as a famous outdoor recreational area in Sri Lanka. Besides the renowned lake, travellers taking the walking path can also spot the Sri Lankan Parliament.
Although it’s not a place worth visiting, it sure is a place of admirable architecture – built by famous Sri Lanka-born architect Geoffrey Bawa.
If you enjoy evening strolls and 3D art on the ground, Diyatha Uyana is one of the ideal places in and around Colombo. The boardwalk is lined with many affordable eateries for refreshments throughout the day and night.
If you’re craving something fancy, the floating restaurant will offer you good food and a promising view.
While enjoying food at a snack shop, you can also check out the circular aquarium. It is quite a unique placement, right by the shopping stalls selling clothes and souvenirs.
The inhabitant fish of the circular aquarium may not be as exotic as you may expect, but it sure is calming to watch them wander.
What’s On The Weekends?
Diyatha Uyana comes to life during the weekends when the market assembles. Over 100 small business vendors gather to sell their best produce.
Apart from the edibles, travellers would also come across flowers and plant vendors – one of the ideal places in Colombo for gardeners to visit.
Layout Of Diyatha Uyana
The Floating Restaurant
The Water’s Edge Floating Restaurant is one of the main attractions of the park; the restaurant started receiving guests in December 2012; the construction of the restaurant was undertaken by the Sri Lanka Army.
Forty people can dine at the restaurant at any given time; the place is also an event venue. With a space of 250 sqft, the restaurant facilitates business events, weddings, and other romantic celebrations.
The place is served by a team of well-trained banquet coordinators along with skilled chefs.
Call +94 11 2 863 863 for reservations.
Diyatha Station
Another restaurant managed by Water’s Edge, Diyatha Station brings you a unique dining experience. The restaurant is housed inside a train compartment.
With a seating capacity of 200 people, the restaurant offers four different menus of delicious grubs, both local and international – all food items are reasonably priced.
Visitors can enjoy indoor dining as well as al fresco dining.
Call +94 779 607 655 or email diyatha@watersedge.lk for reservations
Children’s Park
Diyatha Uyana Park has a separate zone for kids. With numerous slides, swings and plenty of space, children can have loads of fun here.
Parents can grab a bite at the nearby cafeteria while watching over their kids. The park gets crowded in the evening, so get here a bit early if you want to find a spot to sit and relax while your kids play.
Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Diyatha Fountain which lights up in the evening with colourful jets of water.
The Flower Market
A favourite with children, gardeners, and landscape artists, the flower market is another highlight of the park. The tents are filled to the brim with a diverse range of rare flowers.
You can buy orchids, fruit plants, crotons, garden ornaments, pots, garden tools, and fertiliser here; nothing bears a hefty price tag.
Also, shop owners are experts in floristry, so they can help you find the right flowers and plants for your garden and answer all your questions.
The Aquarium
Even though the Diyatha Uyana Aquarium cannot be compared to the ones you see in travel destinations like Singapore, it offers a wonderful experience, free of charge.
You can see a variety of colourful fish here in large tanks, and there’s also a fish foot spa!
History of Diyatha Uyana
The park was opened to the public on 15th September 2012. Located near Water’s Edge hotel, the park was built by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation in collaboration with the Tri Forces and the Civil Defence Department. The park is a recreational park turned marshland, with a reservoir that retains floodwater.
The Diyatha Uyana Wetland Park is not only a recreational site, but it’s also a place where local small business owners can bolster their trade.
Along the riverbank are various boutique shops and food stalls, selling a variety of merchandise, including food, gift items, handlooms, and flower pots.
Final Thoughts
Diyatha Uyana wetland park is a family-friendly park. Anyone can come here to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day. What’s even better is that this wholesome, relaxing experience costs you nothing.
The park is well-maintained, but you shouldn’t make extra work for the park management by littering; it is your responsibility to make sure that the park remains pristine for everyone else who wants to enjoy the park.
Also, don’t forget to support the local vendors by buying something from them!
Recommended reading: Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka | Beddagana Wetland Park
Afrah is a writer/editor with over 7 years of hands-on experience working in the travel sector. Her love for adventures dates back to her childhood days, and it took flight when she joined the travel industry where she learned and discovered the nitty gritties of holidays and holiday-making.
She believes that a fulfilling journey is not about the destination, but the experiences we gain from the things that go right and wrong. When it comes to travel, there's no perfect itinerary. YOU make it perfect.