Beddagana Wetland Park

Let me introduce you to the most romantic and wildest park in the busy streets of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. And on the other hand, you wouldn't believe that this type of biodiversity would exist in this concrete surrounding. It's just more than a park, it's a Wildlife Sanctuary with fauna and flora, resting nearby Diyawanna Lake.

So, if you are fed up with the usual routine, try this place to have a peaceful escape in nature.

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The Location

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It's situated in a very classic neighborhood in Rampart Road, Sri Jayawardhana pura Kotte, one of the oldest kingdoms of the country, with a rich history. The Parliament of Sri Lanka is near the location, and sometimes during Parliament sessions, we can see special Task Force officers on the premises. From Pettah bus stand, it's around a 10km journey, you can take a bus, a tuk-tuk/ a private vehicle.

The entrance has an elegant look with a huge parking lot for a small fee. There are clean washroom facilities and a snack shop in the entrance. Remember to use them as at the premises, you wouldn't find one.

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Take Only Memories! Leave only Footprints!

You will be greeted by a notice board with the above saying, and then it's heaven. From the first foot, you will see a different atmosphere there.

The park spans approximately 18 hectares, with Diyawanna Lake bordering one side. It is a part of the floodplains of the lake and was marshland with a diverse biodiversity. In 1985, the Department of Wildlife Conservation declared this area a sanctuary, and in 2013, the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project (MCUDP) implemented the area into its current shape as a park, and opened it to the public in 2016.

Wooden Walkway to the ticket counter

So, now this Wetland park protects the nearby area from flooding, serves as a habitat for hundreds of fauna and flora, and conserves them, an educational paradise for the public, and also provides a relaxing and quality time with nature. It has two major trails with. So, what can we see here?

• Fauna and Flora, and different ecosystems
• Wooden walkways and natural trails
• Birdwatching tower
• Diyawanna Lakeside Floating decks
• Photoshoot areas
• A relaxing time

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Plant Community

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Here you can see notice boards and details for educational purposes.. So, according to them, there are 180 species of native, endemic, and exotic plants.

Notice Boards about the details

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The most remarkable thing about this place is that it's a mix of 5 different habitats of vegetation.

1. Canals, Ponds, and Water bodies
2. Marshyland
3. Grassy lands
4. Big trees
5. Riverine near the Diyawanna lake

So, along with them, we can see different types of trees and plants associated. When visiting the place, it's a whole new experience to see all of them in a small area.

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Wild Life

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This place is a home to more than 80 species of native and other animals, including birds, butterflies, insects, amphibians, & Reptiles, and fish species, etc.

There is a designated Butterfly garden which is filled with flowers and various types of butterflies. But at that time in the afternoon, we couldn't capture one or many animals.

In the huge pond along the way, which is mostly filled with vegetation, you can see ducks and other water birds. They are aiming for the fish.

Birdwatching tower

The birdwatching tower is another amazing structure constructed near the docks. It has two storeys, is almost open, made of wood. From there, we can have a 360 look around the way, which is simply amazing. And if you are lucky, you can watch birds in that jungle, and the water body, especially during the morning or evening.

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Diyawanna Floating Deck

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This is another beautiful spot to enjoy the view of the lake and beyond. A wooden deck has been built out into the water, with sufficient space and safety, surrounded by railings. From here, you can enjoy a lovely view of Diyawanna Lake and the city.

View From it

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Wooden walkways and natural trails

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So, from this corner to the other, there are nicely managed and well-maintained trails. There are natural trails surrounded by mangrove trees and others. Sometimes it feels like we are in a jungle in a rural area. It's shady and dark.

And through marshylands and water bodies, wooden walkways have been constructed. We can sit there and easily spend the time for hours. And also along the way, there are a few benches, and separate open huts with seating arrangements.

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Amazing Photo Locations and Romantic Getaway

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So, amidst all this, the place has amazing photo locations. Everywhere is beautiful and has different features. Those decks, and trails, water bodies, big trees, and greener,y everything provides a perfect atmosphere for the photographers. It was the same for us as well to store some memories.

And it's a common thing here to have weddings, pre-shoot sessions, and commercial ads. But you have to pay additional charges for those.

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This place is very popular among young couples. The calm and peaceful nature, the natural beauty, and everything fit perfectly for a romantic time here. We also visited the place several times.

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So, Beddagana Wetland Park is a must-visit destination around Colombo. Apart from all the good things it provided in preserving the environment, if you want a getaway from the busy lifestyle/ enjoy nature/ study it this is your place. Don't wait, this is your place.

The Place	Beddagana Wetland Park
Type of place	Wetland Park
Address	Baddagana Wetland Park, Sri Jayewardanepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
Contact info:	+9478 998 1747/ beddaganawetlandpark@gmail.com
Opening days and hours	Daily: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entrance	Local Adults - LKR.200 (4.52 Steem), Local Kids - LKR.100 (2.25 Steem), Tourists - LKR.500 (11.3 Steem), Foreign Kids - LKR.250 (5.65 Steem)
Location	on Google Maps, on Steem Atlas
Social Media	Facebook
Website	https://www.uda.gov.lk/beddagana/
Time of Visit	25th of February, 2023 & 25th of June, 2023

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!