Travel Contest - Have You Been Here (DIYASARU PARK)

Sri Lanka is an island known for its unique natural beauty. But in the capital of the country, Colombo, it's a heavenly feeling to have a peaceful environment. Amidst all the stressful and hectic lifestyle, people need to get some fresh air from nearby.

Diyasuru Park in Sri Lanka, is such kind of hidden gem, where you can highly achieve your sole purpose of relaxation with your loved ones while enjoying the greenery.

"Lush Nature Park with Tranquil pathways": ///summaries.ordering.rising

So, have you been here?

The place is originally a marshyland, and is artificially converted in to a wetland park, and opened for public in 2017. It's also known as, Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park as it's rich in knowledge.

• Why do you like the place?

---

Well, as I said this is a great place to get rid of the regular routine and have some peaceful time, which is highly required when you live with the concrete. So, this is a regular place for me to hangout with my girlfriend.

Once you entered the premises I can feel the difference. It has nicely designed with amazing landscape features from the entrance. More importantly the staff is maintaining it very well.

---

---

The peaceful and pleasing atmosphere is enriched with the vibrant flora, scenic water canal, ponds and lakes, and the wildlife. There is a separate butterfly garden, bird watching places, organic agriculture area, for different recreational activities. According to the Wikipedia,

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.
src

---

---

There are benches, walking paths with safe and enjoyable spaces. Another thing is the prices are very affordable and the place is less crowded even in the weekends as the place less popular.

• What public facilities are available there so that visitors feel comfortable

---

Well, apart from the common facilities like washrooms, drinking water and good parking availability, there are some special features too.

People can hangout in the open spaces and also there are two large huts made with green vibe. They can be specially used as open study areas. Even seminars and workshops also are common in the place.

Ther's a special bird watching tower at the premises. It's directed to the jungle. If you are lucky you can have a good look at the birdies.

There is good security service as well. They do not interfere the privacy and disturb people for nothing, like some other place, yet provide a good mental state about the protection as well.

• How much does it cost, tickets or anything to visit the place?

---

Well, as I said earlier the place is very affordable considering the service provided. The location is open from Monday to Saturday and the entrance fee is as follows.

Category	LKR	STEEM
Local Adults	100	1.89
Local Children	50	0.94
Foreign Adults	500	9.43
Foreign Children	250	4.72

A small fee is taken for parking purposes, and no other charges are taken inside. We can take photographs, but if we want to do events and preshoots, additional payments and bookings have to be done.

If you take a bus from the Pettah main station it will only cost around LKR. 200(3.78 steem), and even a Tuk Tuk cost around 12 Steem.

---

• Write your recommendation so that it can attract other visitors.

---

Well, to be honest I can highly recommend the place to anyone at any age. If you are nearby living or coming as a tourist, or just passing by, this is a place that definitely should try.

There are several parks around Kotte as Diyatha, Beddegana, Nawala urban park, Rampart wetland park etc. And this can be regarded as the best of them.

If you appreciate a peaceful environment or went set your troubles aside or have some time alone with the loved ones, or to stude about the wetland habitat Diyasuru Park is a worthwhile place to explore.

---

Thanks @irawandedy for this lovely Travel Contest - Have You Been Here, Season 6 and I invite @senehasa, @patjewell, and @sachisewwandi to join it.!!!

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!