Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature? If yes, then you should definitely visit the beddagana wetland park, a hidden gem in Colombo that offers a peaceful and refreshing experience. The beddagana wetland park is a green oasis that covers an area of 18 hectares and hosts a variety of flora and fauna. It is a perfect place to enjoy the scenic views, observe the wildlife, and learn about the ecology and conservation of the wetlands. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the beddagana wetland park, including its location, features, timings, entry fees, and tips. Whether you are a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or a photographer, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences at the beddagana wetland park.
Location and How to Reach
The beddagana wetland park is located at 139/15, Raja Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo, Sri Lanka. You can view the map [here] or use the following coordinates: 6.8944° N, 79.9098° E. There are several ways to reach the park from different locations in Colombo by different modes of transport. Here are some of the options:
- Bus: You can take a bus from the Colombo Fort bus station to the Kotte bus station, which is about 10 km away from the park. The bus fare is around Rs. 20 and the journey takes about 30 minutes. From the Kotte bus station, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to the park, which is about 3 km away. The tuk-tuk fare is around Rs. 150 and the taxi fare is around Rs. 300. The advantage of taking a bus is that it is cheap and convenient, but the disadvantage is that it can be crowded and slow.
- Taxi: You can take a taxi from any location in Colombo to the park, which is about 15 km away from the city center. The taxi fare is around Rs. 1,500 and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The advantage of taking a taxi is that it is fast and comfortable, but the disadvantage is that it is expensive and may have traffic jams.
- Tuk-tuk: You can take a tuk-tuk from any location in Colombo to the park, which is about 15 km away from the city center. The tuk-tuk fare is around Rs. 750 and the journey takes about an hour. The advantage of taking a tuk-tuk is that it is cheap and fun, but the disadvantage is that it can be noisy and bumpy.
- Car: You can drive your own car or rent a car from any location in Colombo to the park, which is about 15 km away from the city center. The car rental fee is around Rs. 3,000 per day and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The advantage of driving a car is that it is flexible and convenient, but the disadvantage is that it can be costly and may have parking issues.
Features and Attractions
The beddagana wetland park is a beautiful and diverse natural area that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the features and attractions of the park:
- History: The beddagana wetland park was established in 2013 as a part of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC) project to protect and restore the wetlands around Colombo. The park was designed by a team of experts from the University of Moratuwa and the SLLRDC, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The park was inaugurated by the then President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, on May 19, 2013.
- Ecology: The beddagana wetland park is a unique ecosystem that consists of marshes, ponds, streams, islands, and forests. The park is home to more than 80 species of plants, 40 species of birds, 15 species of butterflies, 10 species of mammals, and 8 species of reptiles. The park also serves as a natural flood control system, a carbon sink, and a water purification system for the surrounding areas.
- Conservation: The beddagana wetland park is a conservation area that aims to preserve and enhance the biodiversity and the environmental services of the wetlands. The park also aims to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance and the value of the wetlands. The park has several initiatives and programs to achieve these goals, such as wetland management, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, and community participation.
- Wildlife: The beddagana wetland park is a wildlife sanctuary that offers a rare opportunity to observe and appreciate the flora and fauna of the wetlands. The park is especially famous for its birdlife, as it attracts both resident and migratory birds, such as purple herons, white-breasted waterhens, black-headed ibises, and spot-billed pelicans. The park also hosts other animals, such as fishing cats, water monitors, porcupines, and civets. The park has several observation platforms, hides, and trails to facilitate the wildlife viewing.
- Scenery: The beddagana wetland park is a scenic spot that offers a stunning contrast to the urban landscape of Colombo. The park has a variety of landscapes, such as open water, wetland vegetation, forest canopy, and grassland. The park also has a number of attractions, such as a boardwalk, a floating deck, a bird tower, a butterfly garden, and a lotus pond. The park is a great place to enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, as well as the changing colors and moods of the wetlands.
- Facilities: The beddagana wetland park is a well-maintained and well-equipped park that provides a range of facilities and services to its visitors. The park has a visitor center, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, a library, a conference hall, and a parking lot. The park also has a staff of trained and friendly guides, rangers, and volunteers, who can assist and inform the visitors about the park and its features.
Timings and Entry Fees
The beddagana wetland park is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, except on public holidays. The best time to visit the park depends on your interests and preferences, but here are some general suggestions:
- If you want to see the birds, the best time is early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active and visible. You can also visit during the winter months, from November to February, when the park attracts many migratory birds.
- If you want to see the wildlife, the best time is late afternoon or early evening, when they are more likely to come out of their hiding places. You can also visit during the rainy season, from May to October, when the park is more lush and green.
- If you want to see the scenery, the best time is sunrise or sunset, when the park offers a spectacular view of the sky and the water. You can also visit during the dry season, from March to April, when the park has more flowers and butterflies.
The entry fees for the beddagana wetland park are as follows:
- Locals: Rs. 50 per person
- Foreigners: Rs. 500 per person
- Children (below 12 years): Free
- Students (with ID card): Rs. 25 per person
- Photography: Rs. 250 per camera
- Videography: Rs. 500 per camera
The entry fees are collected at the entrance of the park. You can pay by cash or card. The entry fees are used for the maintenance and development of the park.
Tips and Suggestions
To make the most of your visit to the beddagana wetland park, here are some tips and suggestions for you:
- Wear comfortable and light clothes, such as cotton shirts, shorts, and hats, as the park can be hot and humid. You can also bring a raincoat or an umbrella, as the park can be rainy and muddy.
- Carry a backpack or a sling bag, with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. You can also bring binoculars, a camera, and a notebook, if you want to observe and record the wildlife and the scenery.
- Avoid littering, feeding, or disturbing the animals, plants, and water sources, as the park is a protected and sensitive area. You can also avoid smoking, playing loud music, or using flash photography, as these can harm or annoy the wildlife and the visitors.
- Do explore the park at your own pace and interest, as the park has many trails, platforms, and attractions to offer. You can also join the guided tours, the educational programs, or the volunteer activities, if you want to learn more about the park and its features.
Conclusion
The beddagana wetland park is a hidden gem in Colombo that offers a peaceful and refreshing experience. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, observe and appreciate the wildlife, and learn about the ecology and conservation of the wetlands. It is also a place where you can have fun and adventure, as you explore the park's trails, platforms, and attractions. The beddagana wetland park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to discover a different side of Colombo. If you are planning to visit the park, make sure to follow our tips and suggestions to make the most of your visit.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. Happy travels! 😊