Are you looking for a fun and educational destination in Sri Lanka that will take you on a journey through time and space? If yes, then you should visit Guruge Park, a theme park in Sri Lanka that showcases the country's rich and diverse heritage and future. Guruge Park is not just an amusement water fun park, but also a living museum that recreates the ancient Sri Lankan village, the Jurassic era, and the Mayan civilization. Whether you are a history buff, a thrill seeker, or a nature lover, Guruge Park has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Guruge Park, from its attractions, history, and vision, to its location, timings, and travel packages. Read on to find out why Guruge Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of Sri Lanka.
Guruge Park's Attractions: A Journey Through Time and Space
Guruge Park is divided into four zones, each with its own theme and features. Here are the main attractions of each zone and what you can expect to see and do there:
- Mayan Water Park: This is the largest and most popular zone of Guruge Park, where you can enjoy a variety of water slides, pools, and fountains. The Mayan Water Park is designed to resemble the ancient Mayan civilization, with pyramids, temples, and statues. You can also watch live shows and performances that depict the Mayan culture and history. The Mayan Water Park is a great place to cool off and have fun with your family and friends.
- Jurassic Park: This is the most adventurous and exciting zone of Guruge Park, where you can encounter life-size animatronic dinosaurs and learn about their evolution and extinction. The Jurassic Park is a replica of the prehistoric era, with volcanoes, caves, and fossils. You can also ride on a safari jeep and explore the dinosaur habitats and exhibits. The Jurassic Park is a great place to experience the thrill and wonder of the ancient world.
-Ancient Sri Lankan Village: This is the most educational and cultural zone of Guruge Park, where you can witness the lifestyle and traditions of the ancient Sri Lankan people. The Ancient Sri Lankan Village is a reconstruction of the Anuradhapura period, with authentic houses, temples, and monuments. You can also interact with the villagers and learn about their crafts, skills, and beliefs. The Ancient Sri Lankan Village is a great place to appreciate the heritage and diversity of Sri Lanka.
- Gem Museum: This is the most informative and fascinating zone of Guruge Park, where you can discover the beauty and value of the Sri Lankan gems and minerals. The Gem Museum is a collection of rare and precious stones, such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. You can also watch demonstrations and videos that explain the formation and extraction of the gems and minerals. The Gem Museum is a great place to admire the natural and artistic treasures of Sri Lanka.
Guruge Park's History and Vision: A Tribute to Sri Lanka's Heritage and Future
Guruge Park is not just a theme park, but also a tribute to Sri Lanka's heritage and future. The park was founded by Dr. Ariyaratne Guruge, a renowned scholar, writer, and diplomat, who dedicated his life to promoting Sri Lanka's culture, identity, and development. Dr. Guruge envisioned Guruge Park as a place where people can learn about the past, enjoy the present, and dream about the future of Sri Lanka. He also wanted to create a place where people can celebrate the diversity and unity of Sri Lanka, and foster a sense of pride and patriotism.
Dr. Guruge was assisted by his family, who shared his passion and vision. His wife, Mrs. Nandani Guruge, was the co-founder and director of Guruge Park, who oversaw the management and operations of the park. His son, Mr. Roshan Guruge, was the chief architect and designer of Guruge Park, who created the master plan and the concept of the park. His daughter, Ms. Renuka Guruge, was the chief curator and educator of Guruge Park, who developed the content and the programs of the park.
Together, the Guruge family created a theme park that is not only entertaining, but also enlightening. Guruge Park has won several awards and accolades, such as the Best Theme Park in Sri Lanka, the Best Educational Park in South Asia, and the Best Cultural Park in Asia. Guruge Park has also hosted many events and festivals, such as the Vesak Festival, the Independence Day Celebration, and the World Heritage Day. Guruge Park has also welcomed many dignitaries and celebrities, such as the President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister of India, and the Dalai Lama.
Guruge Park's mission statement is to "provide a unique and memorable experience that celebrates Sri Lanka's history and culture, and inspires its future". Guruge Park's values are to "respect, preserve, and promote the heritage and diversity of Sri Lanka, and to educate, entertain, and empower its visitors". Guruge Park's goals are to "become a world-class theme park that showcases the best of Sri Lanka, and to become a catalyst for social and economic development in Sri Lanka".
Guruge Park's Location and Timings: A Convenient and Accessible Destination
Guruge Park is located in Ja-Ela, a town in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, about 20 km north of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Guruge Park is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, as it is situated near the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, the Ja-Ela Railway Station, and the Bandaranaike International Airport. Guruge Park is also close to Negombo, a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, known for its beaches, lagoons, and canals.
Guruge Park is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Mondays, when it is closed for maintenance. The entry fee for Guruge Park is Rs. 1000 for adults and Rs. 500 for children, which includes access to all the attractions, shows, and facilities. You can also buy a season pass for Rs. 5000, which allows you to visit Guruge Park unlimited times for a year. You can buy your tickets online or at the gate.
The best time to visit Guruge Park is during the dry season, from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and sunny. However, you can also visit Guruge Park during the rainy season, from May to November, when the park is less crowded and more green. You can also visit Guruge Park during the festive season, from April to June, when the park hosts special events and celebrations, such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the Vesak Festival, and the Poson Festival.
Some tips and suggestions for visiting Guruge Park are:
- Plan your visit in advance and book your tickets online to avoid queues and hassles.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes if you want to enjoy the water park.
- Bring a camera, a notebook, and a pen if you want to capture and record your memories and learnings.
- Follow the park rules and regulations, and respect the park staff and the other visitors.
- Have fun and explore the park at your own pace and interest.
Guruge Park's Travel Packages, Hotels, and Things to Do: A Complete and Memorable Experience
If you want to make the most of your visit to Guruge Park, you can also book a travel package, a hotel, and some things to do that include the park and other attractions in Negombo. Here are some options and recommendations for you:
- Travel Packages: You can choose from a range of travel packages that suit your budget and duration, and that include Guruge Park and other attractions in Negombo. Some of the travel packages are:
- One Day Package: This package costs Rs. 3000 per person, and includes a round-trip transportation from Colombo to Guruge Park, a full-day admission to Guruge Park, a lunch at the park's restaurant, and a visit to the Negombo Fish Market and the Dutch Fort.
- Two Day Package: This package costs Rs. 6000 per person, and includes a round-trip transportation from Colombo to Guruge Park, a one-night stay at a hotel near Guruge Park, a full-day admission to Guruge Park, a breakfast and a lunch at the park's restaurant, and a visit to the Negombo Beach and the St. Mary's Church.
- Three Day Package: This package costs Rs. 9000 per person, and includes a round-trip transportation from Colombo to Guruge Park, a two-night stay at a hotel near Guruge Park, a full-day admission to Guruge Park, a breakfast and a lunch at the park's restaurant, and a visit to the Muthurajawela Wetland and the Angurukaramulla Temple.
- Hotels: You can choose from a variety of hotels that are near Guruge Park and that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. Some of the hotels are:
- Hotel J: This is a three-star hotel that is located 5 km from Guruge Park, and that offers rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a spa. The hotel has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, and a price of Rs. 4000 per night.
- Jetwing Blue: This is a four-star hotel that is located 10 km from Guruge Park, and that offers rooms with balconies, sea views, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe, a pool, and a gym. The hotel has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, and a price of Rs. 8000 per night. You can book this hotel online or by phone.
-Heritance Negombo: This is a five-star hotel that is located 15 km from Guruge Park, and that offers rooms with terraces, garden views, and jacuzzis. The hotel also has a restaurant, a lounge, a pool, and a sauna. The hotel has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, and a price of Rs. 12000 per night.
- Things to Do: You can choose from a variety of things to do that are near Guruge Park and that offer enjoyable and memorable experiences. Some of the things to do are:
- Negombo Beach: This is a beautiful and lively beach that is located 10 km from Guruge Park, and that offers a range of activities, such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can also enjoy the scenic views, the fresh seafood, and the nightlife at the beach. Negombo Beach is a great place to relax and have fun with your family and friends.
- St. Mary's Church: This is a historic and majestic church that is located 12 km from Guruge Park, and that showcases the colonial and religious heritage of Negombo. You can also admire the architecture, the paintings, and the statues at the church. St. Mary's Church is a great place to appreciate the culture and spirituality of Negombo.
- Muthurajawela Wetland: This is a natural and ecological reserve that is located 18 km from Guruge Park, and that hosts a variety of flora and fauna, such as mangroves, birds, and crocodiles. You can also take a boat ride and explore the wetland and its wildlife. Muthurajawela Wetland is a great place to experience the nature and biodiversity of Negombo.
Conclusion
Guruge Park is a theme park that celebrates Sri Lanka's history and culture, and inspires its future. Guruge Park is a place where you can learn, enjoy, and dream. Guruge Park is a place where you can experience the best of Sri Lanka. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, you should not miss Guruge Park and Negombo.
Don't wait any longer, visit Guruge Park and Negombo today and have a complete and memorable experience.
