Attractions
Neighborhood - Park Street and Slave Island Colombo 2
Address: Park Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Explore Colombo's Vibrant Heart at VAUX Park Street
Welcome to Park Street, Colombo's dynamic neighborhood, where every moment is infused with excitement and culture. VAUX Park Street is your gateway to this lively district, nestled along the pedestrianized Park Street, the epicenter of this vibrant area.
Our prime location places us just a short walk from the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, a must-visit for all exploring Colombo. This creative and entertainment hub has already carved out a green oasis within the city, surrounded by lush greenery, and it's just a 2-minute stroll to the central park.
VAUX Park Street offers easy access to major shopping and business destinations like Park Street Mews, Cinnamon Life, One Galle Face, the Fort CBD, and the Colombo City Centre - all within a brisk 5-20 minute walk. The tree-lined road leading to the Colombo City Centre mall is adorned with charming cafes, inviting salons, chic boutiques, and diverse restaurants. In Colombo 2, business, leisure, parks, museums, and modern condos coexist seamlessly in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Beira Lake, just a few blocks away, invites leisurely strolls, while nearby parks and the National Museum offer opportunities for exploration in the lush surroundings of Cinnamon Gardens. For a serene escape, the coveted Beira Lake Walking Park beckons.
As twilight descends, Park Street transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination with trendy bars and eateries offering a delightful array of cocktails, cuisine, and entertainment. At day's end, VAUX Park Street welcomes you back to the comfort of our serviced apartments, where modern luxury and eco-conscious living harmonize.
Choose VAUX Park Street, and let the neighborhood infuse your unforgettable Sri Lankan experience with culture, cuisine, history, and luxury. Your journey commences at Colombo's vibrant heart, where every moment is an opportunity to embrace the city's dynamic spirit.
Gangaramaya Temple
Address: Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the banks of the famous Beira Lake and a mere 5 minute walk from VAUX Park Street , the Gangaramaya consists of the main temple, a museum, a library and vocational training centers.
Gangaramaya temple's architecture features a heterogeneous mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles.
The 120-year-old Gangaramaya is not the typical Sri Lankan temple. Situated in the bustling inner-city Colombo, nearby the scenic Beira Lake, this intriguing temple complex is simultaneously a hugely popular tourist attraction, a place of worship and a learning centre.
Every Year in February on the nights of the full-moon, the iconic pageant and parade with elephant and dancers commences from this temple. It is not to be missed and . Access to watch this incredible sight is conveniently possible from the road-side adjacent to VAUX Park Street.Floating Seema Malaka Lake Temple
Address: Seema Malaka, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Seema Malaka was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The original structure slowly sank into the water in 1970s. In 1976, Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa was brought in to construct the temple, which stands today. The reconstruction was funded by a Sri Lankan Muslim businessman, S. H. Moosajee who's family still lives in the vicinity. The design was inspired by the ancient monasteries & forests of Anuradhapura and Ritigala. The temple is constructed on three platforms over water, which are connected to the mainland and with each other by pontoon bridges. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship.
The Colombo National Museum
Address: Colombo National Museum, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka .The Colombo National Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is a museum in Colombo and the largest in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1877 and maintained by the Department of National Museums, it holds collections of significant importance to Sri Lanka, such as the regalia of the Kandyan monarchs, as well as many other exhibits relating the country's cultural and natural heritage.
The museum has a copy of the Statue of Tara, a three-quarter life size statue of Tara currently held in the British Museum. The crown jewels and the throne of the last King of Kandy, which were returned to Sri Lanka by the British Government, were added to the museum collection as well as recent pieces returned by the Dutch government in 2024.
Access from to the museum is convenient - a pleasant 15 minute walk from VAUX by heading towards the victoria Park and across the park to the rear of the National Museum Entrance (the Natural History Museum entrance provides access)Cenotaph War Memoria
Address: War Memorial, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka .The Cenotaph War Memorial in Victoria (Viharamahadevi) Park, is dedicated to the military from Ceylon killed in action during the two world wars. It was designed by the architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens. It comprises a towering Cenotaph and Memorial Walls. It was unveiled in October 27, 1923 at the Galle Face Green and was known as the Victory tower. It was dismantled and re-erected at Victoria Park, during World War II after fears that the Japanese might use it as a marker to direct their artillery. The Cenotaph contains the names of those killed in the Great War, while the Memorial Wall behind it maintains the names of those killed in the Second World War. A single woman, Miss L. Midwood is listed among the dead of the Great War.
Galle Face Green
Address: Galle Face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Galle Face Green (Galle Face Beach) is a half kilometer promenade in the heart of Colombo and was initially laid out in 1859 by Sir Henry Ward, Governor of British Ceylon. The stretch of land was used for horse racing and golf and was known as the Colpetty Race Course.
Today, Galle Face Green is a place for families, children, lovers and picnickers. It is still a beautiful place to relax, enjoy the beach and have meals. There is enough space to walk around, sit and even fly kites. During the kite season, the skies over Galle Face Green are hidden behind the colorful kites that bring joy to the young and old. Those who enjoy people watching will be able to do a lot of observing at Galle Face Green, as it attracts people of various cultures, ethnicities and ages.
Victoria / Viharamahadevi park
Address: Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka .The Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park of the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, the park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu. The park was built on land donated to the Colombo city by Charles Henry de Soysa during the British rule of Sri Lanka, and used to be named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria. During World War II it was occupied by the British Army with Australian 17th Brigade based at Victoria Park. After the war the park was restored and open to the public in 1951.
Independence Memorial hall & Park
Address: Independence Square, Independence Avenue, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948 The building was designed by a group of eight notable architects led by Tom Neville Wynne-Jones CBE. The design of the building is based on the Magul Maduwa (Celebration Hall), the Royal audience hall of the Kingdom of Kandy the last native kingdom of the island
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque & Pettah Bazzar
Address: Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, 2nd Cross Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka .Completed in 1909, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah District, where you can find one of the the largest and busiest open-air markets in Sri Lanka.
The mosque is a distinctive red and white candy-striped multiple-story building. Before other landmarks were built, some claim that the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.
Definitely worth the look during your trip to Pettah. The surrounding areas of the mosque is littered with street shops selling a massive array of merchandise from fruits to fried food to fabric to garments accessories, to imported products.
When you first see the mosque it looks like a tower of red and white Lego blocks. Inside is even more dramatic, made up of impressive angles, arches and countless wooden shuttered windows. To enter, you go in a side entrance, remove your shoes and socks, if a woman borrow one of the hooded cloak they have and wait for a guide. Your guide will show you the allowed route and you will be able to take photos when he says. Once you’ve climbed a myriad of stairs, you reach the roof. The city of Colombo sprawls out beneath you. A must see!
