6 facts about Independence Square - All there is to know

Found in Cinnamon Gardens, this is considered to be one of the most popular national monuments in the country. Built way after the Independence, this structure is made of concrete and the architecture you find here is similar to the architecture found in many ancient Sri Lankan temples of Kandy. There are rows of lions that guard the structure and this is quite Sri Lankan twist to any building that you will find here. If you are staying at a Colombo city hotel the likes of Colombo Court Hotel & Spa, the Independence Square is only a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Apart from being a monument, this place is also commonly used for National events and cultural activities. The area surrounding Independence Square is also considered to be one of the most prestigious locations in the city and you will find that it is exclusively used for recreational purposes. This site is also a major tourist attraction as it has a great historical significance and is made of marvellous architecture. If you are into history this is definitely a place you must visit in Colombo.

During the weekend this place will be full of youngsters and locals spend time while chilling here. If you do not like crowded cultural attractions, the best time to visit the Independence Memorial Hall would be during the weekdays.

Designed by a group of popular architects, this building’s structure is based on the celebration hall that is found in Kandy. Kandy is the last known Kingdom of Sri Lanka and does have influence in most structures built in many other parts of the country.

A fun fact you might not know about Independence Memorial Hall is that it was a pit stop on two seasons of The Amazing Race Asia. If you want to check up the episodes, the seasons were the first and the fourth. The name of the episode is not available, but you will definitely be able to find it on YouTube or any place online.

Once you are done exploring this highly cultural and historically significant site in Colombo, you could take a short work and find yourself at the Independence Arcade. This is a mall at which you will be able to do some shopping have a few snacks at the many cafes found here and also watch a movie if you are in the mood. The Independence Arcade is found in a building that used to be an asylum back in the day. You could also walk to the Viharamahadevi Park, which is a popular green space found in the middle of the city. People of Colombo love to spend time at this park, engaging in fun activities like jogging, walking, cycling or just reading while they take all the sights around them.