Independence Square

Independence Square

Independence Square
4.2
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  • Scenic Lanka Personal Tour Drivers
    Colombo, Sri Lanka252 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Independence Square in Colombo is one of those remarkable sites that perfectly encapsulates Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage. As a guide, I always find it a privilege to introduce visitors to this significant landmark, which celebrates the nation's hard-won freedom from British colonial rule. The square itself is a stunning example of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, with the Independence Memorial Hall standing as a grand testament to the country’s journey to independence. The hall’s majestic columns and detailed design are not just visually impressive, but they also serve as a powerful symbol of national pride. What makes Independence Square truly special is its serene and reflective atmosphere. The beautifully manicured gardens and expansive green lawns provide a tranquil setting where visitors can soak in the historical significance of the site. The surrounding statues and monuments further enhance the experience, offering insight into the key figures and events that shaped Sri Lanka’s path to freedom. Walking through the square, I’m always struck by the reverence and respect that visitors show. It’s a place where history is not just learned but felt, and the spirit of independence resonates throughout the area. For anyone exploring Colombo, Independence Square is a must-visit. It’s a site where the past and present converge, providing a meaningful and enriching experience for travelers interested in understanding Sri Lanka’s heritage.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled on business
    Written August 9, 2024
  • Connector43684459068
    Bengaluru, India50 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Independence Square is a historical landmark located right in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Colombo and among the prime places to visit during your Sri Lanka Trip. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. The column and pillars are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs and statues of lions are placed around the building. In front of the memorial hall is a statue of the founding Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Don Stephen Senanayake.
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 3, 2025
  • Travel With Sam (Sampath)
    Kandawatha, Sri Lanka72 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Independence Squair is an iconic landmark in Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. There are historically, culturally and architecturally significance, attracting locals and foreigners as well. This site commemorates Sri Lankas independence from British rule from February 04th 1948. The "Independence Memorial Hall" is built as a honor and a national symbol in Sri Lanka. This structure have been built using kandyan architecture and is the replica of "Magul Maduwa" which can be seen at Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth Relic). This place is used for celebrating Independence Day of Sri Lanka and Special national events. There is a museum under the structure and you can observer water fountains towards front of the museum entrance. In front of the hall there is a statue of Mr. D. S Denanayake stands prominently. Mr. Senanayaka was the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.(Information goatherds by Sampath)
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 3, 2025
  • Appetitesindia
    Mumbai, India542 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Independence Square in Colombo is a must-visit for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich history. This beautifully designed memorial hall, commemorating the country’s independence from British rule, is set in a serene garden. The traditional Sinhalese architecture, with its intricate carvings and spacious colonnade, is truly impressive. The central monument and statues of prominent historical figures add to its significance. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, reflection, or photography. The surrounding area is well-maintained and provides a calm retreat from the city’s hustle
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 26, 2024
  • Lee S
    Australia4,223 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Independent Square is a beautiful building for Ski Lankas to remember their independence from British on the 4th February 1948 in Cinnamon garden. Sri Lankan design with lions statues & statue of first president I think but could be wrong. This is a wonderful park for walking and cycling, Please don’t take photos with the snakes or there handlers as they pull out the snakes phangs & they will eventually stave to death.
    Visited March 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 10, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.2
4.2 of 5 bubbles837 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
382
Average
130
Poor
7
Terrible
5

selvakumar2015
Chennai (Madras), India1,038 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Solo
Built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka in 1948, the classic Sri Lankan style architecture is beautiful and has withstood the test of time.

The independence hall is also used by Buddhists for holding Sunday moral classes.

Except for a few tourists, the independence square was deserted.

The square is well maintained, clean and quiet.

The architecture of the independence hall can be appreciated when you take a photo with the rof structure as the background.

A must visit for every patriotic Sri Lankan and also by the tourists to appreciate the beauty of the country and the symbols of its present history.

Recommended.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,643 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
After visiting the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, we visited this attraction. There is a statue here infront of an old structure with beautiful mouldings. Some locals were noted chilling out here. Another big white building is in the vicinity, perhaps the Assembly Hall. Took several photos here and enjoyed our visit.

Accross from the above structures is a wide open field where locals are practising their games.
Written March 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
The place is a rectangle shape building mostly resting on many pillers and nothing in the middle. Outside it is a statue of the first president of the country Mr Stephen Senanayake.
There is no entry fee. It is worth taking a pic.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Prasanna M
Rowville, Australia237 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019 • Family
This has been built to commemorate Independence obtained in1948. This is not the place where it was declared but a place where Sri Lankan architecture is used.
A place not to be missed if you are in Colombo. Good for a morning walk and some great photos.
Nearby you would find Sri Lanka Broadcasting corporation and also the National TV station.
This area is also near to many overseas missions like Australian High commission, Canadian High commission and also the British High commission.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melanie D
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Family
I love going to independance square with my dog. There are so many people who walk their dogs at the park, on leashes and clean up after their dogs. It's just was a lovely place to take your pet for a walk as there is no other place to go. I was so upset to see a huge board "NO PETS", "NO CYCLING" today. The other parks don't allow pets either. If people are walking their dogs properly, cleaning up after themselves and dont disturb anyone, there shouldn't be any issues. Another option would be to fine people who dont clean up after their dogs. Really dissapointed..
Written August 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saibal S
San Francisco, CA2,500 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Once you get out from the heat into the shelter of this monument, you experience a soothing breeze flowing thru it. The architecture is beautiful and it encourages you to spend a few minutes relaxing under its shade.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashok J
Thundersley, UK66 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Couples
Independence Square forms part of a large open space incorporating the Independence Hall. As has been mentioned by numerous reviewers the hall and surrounding area is a monument to Sri Lanka's freedom from the British. The hall is not a hall as such, as it has no walls, it comprises a number of ornate pillars supporting a large red roof.
The site is well worth a visit during the city tour, as it only requires 5-10 minutes to look around.
Written May 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yassirbom
Mumbai, India94 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Family
This is a quick photo-stop attraction that's clean and well maintained and levies no entry tickets. Worth spending 5-10 minutes here.
Written March 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SEs
London, UK25,223 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2018 • Business
This is a old building complex converted into a shopping and restaurant complex next to the Independence squre.A good place to hang around during day or evenings.
Written December 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,595 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018
The Independence Memorial Hall, built in the Independence Square, celebrates the country's independence from the British rule, in 1948. The design of the hall resembles the royal audience hall from the kingdom of Kandy. The statue in front of the Hall is of the first prime minister of the country, Stephen Senanayake. It's an interesting building and a large square, perhaps worth a very short visit.
Written December 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Independence Square (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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