Independence Square
Independence Square
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Independence Square
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,057 within 5 kms
Attractions
168 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,624 contributionsHistorical Attractions Here!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.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 7 March 2024
- AppetitesindiaMumbai, India573 contributionsIndependence Square ColomboIndependence 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 hustleVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 July 2024
- Scenic Lanka Personal Tour DriversColombo, Sri Lanka232 contributionsA Guide’s Perspective: Discovering the Historical Majesty of Independence SquareIndependence 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 2023Travelled on businessWritten 9 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
832 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
378
Average
130
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Appetitesindia
Mumbai, India573 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
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
Written 27 July 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.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,624 contributions
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.
Accross from the above structures is a wide open field where locals are practising their games.
Written 7 March 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.
Prasanna M
Rowville, Australia237 contributions
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.
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 26 January 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
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 6 August 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, CA2,459 contributions
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 2 January 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, UK67 contributions
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.
The site is well worth a visit during the city tour, as it only requires 5-10 minutes to look around.
Written 1 May 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
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 30 March 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, UK25,780 contributions
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 31 December 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, CA1,597 contributions
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 14 December 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.
GethminiG
Colombo, Sri Lanka136 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
A nice place for evening walks and to relax a bit. And foreigners can have a look at the famous Independence Square. Few minutes walk to shopping centres.
Written 28 April 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.
Is there any entrance fee for the hall??
Written 14 December 2018
Am visiting Colombo in August..How will be the weather by that time??
Written 18 April 2018
August Will be Nice weather . Intermittent Rains and very Pleasant weather
Written 29 May 2018
There is no known market as such held at the independence square but close to it at the old race course grounds there is the 'good market' held every Saturday from about 09-17hrs.
Written 25 February 2017
gdevi0112
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Yes, I have already seen the beautiful monument and the square. Could you pls, find the name of the white blds. with a clock over it.
Written 3 October 2015
You are talking about Colombo Municipal Council building known as (CMC).This is still still functioning office.
Written 4 October 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing