Photo TR: Leisure World Sri Lanka

[Wuzefelix]

Hi,

 

I've had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka in April 2015 and decided to check out their only theme park: Leisure World.

 

Those who expect to see big roller coasters, world class theming or high tech rides will certainly disappointed by this TR.

 

However I invite everyone who likes to see small parks that aren't well covered on enthusiast websites to join me on my trip through Leisure World.

 

Leisure World is located near the city of Colombo. When you see this sign in the middle of the jungle, you found it!

 

It can be reached from Colombo or Negombo within about 1 hour by very affordable taxi. So everyone visiting Sri Lanka can easily build it in their itinerary.

 

Welcome to Sri Lanka's first and so far only amusement park!

 

This is where they check your ticket. Just the admission is less than $1 USD. You then have to pay about $1-2 USD per ride. There are also several packages including different rides and or the water park. The supreme package which includes admission to the water park, amusement park and unlimited rides all day costs under $20 USD.

 

First impression of the park. Where is everyone?

 

Some rides at the other side of a small lake.

 

Renting boats to cruise around the lake is always a fun leisure activity in all countries. Sri Lanka is no exception.

 

You cross this bridge to go to the water park.

 

I didn't use Photoshop for these pictures .

 

So Leisure World is a place where Sri Lankans spend their leisure time. That includes just laying in the shade enjoying their day. I can't blame them at all .

 

Nice day out on the water!

 

This is the entrance to the water park. I didn't go in so I don't have many photos.

 

The locals were ready for some water park fun.

 

There seems to be a decent selection of slides.

 

I decided to check out more of the amusement park instead.

 

Most people were just relaxing in the shade so I joined them for a bit.

 

Glad the coconut didn't fall down .

 

OK let's look at some of the rides!

 

Weird looking top spin ride .

 

Probably their biggest ride is the flume.

 

Hi flume riders!!

 

All cultures enjoy flume rides .

 

Looks like someone got wet .

 

Note this guy operating the ride photo system!

 

Here comes the boat...

 

...SPLASH!!

 

He then hands them the number of the picture to find it later in case they want to buy it.

 

Lots of happy faces .

 

Like myself, many people just enjoyed the flume ride by watching others ride it.

 

They also have one of these Chinese-made pendulum rides. Unfortunately it's not a credit .

 

Actually most of the rides in Leisure World seemed to be made in China.

 

In the west these rides seem to be only used by kids but in Sri Lanka everyone enjoys them.

 

The rides aren't that special to enthusiasts but the green scenery is nice.

 

Yes, this is still in the amusement park.

 

If you fancy some refreshing citrus fruit, just pick it from the tree .

 

The selection of flat rides is actually not that bad.

 

Love the butterfly paint job of the ride op house.

 

This is the moment I was waiting for all day: The whacky worm!!!

 

Sri Lanka's only roller coaster.

 

Like all rides in this park, this one is not just used by kids but by adults, too.

 

There it goes.

 

Again, for some it is just as much fun to watch others ride.

 

There were many spectators in front of all the "big" rides like this.

 

But this time I had to ride it, too, because I needed the credit .

 

They also have bumper cars.

 

A small drop tower that was SBNO.

 

The day was so beautiful that I didn't want to go inside but I still wonder which film they are showing.

 

Just enjoying the beautiful palm trees.

 

You know these Chinese bumper boats?

 

They have them as extra seating near their restaurant .

 

There's also regular seating though.

 

I didn't want to go inside because of the A/C.

 

I just got something at the counter outside.

 

For around $2 USD in a theme park this was really good!

 

After lunch it's time to just hang out and rest.

 

Usually it's the simple things that are the most fun!

 

Who doesn't enjoy swings?

 

It's understandable that the locals come to the park to spend a lazy afternoon or have a picnic. This is "Leisure World", too. You don't always have to do the rides to spend a few enjoyable hours.

 

Family day out.

 

And that's all from Sri Lanka's first theme park.

 

 

Of course Leisure World is not a big park but it could be a nice addition to a Sri Lanka vacation for any enthusiast. You will most likely be flying in and out of Colombo anyway so just spend a night in the Colombo / Negombo area at the beginning or end of your trip and visit this small but very charming park . I didn't spend the entire day there but on my way to and from the park I stopped at a few very nice Buddhist temples and even climbed a sacred Buddhist mountain off the beaten track.

 

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful place with a rich culture, extremely friendly and accomodating people, great food and so much to do and see: You can go on safari in their national parks, visit the rainforest, see some amazing Buddhist sites, go river rafting or just chill on some of the most stunning beaches. I have already visited many countries in Asia but Sri Lanka really stands out. I can highly recommend it!

 

Best Regards,

Felix

[firewalk13]

Great trip report, thanks! I really like all the shaded areas and the native plants/trees. Time for some big parks to make some native plant shade gardens .

[Philrad71]

Thank you for sharing...very cool to see parks from places most tourists don't flock to.

 

Just goes to show that no matter where you are, theme and water parks bring family and friends together. So nice to see all of those smiling faces on everyone!

[DoinItForTheFame]

Thanks for the trip report! It is awesome to see other cultures enjoy themselves at theme parks!! Sometimes we get so focused on what is going on in the US that we forget there are other countries, other parks, other cultures, and other people out there who enjoy the same things we do!

[XII]

Awesome Photo TR. I always enjoy seeing the reports of obscure parks that rarely get talked about.