Free Jogging Tracks in Colombo: Independence Square vs. Bellanwila

This post is also available in:

You have chosen to begin running. You have already purchased the shoes, have set the alarm at 5 AM, and have opened Google Maps. Then you look at two choices that continually appear before you, Independence Square or Bellanwila? Both are free. Both are popular. Yet they are quite different places and choosing the wrong one to adopt your way of life can, without a murmur, suck out before the second week the stuff of your motivation.

The following is a straightforward comparison.

Independence Square: Track of The City Jogger

• Location: Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens 
• Track Distance: Approx 800m-1.2km each loop (short); long 2km via the Racecourse is also available.
•  Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: Open all day, but well-lit till late in the evening.

The most popular workout place in Colombo is Independence Square, and it is not without reason. It is in the centre of the city and so you can reach it regardless of whether you are coming from Dehiwala, Rajagiriya or Wellawatta. The park is well-maintained, trimmed around and the lamps are solar powered, illuminating the path at night, hence nighttime after-work runs are also a possibility.

Track & Facilities The jogging track is a circuit that winds around the Independence Arcade, which is among the most identifiable features of Colombo and therefore the landscape is really pleasant when it comes to the urban track. The route has public toilets, benches to stretch or have a break and sufficient space on the pathway to accommodate a number of runners simultaneously. The park has an outdoor gym provided by the Defence Ministry, which is free, and it is a true bonus when you are feeling like incorporating some weight training into your workout. There is a food fair, which operates on weekends in the evenings and mornings, and serves achcharu and snacks, should you want something after your run.

Parking. This is where Independence Square is losing points. The majority of joggers leave their vehicles along Independence Avenue or Park at the Racecourse. Parking is not assured and during most nights when there is a lot of traffic, you might end up making some circles. This is, in fact, quite well connected; it is one of the better-connected places in the city, particularly by the tuk-tuk or town bus, Colombo 3, 5, and/or 6.

Safety at Night The area is quite illuminated and guards are on the premises. Female joggers running here routinely have said that evenings are typically secure, although running on the portion nearest to the main road places you at one time or another in the path of passers-by. Anyone new to the area should stick to the inner loops and see them with a friend.

High Crowd Level, particularly during weekday evenings, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM. Weekend mornings are packed. To get a less busy run, you should come before 6.30 AM on weekdays.

Bellanwila (Weras Ganga Park): The Secret of the Runner of a Neighbourhood

• Location: Bellanwila, Boralesgamuwa (around Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya)
• Track Distance: The distance of the track is approximately 2.8-3km 
• Loop around Weras Lake Cost: The track is absolutely free, though there is a small parking fee.
• Opening Hours: 6 AM -11 PM on all days.

The jogging track at Bellanwila is the best secret of Colombo, according to serious fitness walkers and runners. The loop consists of the beautiful Weras Lake, surrounding Bellanwila Temple and the loop almost covers a total of 3km, which is almost equal to a proper 5km run without ever touching a street or traffic jam.

Track & Facilities The track is well maintained and there are walkers, joggers, and cyclists allocated their own lanes, which is a very considerate design, not provided to most tracks around Colombo. The lake view all over the path is truly relaxing; there is a bird population on the water and the cool breeze, which renders warm evenings tolerable. It has a food court, washrooms, benches in the shade and bike rentals (approximately 150 Hours) in case one wants to change up the exercise routines. There is also a small outdoor exercise space that is located outside the entrance.

Parking: Three-car parking entry points. It is an actual advantage compared to Independence Square. Speaking of which, arrive early on the weekend days, the lots get full fast on a Saturday or Sunday by 7 AM.

Safety at night, Bellanwila closes at 11 PM and is lit up during the night. The closeness to the temple, regular attendance of families and couples at any time of the night, makes it safe and community-driven at night. It is a good evening running place, which is particularly recommended by many regulars to women.

It is busy during weekends and during public holidays, but the 3km loop is big enough that it is hardly ever claustrophobic. Mornings on weekdays between 6 and 8 AM are busy, yet not excessive.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Select?

Choose Independence Square in case you live in Colombo 3-7, use the public transport, like to be in the area where social life is active, and want more convenient loops to use. The free gym is also an actual added value.

Pick Bellanwila in case you want a longer and more relaxed run, have a home in Boralesgamuwa, Nugegoda, Maharagama, or Piliyandala and to appreciate a decent running track with lake views as well as space to breathe. The loop at Bellanwila is much more appropriate for any person wishing to run regularly for 5km.

The good news? Both are free. You have no reason not to try both within the same week and make an individual decision. The vast majority of Colombo runners who do not drop the habit eventually discover a favourite, but it takes several visits before you know which one feels like it belongs to you.