sri lanka
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO
Looking forward to pampering yourself in the latest luxuries? Like to treat yourself with a once in a lifetime shopping spree? Then Colombo is a city you can’t afford to miss during your Sri Lanka tour.
Being the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is one of the busiest cities in Sri Lanka. With a history that runs back to the colonial era, Colombo has been serving as a port city, hence the cultural and religious diversity. The metropolitan city offers you the best sounds and sights of the fusion of Sri Lankan culture and the western culture while offering you a diversity of cultures and unique experiences you can’t find elsewhere.
1. Spend an evening in Galle Face Green
The beautiful beachfront of Colombo, Galle Face Green is best to spend an evening in. Located south to the fort area, the narrow green lawn with the narrow beach stretch has been used to have a clear shot for the canons during the Dutch colonial period. Today, it’s an ideal place to spend an evening with your loved ones enjoying an unforgettable sunset. Whether you want to spend a romantic evening with your significant other exploring the city or have a great time with your kids, Galle face green won’t disappoint you.
With many street food stalls from crispy prawn wades, spicy kottu, pickled mangoes and pineapple and more, you will find a range of unique snacks to enjoy as you take in the beauty of the sunset. The place is popular among locals as well as tourists thus will offer you a good sneak peek into the local life of the city.
2. Experience the famous Gangaramaya temple
The temple is one of the unique Buddhist temples in Colombo that will offer you an oasis of peace to immerse yourself in. With hundreds of Buddha statues and Buddhist artefacts, the temple is ideal to spend some quiet time amidst the city. You will see over hundreds of Buddha statues of many sizes, colours and of many styles that have received from around the world at the temple. The stuffed elephants and gigantic tusks you will see in the place will take your breath away.
Known for its unique ambience that you can’t find in other Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, Gangaramaya temple is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit the temple is in the month of February during the annual festival season where you can witness the colour and extravagant parade of traditional dancers, drummers, musicians, whip crackers along with many elephants.
3. Enjoy some nature at the Beira Lake
If you are to find some nature to unwind yourself in, Beira lake is the place for you. Located near Gangaramaya temple, Beira lake is one of the best places in to relax enjoying nature. The emerald green waters of the lake with glistening ripples is quite the sight to view during day time. The small island in the middle of the lake adds to the beauty of the lake and has the Seemamalakaya of Gangaramaya temple.
The lake was used to transport goods during the colonial era, and still has the Portuguese name ‘Beira’ which translates to English as the ‘Border’. During your visit to this beautiful lake area, make sure to get on a swan boat and paddle around, exploring the waters of the lake. You will also spot many small animal and bird species including Pelicans, water monitors, cranes, crows and many more.
The manmade lake offers you a beautiful scenery with sights of small wildlife amidst the busy city.
4. Uncover the history at the Colombo Museum
For those who like to dig deep into the history of the island, Colombo museum is a place you can’t afford to miss. Located in Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, the national museum should be on the top of your things-to-do list in Colombo if you are interested in the history of Sri Lanka. Built-in 1876 by the British governor, Sir William Henry Gregory, the museum will uncover the essence of the Sri Lankan history within a 2-3 hour tour. From the prehistoric age to early eras of kings and queens to the colonial era, the place showcases many priceless artefacts with amazing stories.
The grand thrown, crowns, swards and pieces of jewellery of kings and queens will tell you of the cultural grandeur of the kingly era of Sri Lanka. The carvings, paintings, masks and many other creations of Sri Lankan artists, woodworkers, stone workers will give you an idea of the artistic minds they had and their skills in their trade.
5. Pay a visit to the Independence Square
Independence square is one of the main highlights of Colombo that has a great historical value. Offering you an ideal environment to disconnect from the hustle-bustle of Colombo, the building is a monument built in remembrance of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British colony.
Designed inspired by the architectural elements of Magul Maduwa in Kandy the building has stone pillars with heavy carving showcasing traditional designs. Magula Maduwa is the place where the Kandyan officials and the British signed theKandyan Convention ending the Kingdom of Kandy and offering Kandy to the British colony. The statue of the first president of Sri Lanka, Mr D.S. Senanayake is one of the main highlights of the place.
6. Discover the Sri Lankan Hindu culture
If you are in love with exploring different cultures, a visit to the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is a must during your stay in Colombo. The Hindu kovil dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesh is one of the top religious places in Colombo that showcases the Sinhala Tamil culture at its best. Rich in south Indian architectural elements, colourful walls, statues and structures, the place present you the unique traditions of Sri Lankan Hindu culture.
The peaceful ambience of the place will give you a soothing haven to relax and unwind without having to listen to the loud horns and road traffics of Colombo. The flower shops near the place selling handmade flower garlands is another must-witness experience in the area.
7. Explore the city
Explore the city of Colombo inside out with a Colombo city tour. Enjoy the best attractions and experiences the city has to offer and get a deep understanding of the culture and the lifestyle of the city.
You can find a range of Colombo city tours that will take you on a touring experience around the city for a few hours to a full day. Tuk tuk city tours where you can explore the city with a jolly tuk-tuk ride. Throughout your exploration, your guide will share all the interesting stories and details of each place. You can even opt for special niche tours such as food tours and historical tours.
8. Try street food
From Koththu rotti, chilli sprinkled tropical fruits, prawn wades to Faluda drinks Colombo has many street food delicacies that you can’t get enough of.
If you like a legit street food adventure in Colombo you can easily book with a street food tour in Colombo where you can try the best street food from the best spots in Colombo. However, if you like to do your street food adventure on your own, best places for you to explore are Galle Face Green, Good market, Pettah market and Dehiwala and Mt. Lavinia beach.
9. Go shopping
In Colombo, you will find all sorts of shopping areas from large shopping malls with luxury brands to small boutiques shops with sustainable fashion. From handcrafts, homemade products, traditional decors, souvenirs you can find anything and everything in Colombo for a reasonable price. Some of the places every shopaholic should cover are Colombo City centre, Marina Mall, Arcade independence square and Crescat boulevard mall. Colombo has many shopping malls where you can purchase from international brands for an affordable price. So Make sure to enjoy a shopping trip before you leave Colombo.
10. Sample nightlife
With many laidback bars and pubs and raving clubs, Colombo has a very lit nightlife. It’s one of the top cities in Sri Lanka where you can enjoy an amazing nightlife to the fullest. Go to a bar and have a drink after a long day exploring the city and connect with like-minded people and have a great time. Some of the buzzing places for nightlife are ON14, Sky Lounge, Curve and Margarita Blue.
Traveling to Colombo
Located an hour away from Katunayake Bandaranayke airport, the city must make it to every traveller’s bucket list during their holiday in Sri Lanka.
The best way to reach Colombo is by a car or a van which you can easily hire from a car rental service in Sri Lanka. Also you can grab a bus or a train easily from Katunayake to Colombo which is cheaper than renting a vehicle.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations in Colombo and below are our recommendations.
See all Hotels to stay near Colombo
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