Top 15 Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

There are always a ton of things to do in Colombo because it is the country’s largest metropolis as well as the commercial and financial center. Along with fascinating museums and imposing historical tourist destinations, one may find fantastic restaurants and boutiques. Pockets of greenery can still be seen among its tall buildings and contemporary malls, despite the fact that its rapid growth and development have rendered it less of “the garden city of the East” than it once was.

1.Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil

Despite having a large Buddhist population, Colombo also has significant communities of Muslims, Christians, and Hindus. Around Colombo, there are numerous Hindu temples with vivid colors.

You suddenly find yourself at the Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil Hindu temple after walking down a quiet, unassuming alley. The building, which is reputed to be Colombo’s oldest Hindu temple, is tastefully adorned, decorative, and colorful.

2.Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

The most well-known and recognizable Buddhist temple in Colombo is Gangaramaya. It has developed a reputation as one of the more well-liked things to do in Colombo among tourists.

The temple serves as a place of prayer, a Buddhist study center, and a museum with a sizable collection of artifacts from Buddhist traditions all around the world.

3.New and Old Kathiresan Kovil

The new and old Kathiresan Kovil Hindu Temples are a fascinating pair of temples to visit in the city; they are close to Galle Face and the Colombo Fort.

The annual chariot festival that takes place at this temple is among its most well-known features.

4.Independence Memorial Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo was constructed to commemorate Sri Lanka’s 1948 victory against British control.

A statue of Sri Lanka’s first president, who is regarded as one of the country’s founding fathers, stands next to the monument, which I thought resembled the Parthenon slightly.

5.Wolvendaal Church

One of the few, exquisitely kept Dutch buildings in Colombo is the Wolvendaal Church. A visit to the church allows visitors to see the stunning pews inside in addition to the cathedral’s exterior.

6.Colombo Fort

The financial and business center of Colombo is located in the historic Colombo Fort region of the city. The fort was initially developed by the Portuguese, but the Dutch later acquired control of it.

Check out the historic General Hospital and Post Office, the old Lighthouse, and a few of the nearby cathedrals in addition to the newer structures.

7.Cinnamon Gardens

The Cinnamon Gardens district in Colombo, which was formerly the site of a cinnamon plantation, is now a more upscale part of the city and home to the Prime Minister’s office, the Independence Monument, other upscale residences, and restaurants.

8.Street food at Galle Face

You must go to Galle Face in the evening if you’re looking for street food in Colombo.

One of the biggest draws to Galle Face, along with a variety of leisurely pursuits and people-watching, is the fantastic food options.

Sri Lankan cuisine is flavorful and satisfying. Kottu, fried rice, a plethora of ad hoc curries, and a variety of deep-fried snacks are also available.

Try any of the illogical booths, or go to Nana Fast Cuisine, a well-known tented restaurant, if you want to sit down and eat Sri Lankan street food.

9.Rickshaw Tour of Colombo

If you want an adventurous way to see Colombo, forget about signing up for a formal tour with a company; instead, hire a private Sri Lankan rickshaw and set out.

On my final day in Colombo, I chose to spend more money and take a cruise from attraction to attraction in order to experience Colombo’s attractions one last time.

10.National Museum

The National Museum is housed in a stunning structure that was constructed in 1876 and was initiated by the British governor of Sri Lanka at the time. It is Sri Lanka’s biggest museum. A pleasant and serene green park surrounds this remarkable structure.

There are statues and displays inside the museum that tell the history of Sri Lanka in the past. The King’s golden throne and crown are among the artefacts on display in the museum that belonged to the erstwhile Sri Lankan royal family.

11.Beira Lake

Beira Lake is a sizable lake located in the center of Colombo, next to the Gangaramaya Temple. Due to pollution, the lake’s water is an insane shade of green. A small island in the middle of the lake is home to the Simamalaka Shrine, which was erected with funding provided by a Muslim patron. Through small canals, the lake is joined to neighboring lakes and empties into the Indian Ocean.

The lake, which still goes by the Portuguese name of “Beira,” or “border,” was utilized to convey products throughout the city during the colonial era.

 

12.Old Dutch Hospital

The Old Dutch Hospital is the ideal location for lunch or dinner after all of this sightseeing and exploring Colombo’s packed, busy streets.

The Old Dutch Hospital, which was constructed during the Dutch colonial era, is one of the area’s oldest structures (early 1600).

It has been tastefully renovated and now has several great cafes, restaurants, and stores. I adore Odel and Barefoot because they carry so many lovely, high-quality items of local clothing and memento.

13. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar, one of the city’s oldest mosques, was built in 1909 and has stunning architecture that incorporates many various architectural styles. Visitors are drawn to the mosque because of its extraordinary color scheme, which is as astonishing as its beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic, Gothic, and Neoclassical components.

Because of its candy cane-like appearance, the red and white striped skyscraper stands out sharply from its surroundings. This stunning mosque, which lies nearby the busy port of Colombo, should not be missed. You can frequently visit its magnificent interior outside of prayer times.

14.Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo’s biggest and oldest park, is an excellent destination if you want to spend some time in nature and get away from the city’s crowded streets. The park, which was originally called after Queen Victoria when it was constructed by the British during colonial times, was given a new name after Sri Lanka gained independence.

Its green pathways and groomed lawns, which make it a very lovely site to wander around, are now home to fountains, a lake, a children’s playground, a zoo, and a beautiful statue of the Buddha.

15.Pettah Market

Pettah, the biggest and most chaotic market in Colombo, sells everything from wholesale goods to fresh food. The entire crowded area is a haven for observers and a terrific place to get a quick glimpse of Colombo’s lively side.