Uncover the hidden gems and must-see points of interest in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, from visiting iconic temples like Gangaramaya and Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam to exploring the historic Fort space and indulging in native avenue meals.
Though typically ignored, there are literally extra issues to do in Colombo than you’d think about and if you’re visiting Sri Lanka, it is best to take into account spending a day or two exploring its largest metropolis.
Normally known as Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo truly is simply its judicial and govt heart – the capital is certainly Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, of which most foreigners (together with myself, I need to admit) by no means even heard about. Most individuals would inform you that it is best to skip Colombo throughout your journey to Sri Lanka: there’s numerous visitors and – supposedly – not a lot to see.
I dissent! I spent a day in Colombo throughout my final journey to Sri Lanka and I used to be truly positively shocked by all that it has to supply, and though I did discover it intense (visitors, air pollution and many development work occurring), I believe it is vitally attention-grabbing and that it deserves a go to.
On this put up, I spotlight a few of the issues to do in Colombo that you shouldn’t miss, and share a couple of helpful ideas that can aid you plan your go to.
The Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is without doubt one of the most iconic locations to go to in Colombo
13 Issues To Do In Colombo That You Shouldn’t Miss
Go to Gangaramaya
One of many unmissable issues to do in Colombo is visiting the various temples. Gangaramaya is just a should.
Positioned on 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, that is Colombo’s most vital Buddhist temple. It’s truly a pretty big temple, with a number of buildings which embrace a pagoda, a library, a small museum with a reasonably random exhibit, a show of donations and items from devotees, and – apparently – even a relic of Buddha’s hair. There even is a stuffed elephant on show – a bit misplaced to be trustworthy, and also you form of really feel unhappy for the poor animal being there on show!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: You may get in for simply 300 Rupees, which is about $3 USD. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Admire the colours of the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam
Positioned on 11/15, Captain’s Backyard Kovil Road, that is actually probably the most spectacular temple you will note in Colombo. It’s a Hindu temple, with very detailed and extremely colourful paintings, each inside and outdoors.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: You may get inside this temple totally free, however watch out for the opening hours, that are from 6:00 to 10:30 am and from 4:30 to six:00 or 7:00 pm.
Stroll across the Fort
The Fort space is total one of the attention-grabbing locations to go to in Colombo. Many of the previous buildings within the space belong to the Dutch and British colonial occasions – when this a part of city actually was a fort. Subsequent to them, you’ll discover some very fashionable buildings – so the general feeling you get is that of a really eclectic place.
Locations of curiosity contained in the Fort embrace Previous Galle Buck Lighthouse, which was in-built 1954 and from the place you possibly can get pleasure from good views of the ocean and the harbor; the Clock Tower, which truly was a lighthouse and was in-built 1857; Central Level, which dates again to 1914, is the largest constructing within the space and has been superbly renovated; and Lloyd’s Constructing, which dates again to 1908.
Get pleasure from some downtime on the Previous Dutch Hospital
Among the many nicest issues to do in Colombo, there’s visiting the Previous Dutch Hospital. Contained in the Fort space, additionally, you will discover the Previous Dutch Hospital.
It dates again to the early seventeenth century and it’s regarded as the oldest constructing within the space. It has been superbly restored and now’s a beautiful place to take a seat for a drink or to buy – for sure, it isn’t a hospital anymore!
Beira Lake is a well-known attraction in Colombo
Stroll round Beira Lake
One of the vital native issues to do in Colombo goes for a stroll round Beira Lake. Near Gangaramaya Temple, this huge lake is of a vivid inexperienced colour – I assume it’s as a result of it is vitally polluted. In the midst of the lake, there’s a small island with the Simamalaka Shrine. It’s a pleasant place to relax for a bit. You possibly can hire one of many pedal boats to go round a bit.
Climb up Lotus Tower
This is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in Colombo – the form of factor you possibly can see from a distance. I didn’t have the possibility to go up after I visited, however the views from there should be spectacular.
Independence Memorial Corridor – one of the vital landmarks in Colombo
Hang around at Independence Memorial Corridor
That is most likely certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Colombo. It’s a pleasant place, ethereal, spacious, the place locals hang around and from the place the views are lovely. It’s excellent for images due to the gorgeous mild and its structure.
The constructing commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from Nice Britain, which occurred on 4 February 1948. It’s surrounded by a pleasant backyard and there’s a statue of Sri Lanka’s first president, Stephen Senanayake, proper in entrance of it.
Go to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
That is by far the most effective locations to go to in Colombo. It’s a stunning constructing that dates again to 1909, and it seems like sweet.
TIP: Watch out for touts hanging exterior the mosque. You’re more likely to discover folks demanding cash to take images of the mosque, however they’re on no account employees members!
Store at Pettah Markets
One of many nicest issues to do in Colombo is exploring Pettah Markets. There truly are a number of – together with a floating one.
The fruit and vegetable markets are more likely to be your favourite. It’s full of colour, and with the odor of scrumptious contemporary fruit – if in case you have an opportunity, positively strive the pineapples (they style nothing like they do in Europe or the US!) and mangoes. There are a number of sorts of mangos – that is one factor I realized in Sri Lanka, truly. One of the best one is Alphonso, with Karutha Colomban a detailed second.
Go to Colombo Nationwide Museum
Among the many unmissable issues to do in Colombo, there’s visiting the Nationwide Museum. That is the most important museum within the nation and dates again to 1876 when Sri Lanka was nonetheless underneath British rule. It has an attention-grabbing exhibit of artwork and crafts that can aid you get a greater understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical past and tradition.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The museum is situated in Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha. The doorway charge is 350 Rupees (round $2 USD) and the museum is open from 9:00 am to six:00 pm.
Discover Viharamahadevi Park
Previously often known as Victoria Park, it’s situated close to the Nationwide Museum and it’s a pleasant place to go for a stroll. There’s a large golden Buddha Statue and a few good water fountains. Exploring this a part of city is without doubt one of the issues to do in Colombo.
Galle Face Inexperienced is a favourite locals’ hangout
Chill at Galle Face Inexperienced
Hanging out at this waterfront actually is without doubt one of the nicest issues to do in Colombo. That is the place the locals go for a stroll, swim within the ocean on the finish of a scorching day at work, and luxuriate in native snacks and avenue meals. It’s a very nice place to stroll round, and also you’ll have loads of wonderful picture alternatives.
Now – don’t image a large seaside and clear turquoise waters. You possibly can see from my picture that the seaside may be very slender: it’s important to go down the steps to get there. And the water is something however clear. It’s the ocean in spite of everything. However it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to spend an hour or so.
For the nicest coastal spots within the nation, verify our information to the finest seashores in Sri Lanka.
Mirissa is certainly one of them. Identified for browsing and whale watching, you possibly can simply get there from the airport with a personal switch.
Get pleasure from native avenue meals
Among the many tastiest issues to do in Colombo, there’s making an attempt the native avenue meals. When you find yourself in Galle Face Inexperienced, you can be tempted to strive a few of the native specialties. I say, go for it! You’ll see many small stalls, some promoting popcorn, potato or manioc chips, and different worldwide goodies. Go for the extra native ones and ensure to strive parippu wade – it’s a type of deep-fried lentils topped with fried shrimp. It’s not precisely mild, however it’s oh-so-tasty.
Galle Face Inexperienced is a pleasant place to strive native avenue meals
Sensible Info To Manage Your Journey To Colombo
Guided excursions of Colombo
If you wish to take advantage of Colombo with out having to fret about getting round, you might wish to do a guided metropolis tour. Right here is an efficient choice:
And if in case you have extra time to spend there, take a look at this present day journey:
The place to remain in Colombo
There are a couple of wonderful motels in Colombo, and because it normally occurs in Sri Lanka, all of them have good on-site eating places.
It is a choice of good lodging choices in Colombo:
- Cinnamon Lakeside has good, spacious rooms, a wonderful pool, and exquisite views of the lake and the Lotus Tower. There are a few on-site eating places (one serving Thai meals; one buffet fashion), a sports activities bar, and a cocktail bar.
- Marino Seaside Colombo has unimaginable rooms and even suites dealing with the ocean, a rooftop pool, eating places, a bar, and even a health heart.
- Star Anise Boutique Capsules is a wonderful finances–pleasant choice and it’s situated within the coronary heart of the town.
The Lotus Tower might be noticed from many locations in Colombo
Find out how to get to Colombo
In Sri Lanka, Colombo is the best-connected metropolis and you’ll simply attain it from just about wherever through the superb public transportation system.
Colombo is a couple of 30 to 45-minute drive from the airport (which is definitely nearer to Negombo), relying on visitors. One of the simplest ways to get there’s a non-public switch.
Find out how to transfer round Colombo
Visitors in Sri Lanka might be hectic, and it’s truly insane in Colombo. You have got a number of choices to maneuver round city.
By bus
The excellent news is that public transportation works properly in Sri Lanka, even inside the metropolis. Buses are very budget-friendly, and also you’ll have loads of buses to maneuver round. The unhealthy information is that buses are normally very crowded, and in horrible visitors, they transfer actually slowly.
By practice
Whereas visitors in Colombo might be hectic, one method to keep away from it and luxuriate in a scenic journey is by taking the practice. The practice community in Sri Lanka is well-connected and provides a novel expertise. You possibly can attain completely different components of the town comfortably and escape the chaos on the roads.
By tuk tuk
Tuk-tuks are in all places in Sri Lanka; they’re an environment friendly method to go round Colombo and likelihood is that for those who stroll round they’ll spot you from a distance and ask for those who want a trip. All it’s important to do is hail a tuk-tuk, verify if it has a meter, and – if it doesn’t – haggle the value. There even are some apps that let you ebook tuk-tuk rides!
Additionally learn: Sri Lanka on a finances
By taxi or Uber
The principle benefit of going round by taxi or Uber in Colombo is that you’re more likely to discover an air-conditioned automobile – which turns out to be useful in a metropolis that suffers from horrible warmth. Taxis and Ubers are usually cheap. You utilize Uber as you’d do wherever else; you possibly can hail taxis on the street.
Native girls hanging out on the Independence Memorial Corridor
When to go to Colombo, Sri Lanka
All in all, it’s at all times a very good time to go to Colombo. Remember the fact that Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons that hit completely different components of the nation at completely different occasions, and although you might do your finest to keep away from them, you should still get some rain when visiting.
Nonetheless, it’s stated that December to March is an efficient time, with drier days. I went on the finish of October and located dry climate – nevertheless it was positively overcast and able to rain.
How lengthy to remain in Colombo
Regardless of being the most important metropolis in Sri Lanka, Colombo might be visited in only a day. There are most likely sufficient issues to maintain you busy for those who want to keep longer, however I actually advocate heading out to discover the remainder of the nation, which is definitely means prettier.
See my suggestions under for additional readings on locations to go to in Sri Lanka.
Security in Colombo
Regardless of many media channels and governments warnings towards journey to Sri Lanka, each occasions I visited I discovered the nation to be extremely welcoming and protected.
Security measures in Sri Lanka have been closely elevated because the Easter bombings of April 2019, with common checks in motels and locations of curiosity. On the whole, I discover Sri Lanka one of the welcoming nations I’ve visited, with pretty, pleasant folks.
My recommendation is to make use of your common sense on the subject of these warnings however understand that terrorist assaults can happen wherever, anytime, and that tourism is a much-needed income for the nation.
Additionally, if you’re a solo traveler – particularly a solo feminine traveler – it is best to take a look at this security information for solo feminine vacationers in Sri Lanka.
Different helpful info
Be sure to take a look at whether or not you want a visa to get into Sri Lanka. Nationals of many nations – together with the USA, Canada, and all EU nations – can now profit from a visa waiver and might get into the nation totally free. You’ll nonetheless have to use for the visa as a result of you can be requested for affirmation at customs.
I additionally advocate getting good journey insurance coverage.
Dried fish in Negombo
In conclusion, Colombo, typically ignored by vacationers, provides a wealth of fascinating experiences and points of interest that shouldn’t be missed throughout your go to to Sri Lanka. From exploring the gorgeous temples like Gangaramaya and Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam to immersing your self within the colonial historical past of the Fort space, and savoring the flavors of native avenue meals, this vibrant metropolis has one thing for everybody.
So, ensure so as to add Colombo to your itinerary and uncover the charming wonders it has to supply.
Additional readings
Authorized Disclaimer: The author was a visitor of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau throughout her journey to Sri Lanka, and he or she needs to thank them for the unimaginable journey and all of the helpful insights.
