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 missed, there are literally extra issues to do in Colombo than you’d think about and in case you are visiting Sri Lanka, you must contemplate 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 have to admit) by no means even heard about. Most individuals would let you know that you must skip Colombo throughout your journey to Sri Lanka: there’s a number of 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 plenty of development work occurring), I feel it is vitally fascinating 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 just a few helpful suggestions that can aid you plan your go to.
The Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is likely 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 numerous temples. Gangaramaya is just a should.
Situated on 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, that is Colombo’s most essential Buddhist temple. It’s truly a fairly large temple, with a number of buildings which embody a pagoda, a library, a small museum with a reasonably random exhibit, a show of donations and presents from devotees, and – apparently – even a relic of Buddha’s hair. There even is a stuffed elephant on show – a bit misplaced to be sincere, and also you type 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
Situated 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 at no cost, 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 vital fascinating locations to go to in Colombo. Many of the outdated 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 embody Previous Galle Buck Lighthouse, which was inbuilt 1954 and from the place you possibly can take pleasure in good views of the ocean and the harbor; the Clock Tower, which truly was once a lighthouse and was inbuilt 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 sit down 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
Probably the most native issues to do in Colombo goes for a stroll round Beira Lake. Near Gangaramaya Temple, this massive lake is of a shiny inexperienced coloration – I assume it’s as a result of it is vitally polluted. In the course 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 lease one of many pedal boats to go round a bit.
Climb up Lotus Tower
This is likely one of the most well-known landmarks in Colombo – the type of factor you possibly can see from a distance. I didn’t have the prospect to go up once I visited, however the views from there have to be spectacular.
Independence Memorial Corridor – one of the vital essential landmarks in Colombo
Hang around at Independence Memorial Corridor
That is most likely one in every 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 good 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 among the finest 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 outdoors the mosque. You’re prone to discover folks demanding cash to take images of the mosque, however they’re not at all 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 prone to be your favourite. It’s filled with coloration, and with the odor of scrumptious contemporary fruit – if in case you have an opportunity, undoubtedly attempt 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 discovered in Sri Lanka, truly. The most effective one is Alphonso, with Karutha Colomban an in depth second.
Go to Colombo Nationwide Museum
Among the many unmissable issues to do in Colombo, there’s visiting the Nationwide Museum. That is the biggest museum within the nation and dates again to 1876 when Sri Lanka was nonetheless beneath British rule. It has an fascinating 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 generally 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 likely 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 likely 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 extremely nice place to stroll round, and also you’ll have loads of wonderful photograph alternatives.
Now – don’t image a large seashore and clear turquoise waters. You possibly can see from my photograph that the seashore could 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 any case. However it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to spend an hour or so.
For the nicest coastal spots within the nation, test our information to the finest seashores in Sri Lanka.
Mirissa is one in every 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 may be making an attempt the native avenue meals. If you find yourself in Galle Face Inexperienced, you can be tempted to attempt 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 attempt 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 attempt native avenue meals
Sensible Data To Manage Your Journey To Colombo
Guided excursions of Colombo
If you wish to benefit from Colombo with out having to fret about getting round, it’s possible you’ll wish to do a guided metropolis tour. Right here is an effective possibility:
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 just a few wonderful inns in Colombo, and because it normally occurs in Sri Lanka, all of them have good on-site eating places.
This can be a number 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 type), a sports activities bar, and a cocktail bar.
- Marino Seaside Colombo has unimaginable rooms and even suites going through the ocean, a rooftop pool, eating places, a bar, and even a health heart.
- Star Anise Boutique Capsules is a wonderful price range–pleasant possibility and it’s situated within the coronary heart of the town.
The Lotus Tower may be noticed from many locations in Colombo
Methods to get to Colombo
In Sri Lanka, Colombo is the best-connected metropolis and you’ll simply attain it from just about wherever by way of the wonderful 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.
Methods to transfer round Colombo
Site visitors in Sri Lanka may 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 may be hectic, one option 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 singular expertise. You possibly can attain totally different components of the town comfortably and escape the chaos on the roads.
By tuk tuk
Tuk-tuks are all over the place in Sri Lanka; they’re an environment friendly option to go round Colombo and likelihood is that for those who stroll round they may spot you from a distance and ask for those who want a journey. All it’s important to do is hail a tuk-tuk, test if it has a meter, and – if it doesn’t – haggle the value. There even are some apps that permit you to e-book tuk-tuk rides!
Additionally learn: Sri Lanka on a price range
By taxi or Uber
The principle benefit of going round by taxi or Uber in Colombo is that you’re prone 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 ladies hanging out on the Independence Memorial Corridor
When to go to Colombo, Sri Lanka
All in all, it’s all the time a very good time to go to Colombo. Understand that Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons that hit totally different components of the nation at totally different occasions, and despite the fact that it’s possible you’ll do your finest to keep away from them, you should still get some rain when visiting.
Nonetheless, it’s mentioned that December to March is an effective time, with drier days. I went on the finish of October and located dry climate – nevertheless it was undoubtedly overcast and able to rain.
How lengthy to remain in Colombo
Regardless of being the biggest metropolis in Sri Lanka, Colombo may 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 suggest heading out to discover the remainder of the nation, which is definitely approach 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 in opposition to 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 for the reason that Easter bombings of April 2019, with common checks in inns and locations of curiosity. Generally, I discover Sri Lanka one of the vital welcoming nations I’ve visited, with beautiful, pleasant folks.
My recommendation is to make use of your common sense in terms of these warnings however remember that terrorist assaults can happen wherever, anytime, and that tourism is a much-needed income for the nation.
Additionally, in case you are a solo traveler – particularly a solo feminine traveler – you must take a look at this security information for solo feminine vacationers in Sri Lanka.
Different helpful data
Ensure 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 may get into the nation at no cost. You’ll nonetheless have to use for the visa as a result of you can be requested for affirmation at customs.
I additionally suggest getting good journey insurance coverage.
Dried fish in Negombo
In conclusion, Colombo, typically missed 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, be sure that 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 she or he needs to thank them for the unimaginable journey and all of the helpful insights.