Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful port city and is known for its rich cultural heritage. It is situated on the country’s Western Coast and is a melting pot of vivid cultures, religions, and races The city is known for its contrasting elements as it has lush gardens, charming mansions, shopping malls featuring some of the beat designer labels, fine dining options alongside street markets and urban drums.
Although Colombo is a small city, it provides a wide range of experiences starting from exciting tuk-tuk rides, gorging on delicious kottus, a visit to the Pettah Market enjoying high tea and snacks in any one of the colonial styled pretty hotels situated near the great Indian Ocean or playing golf. There are innumerable boutiques packed with reputed designer brands as well as local fabrics and art. So, it is an apt place for indulging in your last moment shopping. Here are our recommendations on some of the best things to do when you visit Colombo.
Mihi, a tour guide for Colombo, has lots to say about the city, and you can tune in to our video for his personal insights!
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1. National Museum
Colombo’s National Museum, which is also referred to as Sri Lanka National Museum, is regarded as the country’s biggest museum. The central government’s Department of National Museums maintains this museum. It is known for exhibiting Sri Lanka’s royal history including the crown and the throne of the Kandyan monarchs and innumerable other exhibits that narrate the tale of ancient Sri Lanka.
National Museum
Address: Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Website: National Museum
2. Galle Face Green
This is a huge urban park situated near the ocean and stretches along the Indian Ocean’s coast. The Galle Face is located in a strategic location of the business and financial capital city of Colombo. It was in 1859 that Sir Henry George Ward, who was the then Governor of the country laid down the promenade. The original site occupied a bigger area as compared to the park you see today. The venue was previously used as a golf course and also for horse racing. The Galle Face was also used for playing other sports such as rugby, tennis, football, polo, and cricket.
Galle Face Green
Address: Galle Face Centre Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
3. Dine at Ministry of Crab
Ministry of Crab is one of the most high-profile restaurants in Colombo. This fine restaurant is jointly owned by two ex-captains of the cricket team of Sri Lanka. Additionally, it is also known for Dharshan Munidasa, a famous chef. You can enjoy variations of crab delicacies ranging from chili crab Singapore-style to spicy crab curry that are inspired by local crab dishes. If you are in love with crab meat, then this is the right place for you.
Ministry of Crab
Address: Old Dutch Hospital, Fort, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Website: Ministry of Crab
4. Viharamahadevi Park
This is the biggest park in Colombo, which was originally known as Victoria Park. It got its present name in the 1950s when it was renamed after King Dutugemunu’s mother. Viharamahadevi Park is famous for its beautifully flowing trees that bloom in the months of March to early May every year. Elephants that are used in auspicious ceremonies spend their nights in this park sometimes as they chomp on branches of palm trees. The park has got a major facelift some time ago and presently features benches that are often occupied by couples along with playgrounds, landscaping, and walkways. Do not be too surprised when you see a snake charmer here once in a while.
Viharamahadevi Park
Address: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo Tour Guide
Lahiru Mihiran
Welcome to my tour page, where I extend a heartfelt "Ayubowan" to you, wishing you a long and prosperous life. I am Mihi, a native Sri Lankan from the southern region, passionate about showcasing the beauty of our island nation to travelers worldwide. With over a decade of experience in tourism, I have crafted exceptional tour experiences for international visitors, exceeding expectations ev... Read more
Tours by Lahiru
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5. Good Market
SATURDAY GOOD MARKET Thanks to everyone that made it out to the Saturday Good Market at Colombo Racecourse on July 8th,...
Posted by Good Market on Friday, 14 July 2017
Colombo’s Good Market is an artisan and an organic food market and is held at the city’s northeastern parking lot of the racecourse. The market features many reputable vendors offering snacks, smoothies, organic vegetables and fruits, prepared foods, an endless variety of bread and several other delicious edible items. The market is also famous for its live entertainment and exquisite handicrafts on offer.
Good Market
Address: 4 Philip Gunawardena Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Website: Good Market
6. Vesak Poya
The celebration of Lord Buddha’s various life events occupies a pivotal place in the Sri Lankan society. The celebrations that take place around South Beira Lake and Gangaramaya Temple are simply mind blowing. The lighting displays that are put up during the festivities offer a sight worth experiencing. You can also find foods and other treats that are distributed to the visitors in Dansala stands that are practically at every point.
Vesak Poya
Address: All around Colombo, Sri Lanka
Website: Vesak Poya
7. Bu Ba
This seafood pub in Colombo is a hidden treat for locals and visitors alike with its candlelit tables on the beach. Even when the heat is too much to bear, simply retreat under the palm trees. And if you want to visit the pub in the evening, enjoy the beauty of the open sky over your head as you relish the delectable tidbits here. The pub is located south from Lavinia railway station. Bu Ba also hosts dance parties over the weekends. It is an excellent destination for romantic adventurers.
Bu Ba
Address: 42/11 Vihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Website: Bu Ba
8. Bentota and Induruwa beaches
The stretch of gorgeous golden sand, which constitutes the Bentota Beach, is an ideal playground for sun, fun and a glorious holidays. You will find several luxury resorts as well as smaller boutique properties that cater to the needs of travelers like you. Both Bentota and Induruwa beach are gorgeous beaches that should be on your to-do list while you are in the city.
Bentota Beach
Address: Colombo, Sri Lanka
9. Gangarama Vihara
This is one of Colombo’s most important temples and features a unique fusion of cultural essence and contemporary architecture. The architecture of Gangaramaya Temple exhibits a delightful blend of Sri Lankan, Chinese, Indian and Thai architecture. This beautiful Buddhist temple features several grand buildings and is located close to Beira Lake.
Gangarama Vihara
Address: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
Website: Gangarama Viharahttp://gangaramaya.com/
10. Dehiwala Zoological Garden
It is one of Asia’s oldest zoos and is known for its exquisite collection of indigenous and exotic fauna. Dehiwala Zoological Garden is popularly referred to as Colombo Zoo by many from all over the globe. At present, the zoo has 65 species of various birds, 82 varieties of mammals, 30 varieties of butterflies, 3 specifies of amphibians and 89 varieties of fish.
Dehiwala Zoological Garden
Address: 120 Quarry Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Website: Dehiwala Zoological Garden
11. Colombo Fort
Colombo Fort is situated between Beira Lake in its south and Colombo Harbor to the north. When the Portuguese invaded the country, they constructed their fortress for over a century’s resistance and conquest. Thereafter, the Dutch controlled the fort before it was demolished by the British after they had conquered the nation during the middle of the nineteenth century. At present, it is the commercial and financial heart of the city and it houses some of the important hotels in Colombo, and it is also the seat of the Sri Lankan government.
Colombo Fort
Address: Galle Buck, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Website: Colombo Fort
12. Pettah Market
Contributed by Tour Guide, Lahiru Mihiran
Source: Lahiru Mihiran
Colombo Pettah is the busiest commercial territory in the city. It is the most popular shopping area and wholesale market for all kinds of goods, especially shoes, bags, and clothing, which are in high demand here. During the New Year festival, most of the small streets around Colombo Pettah Market are filled with millions of people from all around the country. This area is very diverse in terms of religious, cultural, and social aspects. The very colorful but crowded Pettah Market can provide a very unique experience for travelers.
Come to Colombo
If you liked our recommendations, then it’s time for you to finalize your itinerary and get ready to visit this wonderful port city in Sri Lanka.
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