Colombo: Best things to Do
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By Purna
- Published On
Intro
Island’s commercial capital Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka also called the largest ocean city.
Here are some of the 12 cool things to do in Colombo in one day. Whether you are a solo traveler, a travel couple or travel with family or friends, some of these attractions are highly favored by its past visitors.
This cosmopolitan city offers vibrant and rich culture from its population mix of different religions and races. Undoubtedly, Colombo is a great place to enjoy among the small cafes, good local and street foods and bustling boulevards throughout the city.
Enjoy walking through the busy streets in pettah and wander around the little shops in pettah market. You can find these shops from both sides of the road when you come out of the main train station.
You may find any kind of electronic items, clothing, and jewelry at fruit and vegetable stalls in these electric streets. Do not recommend mingling with locals here, Have good bargain skills if you’d really like to buy things from these shops! Head west to Fort and visit Old Dutch Hospital where they play live music every afternoon.
Five minutes’ walk from the Dutch Hospital, visit “Galle Face Green” where you can enjoy the sunsets on the grass as well as the place to taste street foods by the sea in the evening. Do not forget to try delicious chicken Kottu.
Bit of History
Portuguese introduced the name “colombo” when they arrived in 1505 used to be called by “(kolon thota)” which is the Sinhalese name meaning “port of the river kelani”.
By the mid-17th century the Singhalese king of Kandy, “Rajasinghe the 2nd” invited the Dutch (1640 – 1796) to take revenge on the Portuguese who ruled some parts of Sri Lanka and who were fighting time to time to expand their rule in the Island.
The Dutch took over and grew cinnamon in the areas of Colombo now known as “cinnamon gardens” located in Colombo 7, this area is presently known as the wealthiest place in Colombo. Then, the British arrived and possessed and took over Ceylon between 1815 and 1948. In 1815 Colombo became the capital of Ceylon.
Statistics
Population: Approx. 1 million
Area: 37km2
12 Top things to do in Colombo
1. Walk around Colombo Fort area
This is the busiest part of Colombo. Central Colombo or Colombo 1 consists of grand colonial types of buildings belonging to the British era (1870).
Many popular buildings and landmarks are located in this part of the division. Main train station, World trade center, Colombo Stock exchange, Galle face and Port city name a few.
Walk down to the historic old Dutch hospital where the local shops, cafes and restaurants are, this area is recommended specially during evenings if you want peaceful time away from hustling and bustling streets and eat out at cafes, bars and restaurants.
2. Visit Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (B.M.I.C.H)
Built between 1970-1973, B.M.I.C.H is a gift from China in memory of late Sri Lankan prime minister Solomon Gidgeway Dias Bandaranayake(1956-1959).
Located in Colombo 7, Cinnamon Garden’s area of Colombo B.M.I.C.H is the Colombo’s finest event precinct that hosts any kind of local and international corporate events and occasions.
3. Checking the wholesalers at the Pettah bazaar
This colorful bazaar is one of the oldest districts of Colombo immediately after the Colombo fort entrance. District has been strongly populated specially by Muslim traders for long but also populated by Sinhalese and Tamils.
This can get crowded in mornings and late afternoon hours especially from workers who are on their way home to stop by in those stalls besides the narrow lanes to buy things such as DVDs or textiles. Manning market is found just east of fort railway station where anyone can buy fruits and vegetables wholesale.
Numerous number of Hindu temples (or kovils) are found in Pettah which are open from 6am to 6pm. Also, the mosques such as Jami-UI-Alfar mosque, Grand mosque and churches such as Wolvendaal Church are found here.
4. Visit the Gallface & the Port City
This famous urban park is situated in the sea front of Colombo 10-15 walk from Colombo Fort area is the best place to experience the sunset in Colombo. 12 acres long open park is perfect to spend relaxed and quality time with families, friends or loved ones.
There are few luxury hotels such as Ceylon inter-continental, Galle Face Hotel and Shangri-La are walking distance away from the galle face green. The park gets colorful most evenings and especially on Sundays when the kites start to floating down.
Used to hold kite competitions and most famous and official place in the island to host kite competitions which attract visitors from all over the world. Night time is the best time to explore the galle face green as it become an entertainment park.
Visitors can experience the voice of ocean wave hitting the wall along with the cool breeze taking the heat away due to daytime sun. Grab some delicious street/sea food out of the famous Sri Lankan “kottu” or “seafood prawn” takeaway from small stalls to enjoy your long walk.
As a result of recent developments, “The port city” project has commenced and is currently under development next to the Galle face green. This massive development project in this special economic zone may result in arising new opportunities and increasing the sustainable living of the local communities in the years to come.
5. Visit Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Seemamaalaka
Old Buddhist temple considered as one of the oldest and important temples and one of the major attractions in Colombo built up of a mix of different architectural styles.
The complex of both the museum and the temple besides the Beire River makes the environment a sacred and peaceful one. Enjoy the peace while scrolling through a few statues of Buddha.
Tip: Everyone is expected to dress up according to the Buddhist traditions and prohibited to wear clothes that don’t cover the body properly.
6. Visit the independence square (Hall)
Designed to modern Sri Lankan architecture, the independence square is located in greater Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens area. This monument was a memorial to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948.
Joggers are often seen here during morning and evenings.Popular among families and kids to take a relaxed walk specially during weekends, public and school holidays.
7. Picnic at Viharamahadevi Park
History of this park dates back to the British era. Previously named “Victoria” park, this park is the largest park in Colombo located in Colombo 7 Cinnamon gardens area. This park is a great place to go on a picnic enjoying the cooler climate that the park has to offer.
There’s an aquarium on the side of the park and also engaged in some of the activities such as go on pony rides and taking the paddle boat in the small river etc.
8. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from “the Lotus Tower”
The 350m tall or lotus tower is considered as the tallest building in the country.
This symbolic landmark stands among the tallest towers in the world. So called “Nelum Kuluna” Located near the water front of the Beira Lake , walking distance of main landmarks of Colombo 1 area. The flower consists of 6 floors and the shape of the flower is the same as the country’s national flower.
Tip: Opening hours are 9am-10pm and the ticket price is 20$
9. Walk around Beira Lake
Despite its dark green color, Beira Lake brings cooler vibes to the whole Colombo city. Located in the center of the city, this lake is surrounded by the most important landmarks of the city.
As this river spreads through different areas of the city, it is a common sight to see visitors walk by the lake or chill by the lake while watching paddle boat rides.
10. Visit the Old Dutch Hospital Premises
Located right next to “Galle face green ” beach area, Dutch hospital is considered to be the oldest building in Colombo which dates back to the 17th century Dutch colonial era.
If you like to escape the rush and heat from Pettah’s bustling boulevards, this is the most relaxed area to hop in. Built by the Dutch as a hospital, serving as a shopping district presently.
This shopping district consists of gothic style shops, cafes, some of the well known restaurants, and Ayurvedic treatment spas etc.
11. Visit Jami UI-Alfar Mosque
This mosque is considered to be one the oldest mosques as well as the main mosque in the Pettah area.
Located on Pettah’s second cross street Stands tall with its unique and colorful white-red striped architecture, Jami UI-Alfar mosque has been a place that has fallen in love with the international Muslim community.
12. Day trip to Negombo
You have a good possibility for a day tour to explore Negombo when you are in Colombo. Negombo is only about 20 km from the capital city and transportation links are well managed whether you use your own transport or take public transport such as buses or trains.
Negombo is a beach town with few more highlights that are favored by its visitors. In fact, Negombo is a town populated with a mix of multi ethnic backgrounds and religions. It also shows the signs of European influence throughout the city.
Visitors choose to stay overnight in Negombo once they arrive in Sri Lanka or about to leave the country due to its convenient distance from the main Airport.
Let me know if you need assistance with planning your Negombo day Tour.
Also read: Plan your trip to Sri Lanka
Reaching there
The main Airport, Bandaranayake International airport isn’t actually located in the heart of the Capital city. Colombo is approximately 30 kilometers from Katunayake where the the main airport is .
To get to Colombo from the Airport, a Taxi cost around 2000 Sri Lankan Rupee and takes about half an hour to one hour depending on the traffic.
Transportation
If you are looking for sightseeing and wildlife, adventure, honeymoon, cultural tour or pilgrimages, I can help you customize your tour according to individual wishes and requirements. Feel free to Contact me mentioning your specific requirements.
Finding Accommodation
All major online booking portals still works in Sri Lanka as well to find short or long term accommodation. If you travel for short term, use your favorite booking platforms mentioned below. Choose the favourite platform according to your interest.
Flights to Colombo
National airline for Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Airlines. But also you can find some of the best seasonal offers in Skyscanner. Simply search your flight entering required information in the skyscanner widget box below.
National airline for Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Airlines. But also you can find some of the best seasonal offers in Skyscanner. Simply search your flight entering required information in the skyscanner web site.
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