Colombo is the largest populated city in Sri Lanka. Like other cities in Sri Lanka, tea is big here and Colombo is the home of the famed Ceylon tea. You will find that there are a plethora of things to do in Colombo, from discovering uniquely fragrant spices to venturing to the seaside. Relish in the enticing atmosphere as you delve into the bustling streets. Colombo is vibrant and fascinating, a city just waiting for you to uncover the most signature of experiences.
Get the most of Colombo with these 15 things to do …
MUST-DO
Gangaramaya Temple
The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important religious places in Colombo. The 19th century temple consists of several buildings and is a bustling temple complex filled with an enormous amount of things. Here you will find several statues of Buddha, in gold in plastic, even in stone. The temple exhibits a wide range of architectural styles; it encompasses Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Sri Lankan features. There is also a museum in the temple in which you can find relics of architecture from these places.
It has been said that there are relics of Buddha’s hair at the temple, so be on the lookout. The Gangaramaya Temple is the highlight of many people’s visit to Colombo, and it is surely a very unique experience.
Colombo National Museum
Colombo National Museum’s building was built in 1877. . The museum which was founded by the then British Governor is one of the biggest storehouses of historical Sri Lankan artifacts. The dazzlingly bright white building is striking and is a great example of Italian style architecture. In the Museum you will find a massive collection of many artifacts to explore. For example, you can view the crowns and thrones of old Kandyan kings. You will find no less than 11 galleries of national artifacts here.
Visit the national museum and stroll through the many galleries to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.
The National Museum of Colombo is definitely one of the best museums to visit in Sri Lanka.
Pettah Market
Exploring Pettah Market provides you with a truly authentic experience of Sri Lanka. The colourful market is located in the center of Colombo, in the Pettah district. At this open-air shopping complex, you will find many things to buy. From fresh foods to things like apparel and electronics – whatever you need, you will surely find it here. Embark on your adventure through the market, either by yourself or on a guided tour where you can learn even more about the market’s history. Closeby to Pettah Market, you will also find Pettah Floating Markets. It comprises a few stalls on the street, near the water – make sure to stop by and take some pictures!
The market is bustling with life and is a great place to speak to some Sri Lankan locals and see them in action.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is well known for its rich red bricks. The beautiful building dates back to 1909, and can be found right in the middle of Pettah. The chequered patterns all over it make the mosque extremely prominent, it truly stands out in the midst of the hustle and bustle going on in the streets. The blend of architectural styles is one to note also – there are Indo-Islamic, Gothic, and Neoclassical elements all encompassed in the building. Outside of prayer times, you are able to visit the mosque and marvel at its splendid interior.
This is one of Colombo’s most iconic attractions.
Mount Lavinia Beach
A beach day is the perfect way to relax and unwind from Colombo’s busy streets. Mount Lavinia beach is located just outside of Colombo (under 50 minute drive). The beach has the most golden of sands and boasts of the most picturesque scenery. The turquoise blue waters are warm at your feet and stretch for many kilometers. Simply kickback in the sun or indulge the many vendors selling all sorts of things like sour mangoes, swimsuits and much more. The nightlife at the beach is also noteworthy. Here you will find loads of bars, restaurants, and hotels at the beach, so you can count that the day will not be dull!
Note: Try and go to the beach during the week as weekends can get really packed!
OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO
Stroll down Galle Face Green
There are many spices to discover in Kandy. Some top spices in Kandy include cinnamon, cardamom, citronella, turmeric, curry leaves and cloves. A vibrant history lesson awaits you as you visit a spice garden. You will learn about plantations, spices, and the various techniques involved while cultivating them. You will also see how they are used in traditional medicines along with everyday life. Curry leaves, for example, are a very popular spice in Kandy and will most probably be in most of the meals you have. They are said to be helpful for your heart to function better and aiding you to fight infections.
Stop at a local spice shop and return home with some of the best spices you will have ever tasted!
Royal Colombo Golf Club
The Royal Colombo Golf Club is an excellent place to play some good old golf in Colombo. The well-maintained golf club was established in 1880, making it the oldest golf club in Sri Lanka. The golf club achieved its royal title from King George V in 1928. The exquisite clubhouse provides an airy and tranquil atmosphere. Upon arriving at the club, you will be greeted by the 18-hole golf course which has 5,770 metres of fairways. Play some golf and enjoy a drink at the veranda of the Governor’s Bar.
The Royal Colombo Golf Club offers you unique views of Colombo, and is a fun activity to add to your itinerary.
Note: You must book in advance to be able to play golf here.
Tuk Tuk Ride
An exhilarating tuk tuk ride around the city of Colombo should be top of your things to do list. Riding in a tuk tuk is a really efficient way to navigate your way around Colombo and to get to places quicker. Tuk Tuk safari tours are a really popular thing to do here, and rightly so as they combine sightseeing with food tastings. Explore the most famous landmarks and enjoy the view as you journey through Colombo’s lively streets. It is a relaxing, but also very informative way to spend a few hours.
Tip: Hiring a more experienced tuk tuk driver will enable you to visit some of the unmapped places in Colombo.
Beira Lake
Beira Lake can be found in the center of the city of Colombo. This lake which has been in existence since the sixteenth century is one of Colombo’s most famous landmarks.
You will find the Seema Malakaya Temple set right in the middle of Beira Lake. It is an extension of the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple. To access Seema Malakaya, you must walk along the long wooden boardwalk as the temple is raised on stilts from the lake floor. Here at the temple there are several beautiful bronze Buddha statues in the midst of all of the water. Seema Malakaya Temple is more a center for rest and meditation than a sole site of worship.
Take a swan boat ride on Beira Lake and see the spectacular views it has to offer !
Memorial Hall
This independence Memorial Hall was built between 1949 and 1953 to commemorate the historic day that Sri Lanka became independent. Sri Lanka’s independence from Britain was obtained on February 4th in 1948. The hall which is located in the Independence Square is serene, boasting of the most lush landscaped gardens. Inside you will also find the Independence Memorial Museum. The museum particularly includes exhibitions which highlight the great efforts and sacrifices taken over the centuries to gain independence and also the rekindling of Sri Lankan pride one independence was gained. There is a statue of Don Stephen Senanayake in front of the Independence Memorial Museum. He was the first prime minister of Sri Lanka and the ‘Father of the Nation’.
The independence Memorial Hall is a great place to quickly stop and unwind after having an adventurous day around Colombo.
Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park is the largest and oldest park in Colombo. The park which was once named after Queen Victoria was renamed to ‘Viharamahadevi’ after the mother of King Dutugemunu, following Sri Lanka’s independence. The park is in close proximity to Colombo’s National Museum. Viharamahadevi Park has had many uses, one of them being that it was used as a cricket ground by the first class team from 1927 to 1995. It has since been used to host the 23rd Commonwealth meeting in Colombo.
Here at the park you’ll find a large Golden statue of Buddha. The spectacular statue is great to take pictures next to! There are also a series of very pretty water fountains dotted all around the spacious walking paths. You will also find a children’s play area, which is a great place for the kids to run around.
Visit Viharamahadevi Park and immerse yourself in the tranquility of it all.
Leisure World Waterpark
Who doesn’t love a water park! Leisure World Waterpark is the first ever amusement and water related park in the whole of Sri Lanka.The park which was established in 2006 is located approximately 2 hours away from Colombo.
The most recommended attractions at Leisure World Waterpark are the boomerang slide and also the octopus, thunder and crazy cruise. There are many pools, rides and activities exclusively for kids also, so this could count as a fun day out with the kids! The most recommended to try are the Lazy River, the Log Flume.
In case you get hungry from all of the adrenaline, the park has a restaurant where you can find a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, offered also as a buffet.
There really is lots to enjoy at Leisure World Waterpark, go and get your share of a thrill.
St Anthony’s Church
St Anthony’s Church in Colombo is a worship site where many come to pray or leave offerings to its holy relic – a piece of the saint’s tongue. The church is also known as St Anthony’s shrine and is located in Kochchikade. St Anthony is believed to be a ‘miracle worker’ by the local community, for this reason the saint’s devotees are from all Religions. This church is one of the most renowned catholic churches in the whole of Colombo.
Outside the church , you will find a magnificent statue of St Anthony himself. The interior of the church is equally as beautiful, with high ceilings and a dozen ornate statues.
St Anthony’s Church was damaged during the Easter Attacks in 2019. However, once restored it remained a symbol of hope and resurrection.
TEMPLE VISITS
Sri Kailawasanathan Temple
The Sri Kailawasanathan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the city of Colombo. Its full name is Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil. The colourful temple is intricately designed and is dedicated to the gods Ganesha and Shiva. The Sri Kailawasanathan Temple was built around 1972 by a group of Indian Chetti traders known as ‘Thiruvilanga Nakarathar’. On the outside of the temple, you will find a pyramid-shaped tower adorned with hundreds of brightly-colored figures and gods from Hindu theology. Inside the temple, you will find a number of shrines to other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Note: The temple is only open from 6:00 – 10:00 in the morning and later from 5:00 – 9:00 in the evening so try and plan your visit accordingly.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, also known as Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple located about 10km to the northeast of Colombo. The shrine’s history dates back some 2500 years, and it lies on the bank Kelaniya River which is believed to be one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka. The temple is simply beautiful and offers one of the most panoramic views of the whole of Kelaniya. The temple is very well known for its image of the reclining Buddha. It also has paintings by the native artist Solias Mendis which are important in depicting paramount events in the life of the Buddha.
At Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, you will find several murals from past era’s such as The Kandyan Era, but also more modern ones too.
Goto the temple and admire its elaborate architecture, and learn more abouts its enriching history.
