Colombo Attractions

- Why

You Should Visit

Sri Lanka’s

Capital

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital. It is a port city with a rich colonial heritage. It is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and races. It is a city of contrasts. There you can find lush gardens, luxury designer shops, mansions, and fine dining restaurants alongside congested roads, street markets, and urban slums. There are many things to do in Colombo, and your holiday in the city allows you to experience what the whole country has to offer.

Colombo is just a small city, but it provides a wide range of experience that includes visiting the Pettah market, riding a tuk-tuk, playing golf, having high tea at a colonial-style hotel, and eating Kottu, just to name a few. The capital is also the place for last minute shopping before you leave Sri Lanka.

People Watching on Galle Road

Galle Road is where Colombo starts and ends. All you need to do is to stand on the sidewalk of Galle Road, and you’ll see different people from schoolchildren to businesspeople and everything in between. You’ll be able to experience different cultures walking pass you. It is the best way to start your holiday in Sri Lanka before embarking on other Colombo attractions.

Visit a Temple

During your stay in the capital, you should consider visiting a temple. You have a choice between the Bellanwila Temple and the Gangaramaya Temple. If you choose the latter, you should consider going to the museum at the temple to see a large collection of Buddhist relics from all over the globe. You can also learn interesting facts about the Gangaramaya Temple and Sri Lanka.

Independence Memorial Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall commemorates the country’s independence from British Rule. The Colombo attraction features a statue of the country’s first Prime Minister, Don Stephen Senanayake. He is known as the father of the nation for leading the Sri Lankan independence movement that resulted in the establishment of self-rule in the country.

Ride a Tuktuk

The best way to explore the city is to ride a tuk-tuk. These three-wheeled vehicles are everywhere, and they provide the best to go around the city. They can get to your destination in no time.

Look for a Sea Facing Hotel Room

One of the things to do in Colombo is to stay in a room facing the sea. Many hotels in the city are facing the sea including Galle Face Hotel, Cinnamon Grand, The Kingsbury, and TajSamudra. They provide the best view that the Sri Lankan capital has to offer.

Explore the National Museum

The colonial building that houses the Sri Lankan National Museum was constructed in 1876. It is the biggest museum in the country. Surrounding the museum is a courtyard. When you enter the museum, you will find exhibits and statues depicting the story of ancient Sri Lanka. It also displays items owned by the former royal family such as the crown and the golden throne.

These are the things to do in Colombo. Exploring the capital city is the best steppingstone as you set to explore more of what the country has to offer.