Top Things to Do in Colombo – City Adventures in Sri Lanka

The Pettah area of Colombo is one of the liveliest parts of the city and is a locale well known for offering some of the best bargains. Made up of a maze of streets and roads that crisscross each other, Pettah is a place you can get "lost" in, but that is part of the fun and you never know what hidden "treasures" you may come across behind each street corner. Clothes, electronics, handicrafts, sarees, mobile phones, shoes, bags and toys are just some of the stuff on offer, not forgetting a wide range of fresh produce and food stuff too. The sights and sounds of Pettah all make for an unforgettable outing.

While Colombo may not have what you would consider mega malls, it does have malls worth visiting as well as equally impressive shopping centres, especially those offering clothing. Majestic City (referred to as "MC") is one of the most popular malls and this centrally located retail hub offers a wide range of items from mobile phones to fashion and accessories. It even has a cinema complex with four theatres including those that offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters in 3D. Crescat Boulevard is another great place for shopping, and while it may not have as much of a range of items as Majestic City, it does have more upscale luxury goods including branded items. Not to be missed is a chance to add to your wardrobe by shopping at the well known Odel Department Store and House of Fashion which offer branded and budget clothing options respectively.

To soak up a bit of local culture, look to visit what is known as the Seema Malaka, a charming little Buddhist temple built a bit above the waters of the Beira Lake. Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this temple offers a quiet escape amidst the heart of the city where you will find several luxury apartments in Sri Lanka such as the up and coming Capitol TwinPeaks. Featuring a fascinating collection of statues of Lord Buddha as well as small shrines dedicated to Hindu Gods, the Seema Malaka offers an ideal change of pace and scenery.

Bordering the shoreline and home to wide expansive spaces, Galle Face is one of the most popular spots to hang out in the city. Abuzz with activity especially in the weekends, Galle Face is a place where you can see people flying kites, families having picnics, couples enjoying each other's company, vendors selling all manner of food and toys and children running around without a care in the world, though their parents may be seen worriedly running after them! It is also a great spot to catch a sunset and try some of Colombo's exotic street food including the perennial favourite called "isso wade", a deep fried prawn based snack.