Must Visit Places in Colombo – Slices of Life in Sri Lanka

The National Museum holds treasures of an eventful past. From a magnificent throne designed for a king and various utensils, swords and equipment that bear witness to an ancient time with a sophisticated trade and an agricultural past, the exhibits are endless. You can also catch glimpses of the country's colonial past through the paraphernalia and British Raj paintings of Ceylon from that period. The collection of grotesquely beautiful demon masks too will interest you. If at the end of the tour you are tired, visit the café in the shade of banyan trees.

The Gangaramaya Temple is a prominent centre of Buddhism in Colombo. This is located near the Beira Lake which will serve as a serene backdrop for several luxury apartments in Sri Lanka that are being built here such as Capitol TwinPeaks. The temple houses a museum as well as several intricate sculptures and works of devotional art. At dusk, the whole area puts on a sheath of light and bids goodbye to a busy day. This is probably the best time to take a stroll along the lake.

Galle Face Green is a lovely promenade much-loved by the locals. On a clear evening when the rain clouds keep their distance, the whole area fills up with families and friends having a good time. You can walk along the land that flanks the Indian Ocean or sit quietly on a bench and watch life in its frolicsome ways. Children will blow soap bubbles that catch tiny rainbows for a short span of time and fly kites in the salty breeze. Teenagers will play football or cricket and lovers will whisper in each other's ear. If you are a street food junkie, try a 'vade' (deep fried lentil and herb mix) topped with a crab or three shrimps. Locals like to sprinkle lime juice and a chilli oil mix on their share of 'vade'.

Come April the trees of Viharamahadevi Park bloom and adorn the skyline with their abundance of pink, yellow and white beauty. However, you don't have to wait for April to enjoy a promenade in the park. There is a good sized cycle track which you can use. You could stroll amongst the trees and grassy fields past children, their parents and lone walkers. Many locals prefer to go to the Viharamahadevi Park for their daily workout routine. Once darkness begins to fall little by little, the sprinklers will go off creating a magical atmosphere in different hues.

Pettah market is a curiously appealing chaotic bazaar. You can buy various items including spices, sarees, hats, shoes, electronic gadgets, fresh fruits and vegetables at the Pettah market. It is a good place to observe people and watch local vendors and buyers go about their business with what seems like a previously agreed upon assurance.