Joanna James
The below listed iconic places will give you a unique insight into the life, culture and history of the island before you tour the rest of the country.
What better way to learn about a country's deep history than by visiting the museum? Stroll through the quiet hallways and glance at the thrones of kings, the attire of queens and the prized jewellery worn by the royal families. Established in 1877, the museum is a great place to start exploring Sri Lanka from. The more you learn, the better and more meaningful each of your experiences will be!
Located approximately 5 – 10 minutes away from many luxury apartments in Sri Lanka, Galle Face Green is a popular venue for local families and friends to gather and play around in the wide-open spaces as the sun dips into the ocean. With upcoming residential buildings such as Cinnamon Life Colombo in the area, the Galle Face Green is the ideal place if you want to grab some street food. Check out the ever famous "Nanas" and try some of the famously fried seafood delights such as "isso wade". During August, the 'green' is busy with the annual Kite Festival, which attracts people of all ages, who head over here to paint the sky with various colours and sizes of kites.
Don't be fooled by its name – the Dutch Hospital is a modern establishment featuring retail stores, restaurants, bars and spas. However, before it became this popular spot for locals and tourists, the Dutch Hospital was indeed a hospital used during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka. Escape the beating rays of the sun and head into the bar for a quick drink and a snack, or choose a herbal spa treatment that'll help you relax. The arcade is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day, and if you're looking for a place to unwind with some great tunes, this is the place for you – check out Taphouse by RnR. Foodies are invited to join in the festivities of a Food Festival hosted by Fairway hotel towards the end of every month.
One of the many iconic temples in Sri Lanka and the most sacred and visited in the city of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is a must-visit for first-timers. The temple's architecture draws influences from India, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka. There's also a library, museum, residential, education and alms halls located on the premises.
Bird lovers, this one's for you! The recently protected Attidiya Bird Sanctuary is a haven for over 50 different varieties of endemic and migratory birds. Visitors to the wetland will be able to spot water monitors gliding through the murky waters, colourful butterflies, creepy crawlies and much more! Do keep in mind to wear mosquito repellent before you go there – and don't forget your camera! The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is either early morning or late evening, between the months of December to January.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
