Joanna James
Colombo is a colourful city, rich in culture, art and style. There is so much to see and do during a visit to this up and coming city.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, and this diversity is prominent in Colombo. Each of these cultures is rich in tradition and history, and it is something to experience to truly understand what essence of the country. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, where visitors will not only enjoy admiring its beauty but can also check out the small museum on site. Witness the country's Hindu culture at one of the kovils in the city, such as the Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil or the Kathiresan Kovil, or the Muslim culture at the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque. There are beautiful churches in the city too, the Wolvendaal Church being a perfect option.
Sri Lanka is well loved for its delicious and flavourful cuisine, and to enjoy the local favourites in their most authentic form, try the street food. Visit the beautiful Galle Face Green and try the 'issue vadei' or a spicy 'kottu roti' while enjoying the ocean breeze. Or try the sweet juice of a king coconut, often sold by vendors on the side of the streets. There are many exotic tropical fruits found in the country which with leave visitors wanting more, make sure you try some of these wonders during a visit to Colombo.
From the local art, style, culture and history, it is all available in the multiple museums in and around Colombo. Visit the National Museum to admire all of this under one roof, housed in a grand old building. Hidden away, visitors will find the Dutch Period Museum, displaying several pieces depicting the country's colonial history. Visit the Independence Memorial Museum at the Independence square to understand the struggles that went into protecting the sovereignty of the country. There are many art galleries around the city, where visitors can admire works from local artists. The National Art Gallery, Saskia Fernando Gallery and the Barefoot Gallery are some of the favourites among art enthusiasts.
One of the most convenient ways to travel around Colombo is by tuk-tuk, and these vehicles are found in abundance in the city. Travel in a vehicle with a meter though, to avoid being scammed by one of the drivers.
After a day in the warm Colombo sun, visitors will want to unwind, and there isn't a more comfortable way to do this than at one of the heavenly spas in the city. Many of the best spas in the country are found in some of the five star hotels in Colombo including the Angsana Spa at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
One thing that visitors will realize during their visit to Colombo is the amount of greenery in the city, and for an evening winding down, one of the parks in the city will be a nice place to visit. Most visitors to Colombo find to head over to the beaches, but scheduling time to visit these parks too will be a wise choice. The beautiful and well maintained Viharamahadevi Park is one of the local favourites, as well as the expansive gardens adjoining the independence square. If you don't have time to visit the National Parks across the rest of the country, then the zoo in Dehiwala, a suburb of Colombo, will provide an alternative to check out the local wildlife.
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.
