10 Exciting things to do in Colombo – for culture and fun in the sun

This long strip of outdoors space creates a promenade which reflects the very essence of Sri Lanka, from the stalls selling street food, to the locals flocking here to relax and the glorious ocean. This is a great place to start your day, or to head over to in the evening to watch the sun set.

This is a large museum centrally located in Colombo that displays a comprehensive collection of artefacts, ancient tools, and other items from various eras of the country's history. It is the place to visit if you're interested in Sri Lanka's rich history, and the beautiful colonial era building that it is housed in is an added bonus.

This is a Buddhist temple and one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. There are two parts to the temple, a structure on the roadside and a smaller lakeside constriction elegantly lined with rows of Buddha statues. You don't have to be a follower of Buddhism to admire the things to see at this temple.

The kovils in and around Colombo are a great place to visit, and they are designed with such beautifully vivid detail that they are guaranteed to take your breath away. This Kovil is the oldest in the city, and has plenty of vibrant statues and painting to admire.

A grand and elegant monument in the city, this is a place you must visit, both to learn about the country's independence struggle, as well as to take great pictures. An expansive stretch of lawn and a mall in a beautiful colonial building adjoin this site.

The building was once used as a hospital, way back when the country was ruled by the Dutch, and today it has been refurbished and renovated into a modern mall and restaurant complex. This site is especially popular among tourist to the country.

In Pettah you will find a labyrinth of shops and stalls on the street selling various goods. Stroll through these streets to shop, eat exciting street food, or just to watch the locals go about their daily life. Book Sri Lanka Holidays All Inclusive of tours to be taken to these wonderful city sites.

This man-made lake was dug during the country's colonial era for the purpose of transporting goods around the city. There are several parts to the lake which winds around to different parts of the city, and though its waters often are a distinct green colour from the pollution, it is a nice site in Colombo. Talk to a tour operator such as Delmege Tours about the places you hope to see during your visit for easy planning of your city expedition.

Tuk Tuks are easily available all over Colombo, and can be hailed off the street or via several taxi serving proving apps. Be sure to agree to pay only the price on the meter and nothing more before your ride, to ensure that drivers don't try to scam you!

Mount Lavinia is a suburb just outside Colombo and is moments away from the city. Visit so you can take a long walk on the beach, or wine and dine at the many restaurants and bars along the way. It is the perfect place to picnic as the sun goes down, though it can get quite crowded on the weekends.