Six Things To Do In Colombo

Escape rooms have seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, and the activity has become a staple in Sri Lanka’s ledger of fun events. The idea behind the escape room concept is exactly what it sounds like: you have a set time limit of 60 to 90 minutes (depending on the establishment) to solve all of the clues inside a room and escape. The escape rooms in Colombo are very professionally set up, such as Escape the Room in Colombo 05, running up to three different escape room scenarios that you can choose from. With a team requirement of between two and six players, this is a great activity to enjoy with friends. If you’re looking for something that can accommodate a bigger group, try Mystery Bar, another escape room based in Colombo that can take up to 20 people per game!

While most might think that water-based activities are only found toward the south of the island, the city of Colombo offers plenty of aquatic activities for you to enjoy. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, try jumping into a swan-shaped paddle boat to enjoy a leisurely turn around Beira Lake. Don’t be put off by all the couples if you don’t have a partner yourself – just grab a friend and have a laugh! The pathways around the lake encourage you to take a relaxing stroll under the trees next to the quiet of the lake, while the Seema Malaka water temple beckons you to enjoy a more spiritual experience.

You don’t need a specific place to go to – just wander around and explore your surroundings! For instance, Union Place is one of Colombo’s oldest neighborhoods and is a wonderful hot pot of different cultures. Amble past the colonial-style shops and enjoy the bursts of color that constantly catch your eye. If you’d like to become a part of this up-and-coming community, take a look at 447 Luna Tower: a residential tower of luxurious apartments on 44 floors, tapped to become one of the residential giants of the Colombo skyline. The area is possibly one of the most vivid and distinctive in Colombo.

One thing Colombo is famous for is the variety of food available on its doorstep. From the floating markets of Pettah to the rich culinary delights that the inner city has to offer, there’s plenty of dining experiences to choose from. You could also show support for local businesses by visiting the Saturday Good Market, which takes place every week from 9 AM to 5 PM next to the Colombo Racecourse and features a variety of organic produce. If you’d rather be cooked for than cook, just pop into one of the city’s many restaurants! From hotels to beachfronts, there’s always something to satisfy your needs.

If you’ve always wanted to have adventures but would really rather leave the sweatier and bug-infested parts of it out, have no fear! Technology has come a long way, and people now have access to experiences that might not have been on the cards for them otherwise. Why not drop in on a virtual reality arcade like the one in Colombo City Centre? The games and experiences on offer cater to all ages, so bring a friend! While it’s fun to play the games yourself, it’s an equally entertaining affair to watch your pals crouch and crawl along perfectly flat ground.

At the end of your day of exploring Colombo, you might want to unwind by catching the sunset. Why not head to Galle Face Green, the 5-hectare strip of park by the ocean? It stretches for half a kilometer along Colombo’s coast, and features plenty of stalls selling favourites such as prawn vadai, kottu, cooked crabs, grilled chicken and slices of seasoned mango. You’re sure to see children running around amidst avid