Joanna James
Sri Lanka's bustling capital is not only the country's most vibrant metropolis but a cultural and recreational heartland in its own right. Here are the best reasons to stop by Colombo.
Home to the country's finest malls and largest department stores, there's no better place to enjoy a shopping spree than Colombo city. With Majestic City, the Colombo City Centre, Liberty Plaza and Crescat Boulevard all offering designer wear and luxury goods, souvenir hunters can head down to Barefoot or Paradise Road for tasteful local trinkets to take back home. Don't forget to stop by bargain hotspots such as House of Fashion and Cool Planet when exploring the capital's best retail hubs.
The Gangaramaya Temple is not only one of the country's most sacred Buddhist temples but a cultural icon in its own right. Picturesquely located, the temple is perhaps best known for its extensive collection of Buddhist antiques and sculptures as well as the resident elephant who decks out in its finest during the annual Navam Perahara each year.
Golf enthusiasts should head down to Colombo to enjoy the rolling greens of Royal Colombo Golf Club and other exquisite golfing facilities around the city. Ideal for golfers of all experience levels, the beautifully maintained courses and clubhouses of Colombo provide the perfect backdrop for a golf holiday.
Colombo city is equally well-known as a dining hotspot for the masses. From top restaurants that serve local fares such as Kema Sutra and Rasa Bojun to eclectic cafes the likes of The Cricket Club, Whight & Co. and the Barefoot Cafe or seafood Meccas the likes of Beach Wadiya, the choices are seemingly endless when it comes to wining and dining in Colombo. Those based at the Mandarina Colombo or any other similar city hotel in Colombo will find that they are surrounded by fine dining restaurants.
Often regarded as the most convenient way to get around when exploring Colombo, travelling in a tuk-tuk or three-wheel is an indescribable experience, to say the least. Just be sure to hop on board the many metered tuk-tuks serving Colombo as un-metered three-wheelers will cost significantly more. Ideal for short commutes from one sightseeing highlight to another, tourists can also book a tuk-tuk via local apps.
The National Museum of Sri Lanka is also found in Colombo and offers visitors an engaging look back at the country's tumultuous political and cultural history with exquisite relics dating back to the last kingdom of Ceylon. With a gilded throne and other remnants of the royal household on show, the museum which is contained in an imposing colonial structure also displays a plethora of Buddhist artefacts unearthed from the former capitals of the country.
In spite of its reputation as a straight-laced metropolis, Colombo is also home to a surprising number of green spaces and sprawling public parks. From the Viharamahadevi Park to the Galle Face Green, there's a lot to be said for these scenic and tranquil leisure hubs around the city where locals and expats alike picnic, fly kites and spend quality time with family and friends.
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