Joanna James
As the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a vibrant and dynamic city with a host of touristic possibilities. Here are five of the best activities to enjoy during a getaway in bustling Colombo.
Often considered the most illustrious and prestigious cultural institution in the country, a visit to the National Museum in Colombo is a must for all visitors heading to Sri Lanka. Housed within a stately colonial mansion which was conceived by the then Governor of Ceylon Sir William Henry Gregory, the venue is also the largest museum in the entire island. Housing an extensive collection of artefacts and relics dating back centuries and excavated from the Cultural Triangle's ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the museum is accessible to visitors for a nominal fee. Some of the most popular exhibits at the museum include the royal throne of the Kandyan kingdom and attire worn by the last king in the country, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and his queen.
Tipped to be among the city's best-loved recreational hotspots, the Galle Face Green is no ordinary green space in Colombo. Located on the shores of the beach, the vast expanse of green comes alive each afternoon with the sounds of ice cream vans, food vendors and children flying kites. Local families are known to picnic in the area quite often while the best in Sri Lankan street food is also found here. Those based at luxury apartments in Sri Lanka the likes of Cinnamon Life Colombo and others in Colpetty will be within walking distance of the Galle Face Green.
As one of the most sacred spots in the city, the Gangaramaya Temple is an iconic Buddhist temple in the heart of the city. Home to countless Buddha sculptures from around the world, the venue is a spiritual epicentre for all Buddhist devotees in Colombo. Lotus flowers and incense sticks greet tourists upon arrival and the tranquillity of the temple's interior is matched by its ancient decor which features murals of the Jathaka stories depicting various episodes of the Buddha's life cycles.
Housed within a former Dutch infirmary, the sprawling confines of the Dutch Hospital in Colombo's Fort area is now occupied the top restaurants in the city. With the Ministry of Crab and Chinese Dragon among the biggest draws other highlight dining venues include WIP (Work in Progress) while the venue's own food court, local coffee houses and tea lounges also make it a dining district like no other.
When it comes to the finest retail options in Sri Lanka, all agree that Colombo is the shopping capital of the island. From towering malls and department stores the likes of Majestic City, Crescat Boulevard and the Colombo City Centre to chain stores the likes of House of Fashion, No Limit and Fashion Bug, travellers will marvel at the low price points and the sheer variety of clothing and accessories on offer. Don't forget to stop by Barefoot and Paradise Road for exquisite souvenirs and local specialities while the maze of shops occupying Pettah is equally enticing for bargain hunters.
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