Joanna James
As Sri Lanka's biggest and most dynamic city, there's more than one way to have a grand old time in Colombo. Here are 10 must-experience activities visitors can enjoy in the bustling metropolis.
Tipped to be Colombo's most iconic Buddhist spiritual hub, a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple is a must for all first-time visitors touring the capital. Home to countless Buddha sculptures from across the globe, the serene and peaceful setting of this temple and the aroma of lotus flowers are one of the best reasons to spend an afternoon at the locale.
Once a functioning medical facility during the island's Dutch occupation, the Old Dutch Hospital in Fort has now been converted into a successful dining precinct complete with fine dining restaurants and shops. Dig into seafood at the Ministry of Crab or grab a cup of Ceylon tea from the Tea Lounge to truly experience a memorable day out at the former hospital.
Home to the country's most sought after artefacts, the National Museum is not only the ideal venue to gain a better understanding of Colombo but Sri Lankan culture as a whole. Some of the most prized exhibits at the museum include the royal throne of the last king in the island as well as clothing belonging to the last monarch and his queen.
As the city's favourite oceanfront promenade, the Galle Face Green is a one of a kind recreational hotspot in Colombo. Windy as it is breathtaking during the afternoon hours, travellers can enjoy a scoop of ice cream or prawn wadey while flying kites in this captivating leisure hub in the city.
Regarded as one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get from Point A to Point B in Colombo, the thrill of riding on a three-wheeler is an experience all visitors must sign up for at least once. Make sure to board only metered tuk-tuks in the city as unmetered three-wheelers are known to charge more for the same journey. Tuk-tuk booking apps are downloadable on to one's mobile so tourists need not hail one from the street while those based at Berjaya Hotel Colombo or any other Colombo hotels will find that this is more efficient and less costly than hiring a car.
Often described as a maze, the sheer number of shops occupying Pettah is staggering, to say the least. Bargain hunters will love the price points and the diversity of the products on offer in this sprawling marketplace.
As a memorial landmark which was erected to celebrate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule, Independence Square remains one of Colombo's most visited highlights. A prime location for wedding photography, the stone structure and surrounding parklands are ideal for an evening walk.
Colombo's colonial structures and heritage is evident in the Fort area of the city and a tour of these landmarks is a must for all travellers heading to the capital.
Whether it's the Lionel Wendt, the BMICH or the Nelum Pokuna Performance Art Centre, there are plays, concerts and international productions on show in Colombo city so catch a show to find out what entertainment options are available in the metropolis.
Once named Victoria Park, the Viharamahadevi Park is comparable to Central Park in New York in significance if not in scale. As the city's favourite public park, it is the ideal place to read a book or spend time with family.
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.
