Joanna James
The cosmopolitan commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo offers much to enjoy on a holiday that can be as laid-back or activity-filled as you desire. If you are looking to explore the city and want some cool experiences that provide great holiday memories then check out the list below!
Galle Face Green is a wide-open expanse overlooking the Indian Ocean and is one of the most popular attractions in Colombo. The evening is the best time to visit since it offers a great vantage point to catch a sunset as well as engage in activities like kite flying. From families playing games and having picnics to couples taking romantic strolls and whispering sweet nothings under umbrellas, this area with its coastal promenade attracts young and old alike. One of its other attractions is the local food on offer, but more on that later on!
While there are plenty of modern malls to enjoy some shopping in Colombo, for a truly local experience look to explore the area known as Pettah. Amidst a maze of streets and narrow lanes, you will find shops, stalls, markets and pavement vendors selling all manner of goods; these include clothes, mobile phones, electronics, bags, shoes, fresh produce and toys. You can plan some sightseeing too and visit places of interest like the Wolvendaal Church, Colombo Dutch Museum and Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque.
Set alongside a soft-sandy shore and home to popular beach hotels in Colombo, Mount Lavinia offers a fun-filled day by the ocean for the whole family. Lying just across from Berjaya Hotel Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach draws locals and foreigners alike looking to enjoy both relaxation and recreation throughout the day. Be it for building sandcastles, sunbathing, playing touch-rugby, hanging out with friends, swimming in the ocean, jogging on the sand or even walking dogs, this beach area caters to one and all!
No trip to Colombo is complete without enjoying the culinary adventures it has to offer. When it comes to street food in Sri Lanka, Galle Face Green is one of the best places to head to; look to try kottu roti (a spicy dish with shredded godamba roti and meats and / or veggies) and isso wade (deep-fried snack with prawns). Mount Lavinia offers beachside dining, while the city features plenty of restaurants and cafés offering diverse local and international cuisine, fast food, snacks, desserts and more.
For first-time visitors to Colombo, taking a tuk-tuk ride is a must-try experience and offers a fun way to get around. These three-wheeled vehicles are a popular mode of transport for locals as well and are known to weave in and out of traffic. Of course, when taking a tuk-tuk, ensure it has a working meter and if not, negotiate the price before beginning the journey. You can hail such vehicles on the street or make use of ride-hailing apps such as Uber or PickMe, while tuk-tuk tours in Colombo are available too.
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