Joanna James
With office complexes and residential apartments reaching the sky and classy building structures that still have a colonial touch, Colombo creates an environment where the new meets the old. If you are planning to explore Colombo during your tour, this travel guide is for you.
An area that's never calm and quiet, Pettah is a must-visit during your tour around Colombo. Simply put, it's a bazaar area and it simply has everything, from sweets and snacks to gold and clothes. Take somebody who knows about Pettah with you when you are going there because that'll make your exploration much easier. The very narrow Pettah streets have been specialized for specific items such as leather, household ware, jewelry, etc. You also will be able to come across the Jami-ul-Alfar Mosque built in the early 1900s on the same journey.
It's a beautiful seafront lawn in Colombo and it's the best place ever in this city to watch the amazing sunsets. No matter when or at what time you visit the Galle Face Green, it'll always be crowded with couples, families, and those who come there daily for their jogging sessions. Fly a kite if you feel like trying that out, and do not also forget to taste s from one of the many food stalls located there.
This iconic white-coloured building, the National Museum in Sri Lanka is a must-visit during your Colombo tour. This is the best place to head to if you want to know more about the history of Sri Lanka with strong pieces of evidence. In addition to the royal treasures once used by the Sri Lankan Kings during their times, there are also valuable arts and crafts, sculptures, and masks with unique characteristics for you to observe and explore.
Located a little away from the city limits of Colombo (but in the same district), the Zoological Garden in Dehiwala is a must-visit especially if you are with your kids. It features a wide range of local and international wildlife, and this includes a beautiful collection of birds as well. On some days, the Zoo also hosts various animal shows for the entertainment of the guests.
According to the ancient tales, the Lord Buddha has visited Sri Lanka thrice, and Kelaniya is the place to which he had made his last visit. Because of the same reason, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya has become one of the most revered temples in Sri Lanka, especially among the Buddhists. Kelaniya is also not located within the Colombo city limits, but it's just a short distance away and surely worth your visit.
Many travellers stay in Colombo for one or two nights before they travel to other destinations in Sri Lanka, be it Kandy, Galle, Trincomalee, or Anuradhapura. You may choose to stay at any of the luxury boutique hotels in Colombo the likes of Uga Residence and enjoy Sri Lankan hospitality at its best.
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.
