Joanna James
The bustling commercial capital of the teardrop island, many travellers to Sri Lanka treat Colombo only as the gateway to the country and skip the city for much popular resort areas. Instead, give the lively metropolis a chance and let it show you the beauty in its vibrant collage of chaos.
Find yourself surrounded by magnificent beauty in every way
An architectural wonder of Chinese, Indian and Thai influences, surrounded by the calm waters of the Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple is one big treat for the eye. The temple is adorned with a mind-blowing array of stone, white and golden Buddha statues that you won't find such an abundance of them in one place. Dating back to the late 19th century, the strikingly beautiful temple is one of the most sacred places of worship for Sri Lankan Buddhists.
Behold the red and white architectural masterpiece
Lying in peace amidst the chaos of the vibrant streets of Pettah, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque will immediately strike your eye. The red and white exterior of the mosque joins forces with breathtaking architecture to draw hundreds of tourists vacationing in Colombo, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the buzzing city. The landmark mosque is loved by yearning Instagrammers in town as it makes for a stunning backdrop for some drool-worthy pics for your gram.
Take a stroll along the oceanfront promenade
Fronting the wide-open Indian Ocean, sprawling across 5 hectares of green lawn and the hustle and bustle of the city life lingering in the backdrop, Galle Face Green is an oasis of nature in the heart of the buzzing metropolis. Go for a relaxing stroll along the promenade, unwind on the green and gaze into the horizon across the azure blue ocean. The central location of the urban park will also treat you to some amazing Colombo hotel rates as you can find a host of fine hotels in the vicinity, such as Mandarina Colombo.
Get up close and personal with the majestic fauna of the teardrop island
Tear away from the vibrant city vibe and make your way to the Dehiwala Zoo to find yourself in a land teeming with your favourite creatures of nature. Dehiwala Zoo, formally known as the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, is home to over 3,000 native and exotic animals and is one of the oldest zoos in Asia. Stroll through the sprawling animal haven and watch them waiting eagerly in their sanctuaries, ready to greet you.
Take in panoramic views of the awe-inspiring cityscape
Despite being a lower-middle-income country with a minimal GDP per capita of USD 3,682, Sri Lanka basks in glory as the country with the tallest freestanding structure in the whole of South Asia, thanks to its extravagant Lotus Tower. Standing at the height of 350 metres, the giant edifice creates the perfect vantage point to soak up the splendour of the dazzling metropolis.
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.
