Top 5 Must-do Things in Colombo During Your Holiday - Meander through Colombo’s top spots!

This spacious sea-fronted green area is the favourite hangout spot for many Sri Lankans, especially during the weekends. Many people flock here to play on the beach, fly kites, have picnics, play cricket and have a good time. The park is situated right in front of Colombo CBD. The beach promenade is packed with food, toy, and kite vendors who are there to feed and amuse all the revellers who gather here mostly during the evenings. Isso wade is the highlight among the food items, and it is quite the tradition for locals to have one while there! These deep-fried fritters, garnished with a prawn each, are served with sauces and salsa and pack a savoury and spicy punch that will leave you wanting more!

Colombo 1 is also known as Fort Area and has many historically valuable buildings that date to the colonial periods of Sri Lanka. Colombo became the capital of then Ceylon in the year 1815, and was fortified with ramparts and a moat! This area of Colombo has many charming colonial buildings, while some have come under renovation, like the Old Dutch Hospital. Other important structures include the Old Parliament, Presidential Secretariat, President´s House, and official government ministries. Pettah is right next to Fort, and it's an eventful place for traders and bargain hunters. The central Railway Station and Bus Depot are also here! Other sites include the Sambodhi Stupa, the Old Galle Buck Lighthouse, the Clock Tower, and the oldest church in Colombo, St Peter's. When hungry, head to Aluthkade Street, an area where plenty of food vendors and shops sell Sri Lankan delicacies at affordable prices!

The National Museum is the biggest on the island and has been undergoing renovations for the past several years. The refurbished areas are now open to the public and feature antiquities like the throne and crowns of the monarchs of Kandy. The artefacts stretch across 11 galleries representing the seven ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka. Also, the gardens are quaint and pretty, and a pleasant place to relax in the afternoon with a cup of tea at the nearby coffee shop. One can easily find many 4 star hotels Colombo, Sri Lanka, has to offer if on the lookout for accommodation. The likes of Pegasus Reef are great options to consider as well.

This historically significant temple is near Beira Lake, the most central man-made lake in the city. Gangaramaya Temple is among the oldest temples in Colombo, and its setting is beautiful and tranquil. An onsite museum holds many ancient relics, gifts and objet d'art donated to the temple. The Buddha's sacred hair relics are enshrined within the interior of the stupa, thus many faithful worshippers gather here towards sundown to pay homage and engage in chanting and devotional activities.

This hotel is the first in Sri Lanka and is quite the landmark within the city! It was built during the British colonial period and is reminiscent of English architecture. It is a favourite spot for locals and foreigners alike to watch the sunset in the evenings beside the hotel verandah, which opens up to the sea and the Galle Face Green!