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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for How to Spend One Day in Colombo: Best Things to Do
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Joanna James Joanna James
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How to Spend One Day in Colombo: Best Things to Do

Since Sri Lanka has many religious, cultural and historical places of attraction, its modern cities are quite underrated. Colombo- the commercial capital of Sri Lanka which is located within a very close vicinity to Bandaranaike International Airport, is also such a modern city in the country. Colombo is surely worth exploring! And you may soundly do this within one day. 

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One day in Colombo

So, what you can do during your visit to Sri Lanka is spend one whole day in Colombo. Choose a luxury hotel in Colombo for your one-night accommodation, and you may also dine at a good restaurant in Colombo. Hotels such as Cinnamon Grand Colombo offer the best accommodation facilities, and they have the best restaurants too. So, yes... you can enjoy great rooms, food and even great nightlife from one place if you choose to opt for a good Colombo hotel. 

Colombo attractions are located closer to each other. So, you may cover all of them within one day with ease. Choose tuk-tuks or even the public transportation network (buses) to get around in Colombo. Since app-based services such as Uber and Pick Me are widely available in Colombo, you may get their services as well. Driving in Colombo is something doable, but you will get fed up with the traffic jams and other chaos. 

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Start with the Independence Square 

One of the most significant historical sites in the city of Colombo is Independence Square. It was built to commemorate the country’s independence in 1948. Encircled by a wide recreational park featuring well-kept lawns, this destination is commonly visited by friends, family, and passionate joggers who utilise their free time for leisure.

Yes, since you are commencing your Colombo tour from here, you can surely start your day with a good jogging session. 

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Explore an elegant Buddhist Temple 

Among the most exquisite and well-known Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka is Gangaramaya Temple- which is located in Colombo. Stunning sculptures with intricate carvings can be found along the pathways and doors leading to the main sanctorum. There are pictures and miniature paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict Buddhist tales.

You may also explore Beira Lake, which is situated close to the Gangaramaya temple. If you'd like, take a duck paddle boat ride there or, for a quick break, go shopping at the nearby mall. 

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The Colombo Fort

This whole area is packed with some colonial buildings, and you will love the sight of it for sure. Among the famous buildings you can see here, the historic Galle Buck lighthouse, the former parliament, the clock tower, Lloyd's building and St Peter's church take prominent places.

Don't also forget to enjoy the Galle Face Green vibe when you are around this area. It's not just about enjoying some sea breeze, but also some street food, kite-flying moments and many more. Taste some 'Achcharu' (pickle) and 'Isso Wadei' when you are here. You will love the whole experience. 

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Explore a park 

Even if you are alone, don't hesitate to explore the beauty of a park. Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo is often visited by lovers and families, and it offers such a great relaxation to everyone who comes in to it. If you are with kids, let them enjoy the aquarium located here, and also some play time as this park separately has a kids' park with a lot of play equipment. 

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Other Places to visit (if time permits) 

You may visit the Museum in Colombo. This place lets you know all the historical stories with evidence, and you will love this experience. Located somewhat far away from Colombo are places like the Dehiwala Zoological Garden, Mount Lavinia Beach and so on. You may explore these if time permits.