Joanna James
As the first point of contact most visitors have with Sri Lanka, Colombo City is not a destination that should be ignored in favour of the country’s sandy beaches. From national museums to sacred temples, here are 7 landmarks first time visitors should explore during a tour of the capital.
Housed within an imposing colonial structure, the Colombo National Museum is home to the largest collection of historic artefacts and relics on the island. Although the exquisite throne of Sri Lanka’s last monarch, King Sri Wickrama Rajhasinghe and other items from the royal household are among the museum’s most popular exhibits, the Buddha sculptures unearthed from various locations around the country are just as engaging.
Built to commemorate the island’s sovereignty after nearly a century of colonial rule, Independence Memorial Hall is the focal point of Colombo’s Independence Square. Although the area is a popular park and recreational hotspot in the city, the venue is frequently used for state ceremonies including Independence Day celebrations. The best time to visit this particular expanse is during the late evening hours when local joggers are known to frequent Independence Square which is also a prime location for wedding photo shoots in Colombo.
Vast and chaotic, the Pettah Market is one of Colombo’s best shopping venues for bargain hunters. Made up of a dozen narrow alleys and streets, tourists can find everything from fresh fruits and spices to cosmetics and textiles at this labyrinthine marketplace.
Considered an architectural marvel as well as a religious epicentre, a visit to Colombo would not be complete without a stopover at this historic Buddhist temple. A hubbub of activity during key spiritual festivals in the local calendar, the temple is equally renowned for its collection of religious relics. Visitors should be mindful of their attire when visiting places of worship such as the Gangaramaya Temple as a conservative dress code is recommended.
While the Lotus Tower is a more recent construction, this popular bungee jumping hotspot is also Colombo’s finest observation deck. Open day and night, the views accessible from its vaulted heights are spectacular regardless of the timing of your visit.
Conveniently located within close proximity to Amari Colombo and a host of other 5-star hotels in Colombo, the Galle Face Green has dominated Galle Road since the British colonial era. This tranquil seafront promenade with scenic views of the Indian Ocean is also one of the top street food hubs in Colombo and famed for its prawn vade vendors and ice cream stands.
As the city’s oldest park, this lush green space that was originally called Victoria Park is another historic point of interest in Colombo. Having encompassed most of the city when it was first constructed, the park’s confines are now restricted to the area around Town Hall. Ranked among the city’s best picnic spots, local families often congregate at this tree-lined park to enjoy its manicured lawns and seasonal flower shows.
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.
