Things to do in Colombo

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Colombo showing heritage elements and a sunset
Colombo which includes a coastal town and a sporting event as well as a large group of people
Colombo
Colombo featuring general coastal views, a sunset and a coastal town
Colombo

Colombo Attractions

Colombo is a city resplendent with history and culture. Situated at the mouth of the Kelani River, Colombo possesses a natural harbor that attracted traders from across the globe over 2,000 years ago. Due to its natural assets, the region came under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British for centuries until Colombo gained independence in 1948. Its diverse history gives the contemporary city a unique, multi-ethnic character in which Buddhist viharas stand alongside Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Christian churches. Modern Colombo has an abundance of things to do, from relaxing by the Indian Ocean on the Galle Face Green and exploring colonial-era architecture to venturing into Sri Lanka's interior for a day of discovery among historic cities and national parks.


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What to do in Colombo

Free Things to Do in Colombo

Touring on a limited budget in Colombo? Spend time instead of cash on terrific experiences.

Kayman’s Gate Belltower - If you're interested in the past, this is one stop you won't want to miss.

Viharamahadevi Park - If you'd love to explore some of the more important or unique places in the community, start here.

Dewatagaha Mosque - Spend a moment in prayer or meditation at this religious site.

Galle Face Beach - Play some games with the young ones or simply sit back and soak up the sun at this attractive coastal spot.

Talangama Wetland - Slip away from the city and get in touch with Mother Nature at this awe-inspiring landscape.

Galle Face Green - Cultivate your green thumb and enjoy admiring the various plants on show.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Colombo

The official legislative capital of Sri Lanka is the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte area of Colombo, though the entire city is referred to as the capital. Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the central area of Fort to the business district surrounding Beira Lake.

Galle Face Green - Galle Face Green is a long urban park sprawled along 1,640 feet (500 m) of the Indian Ocean shore. Originally used for horse racing, golf, rugby, and cricket, the promenade is now a popular recreation and relaxation hub. The park is home to the Galle Face Hotel, a historic hotel from 1864 that features a museum, art gallery, and the Chequerboard Square-a scenic spot for watching the sunset.

Pettah - The bustling commercial district of Colombo, Pettah offers insight into the rich cultural diversity of the city. Visit the thriving open-air bazaars of Pettah Market to find vendors of every kind, and see the Khan Clock Tower standing at its entrance. Pettah is also home to Wolvendaal Church, one of the oldest Protestant Dutch churches in Sri Lanka, and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, a striking and historic mosque still frequented today.

Cinnamon Gardens - The multi-ethnic neighborhood of Cinnamon Gardens is named for the former cinnamon plantation that covered the area. Today, Cinnamon Gardens is the home of the national monument of Independence Memorial Hall, the historic Town Hall of Colombo, and the National Museum of Colombo, the largest museum in Sri Lanka.

What to See in Colombo

Colombo's mix of influences gives it a historic and cultural character like no other. See its diversity on display by visiting a range of religious sites, including the Buddhist Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Gangaramaya Temples, the historic Muslim Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, and Saint Paul's Church Milagiriya, one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the beauty of Colombo by relaxing on the oceanside Galle Face Green, or spend time in the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park. The city is also home to several museums such as the National Museum of Colombo, which presents the cultural history of the country, the Dutch Period Museum that recounts the city's period of Dutch occupation, and the National Museum of Natural History, which showcases the natural heritage and diversity found throughout Sri Lanka.

Sightseeing in Colombo

As the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a convenient jumping point for the other natural and manmade treasures that lie in the country's interior. Take a day to experience the thrill of rafting on the Kelani River, the longest river in the country, whose whitewater rapids call thrill-seekers to its shores. For a more relaxed time in the natural heritage of Sri Lanka, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can encounter and learn about the majestic and gentle Asian elephants. Join a safari in the Yala National Park-Sri Lanka's second largest national park after Lunugamvehera National Park-for the chance to see leopards, crocodiles, and an abundance of native bird species in their natural environment. Closer to Colombo is the Udawalawe National Park, where safaris can bring you up-close to water buffaloes, jackals, and sloth bears. Be sure to explore Sri Lanka's cultural heritage as well with visits to spots like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, and the Golden Temple of Dambulla, an incredibly well-preserved cave temple complex filled with statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha. Also visit Kandy, a UNESCO-listed religious city that was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before the British colonial era, to learn about the long history of the country. Colombo itself celebrates local culture with festivals such as Vesak, a Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha falling on the same day. During the week-long festival, the city is brilliant with elaborate lanterns and lights called thoran. Muslim and Hindu holidays are also celebrated throughout the year, including the Sinhalese New Year in April, during which Sri Lankan culture is on full display.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Colombo

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Colombo

Colombo, despite it's location alongside the ocean, still has a very industrial feel to it.  For some reason, the contrast of this scene resonated with me.

Bambalapitiya

If you're spending some time in Bambalapitiya, Marino Mall and Bellagio Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Bambalapitiya
Nice surronding within Colombo

Fort

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Fort is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Colombo World Trade Center and Pettah Market.

Fort
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Wellawatte

4/5(25 area reviews)

You'll appreciate the beaches during your time in Wellawatte and you might want to plan a stop by Majestic City and Dehiwala Zoological Garden while you're in the area.

Wellawatte
Freedom. 
#SriLanka #Travel #Trover #Beach #HotelView

Kollupitiya

While visiting Kollupitiya, you might make a stop by sights like Casino Marina Colombo and Galle Face Beach.

Kollupitiya
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Milagiriya

While Milagiriya might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Majestic City and Marino Mall.

Milagiriya
If you are a Geek Fan, Geek HQ is the place to go!! 
In the picture are both Veg and Non Veg Options; Geek HQ 's special burger named Its Cloebbrin Time, Chewie Sandwich the non veg option and Red's Big Fries. This all came to a total of around 4000LKR which was quite reasonable and was shared among 4 of us! Tip - Get their Special Burger and it's so huge that it could be shared among 3 for sure.#Trover #Foodie #SriLanka #BurgersandFries

Havelock Town

3/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Havelock Town, you might make a stop by sights like Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple and Raux Brothers.

Havelock Town

 

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Popular day trips from Colombo

Frequently asked questions

Is Colombo worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and coastal beaches, finding fun things to do in Colombo is a breeze. Don't forget to add Galle Face Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Colombo?
Galle Face Beach and Dehiwala Zoological Garden are two good places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Colombo while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Colombo?
Galle Face Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Colombo and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Colombo?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city sights, like Galle Face Beach, Dehiwala Zoological Garden and High Commission of India. The average stay in Colombo is three days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Western Province isn't far away.
Is Colombo a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Colombo, such as Galle Face Beach and High Commission of India, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 miles from the city center of Colombo is Colombo 03 and Thimbirigasyaya is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Colombo with kids?
What to do in Colombo for adults?
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall and Sri Lanka Tennis Association are just a couple of the things to do in Colombo. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Colombo?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Colombo. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Galle Face Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.