Colombo
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EXPLORE THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL OF SRI LANKA
Gangaramaya Temple
Run by one of Sri Lanka’s more politically adept monks, Galboda Gnanissara Thera, this bustling temple complex has a library, a museum and an extraordinarily eclectic array of bejewelled and gilded gifts presented by devotees and well-wishers over the years (plus one lonely and chained temple elephant named Ganga). Gangaramaya is the focus of the Navam Perahera on the February Poya (full moon) day each year. This is the centre for the most extravagant Vesak celebrations in Colombo.
Seema Malakaya Meditation Centre
One of Colombo’s most photographed sights is on an island on the east side of the South Beira Lake. This small but captivating meditation centre was designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1985 and is run by Gangaramaya Temple. The pavilions – one filled with Thai bronze Buddhas, another centred on a bodhi tree and four Brahmanist images – are especially striking when illuminated at night. New additions appear less sympathetic to the poetic original.
Beira Lake
The Literally located in the heart of Colombo’s city centre, the Beira Lake stretches for about 1 mile and covers a good amount of about 160 acres of surface area. Beira Lake today, is one of the most fascinating and fun places to visit in Colombo. Serving as a proud home for more than 140 years to the Colombo rowing club, travellers can very well indulge in birdwatching, boating, watching romantic sunsets, and more activities at the Beira Lake, on their next trip to Sri Lanka.
Independence Square
A historical landmark that witnesses the independence celebration of the Sri Lankan citizens from the British rule, Independence Memorial Hall or Independence Square is a must-visit for every traveller when in Sri Lanka. Located right in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens, cherish the importance of the Independence Square which is where a new beginning of self-rule was embarked upon by the Government of Sri Lanka. Today this hall is used for religious events and the annual national day celebration. For us, the place was a nice escape from the noise and crowds of Colombo’s streets, as there was hardly anyone there.
St. Anthony’s Shrine
In Sri Lanka, St. Anthony has many devotees and several Churches have been erected in his honour. Perhaps the most popular one that daily attracts people of every caste, creed or race is the one at Kochchikade, in the heart of the city of Colombo.One has only to visit this church on any Tuesday of the year, to see the thousands from North, South, East & West who come to pray to St. Anthony, to ask his help for some need, to fulfil promises made, to thank him for answering their prayers and show their love and respect.
Old Dutch Hospital
Built during the years 1681, this building is one of those which have persevered their charm for the centuries that have followed it. Originally it was constructed for the main purpose of giving medical help to the people who worked for the Dutch East India Company. Currently, a shopping complex but it served as a lot of places before being what it is today. Don’t miss out on visiting the Odels which are one of the most decent joints that sell high quality clothed and souvenirs.
National Museum
Foundedby the former British Governor Sir William Henry Gregory of Ceylon which is how Sri Lanka was popularly known, the National Museum of Colombo showcases the works of renowned artists that portray the cultural heritage of the emerald nation. The museum exhibits 18th-century galleries which are full of intricate carvings, unique masks of demons, swords of the knights, and other art collection of local artists from the colonial era and you will find a lot of art, carvings, swords, guns, masks, and statues from Sri Lanka’s ancient past as well as the colonial period. It is a really nice museum!
Sri Lanka Planetarium
Established in 1965, Sri Lanka Planetarium is the only planetarium in Sri Lanka and one of the best places to visit in Colombo. It has gained popularity among visitors and reputation among those who are into astronomy. The building is designed in the shape of a lotus. The auditorium has the capacity to seat 570 seat people and has a 4D projector that takes you on a virtual tour of the universe. The planetarium is located within the premises of the University of Colombo. You can catch a free show here on Sundays.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Standing tall despite being destroyed twice by Indian and Portuguese invaders, it is said that Lord Buddha visited the current site of the temple when he visited the continent for the third time. Restored by the Dutch during the 18th century, this grand temple of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara today stands as a landmark of cultural charm amongst all the other tourist attractions in Colombo city.
Pettah Market (Street Tour)
It’s possibly the best place in Colombo to get initiated into the local Sri Lankan hustle and bustle, to ingest the sounds and smells, and to get a flavour of life in Colombo. For people who love open-air real markets like ourselves, it is a treat to go to such a huge expansive market and spend a few hours discovering the variety of plentiful produce and watch the vendors and buyers interacting. Colombo’s large and historic Pettah market is open every single day and has been in operation going back as far as anyone can remember…
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
The first thing that you will notice about the grand mosque of Jami Ul-Alfar is that of its candy-like red and white striped exterior. Designed and constructed by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque stands tall as a witness to the cultural gems of Sri Lanka, and as a perfect amalgamation of four unique styles of architecture – Indian, Gothic, Neo-classical, and Indo-Islamic architecture.
Old Parliament Building
Now a residence of the Presidential Secretariat, the Old Parliament Building is reminiscent of the New-baroque architectural style. The building was constructed in the year 1930 and was announced as the Parliament of Sri Lanka in the year 1977. If you are a history buff and love to explore places that are connected to the history of a country. So, make sure that you include it in your itinerary as it is one of the best places to visit in Colombo.
BMICH
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is a convention centre located in Colombo: Built between 1970 and 1973, the convention centre was a gift from the People’s Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister (1956–1959). The construction of the hall was carried out by a joint Sri Lankan and Chinese workforce with a considerable portion of the building materials being imported from China. In 1998 a small Exhibition Centre, the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre, was built on the grounds as a gift from China.
Lotus Pond Art Theater (Nelum Pokuna)
Lotus Pond art theater is located in Colombo,Sri Lanka.The seven-storied open theatre modelled after the Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) in Polonnaruwa, The Theater houses three galleries enabling to host three performances simultaneously and an open-air theatre on the top floor. The main spectators’ gallery can seat 1,288 people.The three-tier movable stage operated electrically can even accommodate a motor vehicle on stage. It also comprises two exhibition halls, thirteen rehearsal halls, parking facilities for 600 vehicles, library, and training facilities.
Lotus Tower (Nelum Kuluna)
One of the most unique and famous places in Colombo is the Lotus Tower which is as high as 350 meters. It is a transmission hub that focuses on improving the broadcast quality and deliver clear transmission communication. If you are looking for not-so-famous places to see in Colombo then this is the place to be. The tower is named so because of the shape of the top that is designed in the namesake flower.
Diyatha Uyana
Ever heard of bringing the dead back to life- Dont be scared but the transformation of Diyatha Uyana from a wasteland to one of the most attractive Colombo tourist places, has been nothing less than phenomenal. Housing an incredible lake, an aquarium, local eateries, and few handicrafts stalls, the place now is graced by the unique 3D art implemented by local artists.
Galle Face
Once a line of fire for the army of Dutch, Galle Face Green is a marvellous open space and an urban park that allows the travellers to enjoy a massive space of the 12 acres, and a shimmering coastline of about 500 metres. Just like the Marine Drive in Mumbai and Kochi, this promenade is one of the best places to visit in Colombo for couples, friends, and families alike. Stroll on the beach, soak the goodness of the sun, meet new people, relish the local Sri Lankan cuisine, and much more at Galle Face Green.
One Galle Face Shopping Mall
One Galle Face is a mixed-use complex of buildings currently being built near the Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is also Sri Lanka’s first internationally and developed and managed mixed-use project and was officially opened on 8 November 2019. The facility consists of four skyscrapers, one which will be open for businesses to set up offices, two for the residential component, and the fourth as part of a hotel. A shopping mall is also part of the project. The premises in its entirety is owned by Shangri-La.
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