Colombo, the former capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant, hectic, and colourful metropolis on the island’s western coast. The city’s diverse population is a reflection of its long history under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Colombo
Because of its status as the country’s economic and financial hub, Colombo never lacks for entertainment options. There are wonderful places to eat and buy, as well as fascinating museums and remarkable historical landmarks.
The city’s rapid expansion and development have diminished its reputation as “the garden city of the East,” but small patches of greenery may still be seen among the city’s high-rises and shiny shopping centres.
Colombo offers some great hidden jewels, whether you’re into cuisine, shopping, culture, or nightlife, but many tourists just pass through on their route to Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches.
1. Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is a sight to behold because of the eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Sri Lankan architectural elements it displays. The Simamalaka Shrine is the most pleasant of the temple’s many halls and shrines, as well as its library, museum, and relic chamber.
Wonderful photo ops may be had all throughout the complex at the various statues, carvings, and the Bodhi tree. The city’s most colourful and lavish Vesak, or full moon, celebrations take place at one of the city’s most revered temples.
The Gangaramaya Temple, which was just built in the late 19th century, is a popular tourist destination near Beira Lake and the Seema Malakaya Temple.
2. Mount Lavinia Beach
Beautiful golden sands may be found at Mount Lavinia Beach, which is only a short bus ride from the city’s core. Mount Lavinia Beach, in contrast to most southern beaches on the island, has a wide variety of high-quality amenities to offer visitors. There are several places to eat and stay along its shores.
Although it spans for kilometres along the shore, the beach’s atmosphere varies greatly from one spot to the next. Mount Lavinia Beach is not just a place to relax in the warm ocean or on the sands while taking in the stunning surroundings; it also features a vibrant nightlife thanks to the abundance of fantastic bars and nightclubs that line its shores.
3. Galle Face Green
The Galle Face Green is a popular recreation area because of its proximity to the water, the business sector, and the small beach of the same name. The big green, once used by the British for cricket, polo, and horse racing, is now a wonderful place to have a picnic or take a stroll.
The Galle Face Green is a nice area to watch people fly kites and grab a bite to eat while taking in the fresh air that comes in off the Indian Ocean from the many street sellers who set up shop there.
4. Colombo National Museum
The Colombo National Museum is the best venue to learn about Sri Lanka’s long and fascinating history and culture. The museum has been open since 1877 and is housed in a stunningly beautiful white structure designed in the Italian Renaissance style.
The museum houses an impressive collection of relics and artworks, including the crowns and thrones of ancient Kandyan kings, as well as carvings, statues, and weapons. The Colombo National Museum is a fantastic destination, packed with fascinating displays.
5. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
The history of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and all of Asia, stretches back some 2500 years to Lord Buddha’s visit to the island. The temple’s ups and downs have often coincided with those of Sri Lanka, which is fitting given its picturesque location on the banks of the river Kelani on the outskirts of Colombo.
There is some beautiful architecture here, but the highlights are the magnificent reclining Buddha and the pictures and scenes from his life that surround him. It is highly recommended that you visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka.
6. Viharamahadevi Park
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Colombo for a spell, come to Viharamahadevi, the city’s largest and oldest park.
The park was originally called after Queen Victoria when it was constructed by the British during colonial times, but the name was changed after Sri Lanka gained its freedom.
The park’s groomed lawns and fountains provide for a relaxing promenade; other attractions include a zoo, a children’s playground, and a beautiful Buddha statue.
7. Independence Square
Independence Square is a large public plaza in the heart of the city that hosts many of the city’s major cultural events and festivals. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings and has lush boulevards running onto it.
Colombo was previously known as “the garden city of the East” due to its abundance of beautiful gardens and ponds that still remain today.
The square features the fantastic Independence Memorial Hall on one side and the Arcade, a contemporary shopping centre with many hip stores and restaurants, on the other.
8. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Jami Ul-Alfar, one of the oldest mosques in the city, was built in 1909 and has beautiful architecture that combines elements from a number of various styles. The odd colour scheme of the mosque is what draws people there, rather than the stunning synthesis of Indo-Islamic, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles.
The candy-cane-like appearance of the red-and-white striped skyscraper is immediately noticeable. The majestic Colombo Mosque is conveniently located near the city’s harbour. You can usually view its beautiful interior outside of prayer times.
9. St Anthony’s Church
This Roman Catholic church, also known as St. Anthony’s Shrine, is a popular pilgrimage site because it contains a relic believed to be a portion of the saint’s tongue. Saint. Anthony is revered there by people of many faiths because they consider him a “miracle worker.”
The building’s Neoclassical facade is beautiful, dating back to the early 1800s, but the interior’s solemn ambience is what really sets it apart as a must-see. Almost 90 people were killed in the April 2019 bombing of St. Anthony’s Church in Sri Lanka, which was part of a larger coordinated strike.
It was quickly rebuilt and reopened, and has since welcomed worshippers as a symbol of national unity, hope, and tolerance.
10. Seema Malakaya Temple
Located in a beautiful setting in the midst of Beira Lake, the Seema Malakaya Temple is a popular tourist destination. The exquisite bronze Buddha statues that encircle the temple’s main hall look even more impressive when the water sparkles all around them. You can make out skyscrapers above the tree line across the lake.
The temple, which was rebuilt in 1976 after the old collapsed into the lake, is now utilised more as a place for relaxation and contemplation than as a place of prayer. Seema Malakaya, a section of the Gangaramaya Temple not far distant on solid ground, is especially beautiful when lit up against the night sky.
