Colombo, the commercial & industrial hub of Sri Lanka is well worth exploring on your visit to the island. With a rich history dating as far back as the 5th century, Colombo is the former capital of Sri Lanka and still remains the heart of the nation. The weather here remains warm and sunny through most of the year, except during the inter-monsoonal rains.
Colombo city is dotted with modern architecture as well as structures with colonial influence, fringed by greenery all around. As you travel around the city, be sure to experience the best this cosmopolitan city has to offer. From bustling markets to sprawling malls, parks & gardens, museums, restaurants and pubs as well as night clubs and casinos.
In the suburbs of Colombo, the beaches of Mount Lavinia in are ideal to unwind and enjoy the sunset after a long day of activity in the city.
The Colombo weather remains warm and constant through most of the year, except during the inter-monsoonal rains.
Things To Do
One of the first things you may want to do in Colombo is to hop on to the open double-decker bus and get a glimpse of the key places by joining the Colombo City Tour commencing from the Galle Face Hotel.
Shopping in Colombo is an interesting experience to say the least. The One Galle Face Mall is among the larger malls, while Colombo City Center, Crescat Boulevard and Majestic City are also popular and house many local and international retail brands. If you are after a more colorful shopping experience the Pettah Bazaars offer goods at terribly cheap prices. You may need to bargain hard but it is worth it! Outside of the malls you will find independent stores that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Barefoot will be your go to for hand-loom fabrics and quirky handicrafts. Also visit Odel, Arienti, Cotton Collection for a mix of good quality cotton clothing and souvenirs.
Colombo offers some of the best spa experiences in the world. A traditional ayurvedic massage at the Siddhalepa Spa or a ritualistic aromatherapy massage at the Spa Ceylon is a must on your list of things to do in Colombo.
A stay in Colombo will not be complete without an experience of the dining in Colombo. There is a wide variety of options ranging from the Hotel De Pilawoos with local goodies such as cheese kottu rotti, string hopper biriyani or a masala rotti to the Gallery Café offering an exotic dining experience. Other dining options in Colombo include the Barefoot Garden Café, Cricket Club Café, Nuga Gama, Cheers or any of the rooftop bars at city hotels enjoy a drink in the evening, while enjoying the view of a glorious sunset.
Colombo nightlife is fairly decent too. Gaming is legal only for foreign passport holders and some of the popularly known casinos are Bally’s Casino and Bellagio Casino. Most of the dance oriented Colombo nightlife revolves around a few night clubs including The Chiller Room, Clique, R&B and Amuseum.
Attractions
If you are in the mood for a beer on the beach without ever leaving the city, the beaches of Mount Lavinia in are ideal to unwind and enjoy the sunset after a long day of shopping.
Other popular Colombo tourist attractions include the Gangaramaya Temple, having been in existence for 120 years on the banks of the famous Beira Lake and housing a library, a museum and an array of plated and jeweled gifts offered by devotees over the years.
The National Museum, established in 1877 and housed in a regal white colonial-era building is another one of the Colombo tourist attractions. The Museum displays monuments from the ancient Sinhala Kingdoms, antique furniture, chains and Ola manuscripts.
The Independence Square, the Viharamahadevi Park, Galle Face Green, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolfendal Church and the Fort Railway Station are some of the other places to visit. Colombo boasts many more attractions which you will be able to see as you travel around the city.
