Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

We take a look at the best things to do in Colombo, the gateway city to Sri Lanka – the pearl of the Indian Ocean

Let’s face it: Colombo is not what you would call a “cosmopolitan city”. Not many companies boast offices in “London, New York, Colombo”. The city has never been an international player nor does it have a world-class attraction.

Nonetheless, as a launching pad for travel further afield in Sri Lanka, Colombo enjoys a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. Almost every arrival in Sri Lanka passes through Bandaranaike, the country's main international airport. By the way, the Sri Lanka visa is generally accessible and can be applied for online using the Sri Lanka visa application form.

Tourists stay here mainly for convenience, but do not miss out on the city. There are plenty of interesting and quirky things to do in Colombo that are worth a visit.

Colombo National Museum

With its relatively small stature, Sri Lanka is both literally and metaphorically below India. The country is less traveled and far less romanticized than its larger cousin to the north. Its food, culture and literature are less known, but its history is just as fascinating. From colonization (first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, then the British) to a 25-year civil war, Sri Lanka has had its fair share of conflict.

alt=“Sights in Colombo: National Museum of Colombo”>Atlas & BootsThe National Museum is one of the best places to visit in Colombo

Established in 1977, the National Museum of Colombo showcases the country's history with an extraordinary range of exhibits from ancient art, carvings and statues to colonial-era war artifacts.

The main museum is connected to the fascinating National Museum of Natural History, housed in the same complex. This second museum is in a slow state of disrepair, but the dark corridors and peeling walls only add to the atmosphere. We stumbled across a massive skeleton of undetermined origin being worked on in a particularly dingy corridor. Try to catch it when you visit.

Viharamahadevi Park

Colombo is not as hectic as other Asian capitals (Delhi, Bangkok, Phnom Penh), but it is not a quiet city either. Find a place of peace at Viharamahadevi Park with its manicured lawns, green trees and large Buddha statue.

alt="thing to do in colombo: vihamaharadevi park">Atlas & BootsViharamahadevi Park is one of the most peaceful things to do in Colombo

The park is the oldest and largest in Colombo and was formerly known as Victoria Park, named after Britain's Queen Victoria. It was built in the 1950s to honor the mother of King Dutugemunu, the Sinhalese king of Sri Lanka from 161 BC. to 137 BC Reigned BC, renamed.

Today, the park offers the perfect spot to spot strolling locals, weary tourists, and even a wedding party or two.

Old Dutch hospital and fort

The Fort area is touted as Colombo's trendy area with a variety of modern tea lounges, restaurants and cafes. It's not exactly Soho, but the area is definitely worth a stroll.

alt="Bell tower in the fort area of ​​Colombo">Atlas & BootsBell tower in the Fort area of ​​Colombo

The heart of Fort is the Old Dutch Hospital from the early 17th century. Originally built as a hospital, the complex was later used as a police station and is now a well-known historic building.

Stroll through the arcade of chunky columns and take a break in the quiet courtyard surrounded by cafes and restaurants. For a refreshing tea, try T-Lounge around the corner on Chatham Street.

Bile face green

Galle Face Green is a promenade that stretches for half a kilometer along the Colombo coastline. The area was originally cleared by the Dutch to give their cannons a clear line of fire.

alt="Peace Amidst the Chaos in Colombo Sri Lanka Evening Stroll">Atlas & BootsA place for people watching on Galle Face Green

Today the grass bordering the beach is a bit worn and the area could do with a spruce up, but it provides a glimpse into life in Colombo. Visit on a weekend and you'll find the area bustling with locals: families enjoying a day trip, couples courting on leisurely strolls, joggers dodging crowds, and food vendors in droves.

Pettah Markets

For a glimpse of local commerce, visit Pettah with its collection of local markets. Be warned, though: it's loud and crowded and if you don't love it, you'll probably hate it.

alt="A stop at Pettah - you'll love it or hate it">DreamtimeA stop at Pettah - you'll love it or hate it

Try visiting the Federation of Self Employees Market along 5th Cross St for household goods and groceries or the Manning Market for fruits and vegetables. If you are serious about shopping, get some Tamil beforehand. Sinhala will do, but you will find yourself popular with Tamil as it is the native language of many pettah sellers.

Beira Lake

Lake Beira is located in the center of Colombo. Although it is surrounded by buildings and shops, its sidewalks provide a band of tranquility. Walk in the shade of swaying trees, paddle out on the lake in a swan boat (cheesy but fun), and cross the bridge to Lovers' Island.

alt="activities in colombo: beira lake">Atlas & BootsThe Seema Malakaya meditation center on Lake Beira

Take time to visit the Seema Malakaya meditation center on the east side of the lake. Designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in 1985, the center consists of three picturesque platforms decorated with bronze Buddhas and Bodhi trees. The center is particularly striking when lit up at night.

Gangaramaya Temple (see update)

This Buddhist temple feels quite fragmented, with different sections and styles woven together without much thought for harmony. Aside from that, its nooks and crannies offer a variety of interesting artifacts and insights.

alt="Things to do in Colombo: Temples">Atlas & BootsGangaramaya feels a bit fragmented but offers interesting artifacts and exhibitions

Spend some time exploring the second level and you'll come across an impressive display of Buddha statues. Consider visiting at dusk so you can see the illuminated statues.

It is worth noting that we subsequently learned of a lone elephant named Ganga who is permanently chained in the complex. We saw no trace of Ganga but could not confirm that she was freed. Please check with your hotel before your visit.

Update February 2, 2017: We have been informed by a local conservationist and former Born Free employee that Ganga is still trapped in the temple and hidden out of sight. We hope that you can make an informed decision based on this information.

Dutch Period Museum

This pillared building in Pettah was the formal residence of the Governor of Dutch Ceylon, Thomas van Rhee, during his administration from 1692 to 1697. It is now a museum chronicling the history of Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka.

alt="activities in colombo: dutch time museum">DreamtimeThe museum shows the history of Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka

Artifacts include furniture, ceramics, coins and weapons, while a leafy courtyard provides a lovely place to rest before heading back into the fray of the capital.

Things to do in Colombo: the essentials

What: Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Where: We stayed at Taru Villas Lake Lodge, a boutique hotel with 12 stylish double rooms and a garden suite. Located just a short tuk-tuk ride from the city center, Lake Lodge is adjacent to a makeshift cricket pitch and Lake Beira.

We arrived in Dubai at 1am after an agonizingly long layover and received a warm welcome and a cold drink from Seelan and Raj. Seelan looked after us for the duration of our three day stay and provided a rare personal service.

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alt=“Eat local food whenever possible”>Atlas & Boots

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Our room was clean and comfortable. The piece de resistance, however, was the restaurant. Lake Lodge offered the best food we had in Sri Lanka. Don't miss the rice curry option, served with plenty of paddy rice, an eggplant curry, breadfruit curry, beetroot curry, papadums, sambols, a fish dish and the best dahl we've ever tasted. There was so much food that they had to block the aisle with an extra table for us! Highly recommended.

When: The best time to visit Colombo is January to March, when the city is mostly sunny. With April comes the monsoon season. June to September are the wettest months but still sunny. In November, the weather becomes hot and humid, but it is still a good time to visit, especially for Diwali celebrations.

How: We took a transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport to Lake Lodge (did we mention it was 1am?). Kangaroo Cabs is a reputable taxi company and has deals starting from 1750 LKR (12 USD) from the airport to Colombo.

You can take the public bus (number 187-E3) from the airport to Colombo Central Bus Station. Note that we found public bus travel in Sri Lanka to be quite stressful.

You can also take a train from Katunayaka Station to Fort Station in central Colombo. You need to take the airport shuttle to the bus station and then a tuk tuk to Katunayaka. Trains run approximately once an hour and take an hour to reach Fort.

Most international flights land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

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