EXPERIENCE AROUND
The capital has become an interesting city to visit and there are plenty of things to do in Colombo Sri Lanka. There are great shopping and dinning choices, a growing scene for contemporary art and culture and is a ideal stop at the beginning or the end of your trip.
Culture & Heritage
Make a memorable visit to Pettah Markets, a Colombo attraction. It is an explosion of taste, sight, and sound. From fresh fish to furniture to lace to stationary, one can basically get anything from here. It is hot and colourful, whizzing with vendors and movement.
Watch the sunset at Galle Face Green by the sea amidst children with kites and road side food vendors or head to Independence Square which was built to commemorate the independence from British rule and has recently become popular with the “get fit”.
For a taste of modern Sri Lankan art, visit the Sapumal Foundation which is home to a grand collection of art from the notable modern painters from the country and if you are interested in architecture the home of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa will grab you with its stark white walls off-set by green moss and foliage. Colombo National Museum is home to colonial armour, ancient thrones and masks and set in a magnificent white building with a lush garden with giant trees.
Worship & Architecture
Colombo is multi-religious and perfect for those wanting a spiritual awakening and the temples, churches, and mosques will also reflect the country’s architecture and culture. From the many Buddhist temples scattered around the city, the Gangaramaya Temple stand out. It is opulent and eclectic and even houses a museum and is the central point of the annual Nawam Perahera.
The regal Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Hindu Shiva Temple is peaceful and is carved and shaped from black stone and buzzling with devotees on Saturday evenings. The Wolvendaal Church is impressive Dutch architecture and built like a fortress and one can spend many a hour exploring the nooks and corners and reading the descriptions at your feet.
Although entrance to the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is usually prohibited, the candy stripped exterior is impressive to say the least and worth a view if you are in the area
SHOP & DINE
For the shopaholic in you, Colombo offers you a choice in both traditional and contemporary craft, textile, and precious and semi-precious stones, notably blue sapphires.
The foodie you will be excited to sample cuisine from all parts of the country in the capital where many restaurants and cafes offer a range of flavours and taste to match needs of any international traveler.
Night life is also thriving, especially during weekends, with a variety of bars and clubs sprawled around the city and you are most likely to dance away till wee hours in the morning.
Outdoor Active
We can organize a a 2-3 hour guided walk which takes you through a myriad of buildings and sights that date back from 17th century to the 90’s in Colombo. Learn about the architecture and the pulse of the capital which also takes you to Pettah. This market is older than the buildings you will see; and as non-touristic as you will get.
Out of the things to do in Colombo, seeing the city in a Tuk Tuk tour stands out as it takes you around Colombo in the beloved vehicle offering a premium of open air convertible rooftops, sound systems, and cooler boxes (for snacks and drinks). Safety is ensured with trained and friendly drivers and you can choose from 3 different types of but they are flexible to your needs and wants.
