Top Tourist Attractions In Colombo Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an Island in paradise, a popular tourist destination among many. Although there are endless breathtaking scenarios and historical places of interest throughout the country, little is known to tourists about sightseeing attractions in the capital, Colombo.
Whether on a Business trip or a short layover in the city, you’ll not feel as isolated as it offers plenty. This article will provide an in-depth outline of exciting spots you can enjoy as a tourist.
Let’s dive in, folks.
Sightseeing In Colombo And Places Worthy Of Interest
Sightseeing in Colombo ranges from breathtaking scenarios in beaches, parks, and clean roads to branded shopping malls and historical and religious places that signify the island’s rich heritage and culture.
Considering the country’s unique scenery outside the capital, you may not find sufficient time to visit all these places, particularly if you’re on a short stay. So, here are them in no particular order.
Lotus Tower
Lotus Tower is the tallest tower in South Asia, at 365 meters. The rotating restaurant on the topmost floor provides a magnificent view of the beautiful city. In contrast, the rest of the floors offer upscale retail centers, suite-only hotels, observation decks, ballrooms and event spaces, eateries, museums, and theaters.
You can get further details about the entrance fees to Lotus Tower for foreign nationals here.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is half a kilometer promenade (A walk or a passage) for those who love the beaches. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sunset. Another key aspect of this place is seeing the beauty of the crashing waves. You’ll not experience this unique scenery in any other part of Colombo.
There is ample space to walk around and plenty of food stalls to enjoy Wade(a local popular fried snack) with Prawns (Isso Wadey) for a cheaper price ranging from Rs.25- 50. So please take advantage of this byte, as it’s unique to the place.
Shopping Malls
Another aspect you can enjoy and spend your time in is the luxurious shopping malls. There are quite a few built and designed to the international standards. But three of the most famous ones are:
- One Galle Face: This shopping mall is Colombo’s finest seven-story mall, with a culmination of local and international brands. There is a world-class cinema, restaurants, and international cuisine where you can view the beautiful beach from the rooftop.
- Havelock City Shopping Mall: Opened this year (2023), this mall is home to many brands where you can enjoy elevated space to shop in Colombo.
- Odel: It’s the most prominent fashion retailer in the heart of Colombo. Popular among many tourists for shopping as it has been a pioneer in the retail industry for many decades.
Independence Square
This place signifies the freedom the country gained to commemorate its independence in 1948. Its memorial hall is carved intricately with many facets of the local culture, and you can learn a lot with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
It’s surrounded by a vast recreational park with neatly groomed lawns and a water fountain where families, friends, and keen joggers spend their leisure time.
Gangarama Temple
The Gangarama temple is one of the country’s oldest and most historical temples, containing exquisite brass work, stone works of art, and Buddhist art related to the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It’s also a learning center with a museum and a residential hall.
The entrance ticket to a foreigner costs Rs.300(US$0.90 per the current exchange rate).
Seema Malaka Temple On Beira Lake
This temple is located at the Beira Lake opposite the Gangarama temple. It lives on three man-made scaffolds in the middle of the lake, providing unique attractions to tourists. You can cross these three scaffolds using walkways above the lake.
In the center, there is the four-sided blue roof temple with the statues of Lord Buddha, each resembling the Buddha sitting in different positions.
On the next platform is a statue of the Treasury of Truth, which has its own symbolism. This platform of the Seema Malaka temple has a collection of old Buddhist scriptures. They usually are kept locked and only accessible to Buddhist monks.
On the next platform, a Bodhi tree is in the center, surrounded by various Buddha statues. On particular occasions, many locals gather to revere the Bodhi tree.
Its entrance fee for a foreigner is the same as that of the Gangarama temple(Rs.300).
Dutch Hospital
Now, you may assume that I’m talking about a hospital here. Not really! Although the Dutch initially built it to manage the health and welfare of its army staff in the 17th century, now it’s the center for entertainment in the hustling, buzzing Colombo.
In this adorable building with historical walls, you”’ll discover boutique shops, Colombo Fort Café, Spa Ceylon, bars, restaurants, and the famous seafood restaurant owned by the Ministry of Crabs.
Once inside this building, you’ll feel a relaxing, cool atmosphere. Because the Dutch had designed it to drive away the tropical heat inside the building.
Pettah Market
Pettah Market is your go-to place for cheap accessories ranging from electronic gadgets and fashion items to fresh fruits and vegetables. At first glance, any visitor may find this place chaotic. However, with the assistance of a local guide, you’ll walk out of this with ridiculously cheap items you may not find in your home country for the same price.
I recommend you bargain the prices with the vendors and don’t agree with the price they claim initially. As a result, you’ll get a better deal.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Red Mosque is a famous landmark mosque renowned for its breathtaking red and white candy-striped brick front. The clock tower BTRy, a minaret-adorned tower, is evocative of Kuala Lumpur’s Jamek Mosque.
Another vital historical aspect of the mosque is that it’s one of the earliest structures in Colombo to combine Indo-Islamic, Persian, Gothic Revival, and Neoclassical architecture.
The busiest times are Fridays and during prayer. It’s located on Second Cross Street, in the old port district of Colombo.
Viharamahadevi Park
Parks in Colombo provide the ideal atmosphere to enjoy chitchat in the cool breeze under the shadow of large trees. Viharamahadevi is a major park in Colombo with a huge Buddha statue and a series of water fountains. It provides an iconic view of the sunrise and sunset. Furthermore, it has a mini zoo and a children’s park.
It’s opposite the Colombo municipal council and closer to the Colombo Museum.
Colombo Fort Sambodhi Chaithya Temple
Plenty of tour guides and blogs for Sri Lanka miss a mention of this picturesque place. Located on the northwest edge of the Colombo fort on Chaithya Road, the bell-shaped Dagoba alias Stupa sits at the top of the yellow arch.
To get to the entrance of this Stupa, you need to climb the seven star-studded stories across the concrete monastery that looks out over the ocean in Fort.
Places For Just Photography In Colombo
Colombo Municipal Council- Although you cannot go inside the premises, you can photograph it from outside the building. It’s identical to the White House in Washington in the USA.
BMICH(Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) — This is a venue for MICE tourism. However, as a tourist, it’s a good place for photography as the building structure is unique.
Aukana Buddha Statue- Aukana Buddha Statue- This elegant attraction in the city is located right opposite the BMICH. It’s a representation of the statue near Anuradhapura.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy reading about the sightseeing in Colombo and plan to visit them on your next trip to the island. Being born and bred in a suburb near the capital gives me pleasure to witness the recent progress the city has made with an eye on tourism.
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