Colombo is Sri Lanka’s heart in more ways than one. It is the largest city, the commercial district, the financial center, and the main port. It is also the melting pot of numerous influences that create a beautiful blending of the traditional with the contemporary. Its appeal is rooted in a tireless ability to introduce Sri Lanka’s inherent magic to millions of annual visitors.

Market street in Pettah, Colombo – Photo credit

Since most travellers to Sri Lanka begin their journey in Colombo, it’s crucial to take note of what you can accomplish with only a day at your disposal. Here’s a sample checklist.

Galle Face

A comfortable bed is paramount. A comfortable bed in the pulse point area of the city is even better. In the case of the Galle Face Hotel Colombo, guests are treated to thrilling views of the sea. The hotel is highly recommend by locals because of its Galle Face Green location and excellent service. Breakfast at the Verandah Restaurant, with a relaxing view, is a marvelous way to get energized for a full-day of Colombo sightseeing.

Ride the Tuk Tuk

Three-wheeled motorcycles, or tuk-tuks, are common on Colombo roads. Unfortunately, drivers are a little notorious because of the way they manoeuver in and out of lanes and for their occasional rate-gouging. In 2009, a tourist-friendly, metered version of the tuk-tuks was introduced by the government. The new batch of vehicles is easy to distinguish because of the custom Sri Lankan paint jobs.

National Museum

Get acquainted with Sri Lanka’s vibrant history by visiting the National Museum, which is over a century old. The museum holds huge chunks of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage – thousands of palm leaf manuscripts, books, rock sculptures, and important 17th century ceremonial pieces of the Kandyan Kings.

Shop, Shop, Shop

There are plenty of places to uncover jaw-dropping bargains in Colombo. Majestic City and Liberty Plaza are two top-of-mind shopping malls in the city. Both have supermarkets and are peppered with retail shops that sell clothes, footwear, leather goods, and books. Shoppers can also head to the Pettah area as this is the bazaar district of Colombo. The cobbled alleys are lined with boutiques and specialty shops offering a wide range of handicrafts, fabrics, garments, jewelry items, precious stones, household items, and tons of souvenirs.

Places of Worship

Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka but the country also contains vast populations of Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. The Wolvendaal Church is the Colombo’s oldest Dutch church. As for Hindu Temples, one can visit the Ganeshan or the New Kathiresan. The Asokaramaya Temple on Thimbirigasyaya Road is a Buddhist shrine popular among travellers.

Colombo National Zoo

The Colombo National Zoo attracts a big number of visitors. The zoo houses all the crowd favourites – tigers, leopards, and reptiles from all over the world.

Nightlife

Hardcore party animals may find Colombo’s nightlife a little tame. A few decent, select hangouts do offer a good scene, however, such as Mawby’s Chillout Pub, Glow Bar, The Library, Zanzibar and the Blue Elephant in the Hilton Colombo Hotel.

Colombo City Guide

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