Sri Lanka’s Capital Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums; diesel fumed congested roads and street markets.
01. Pray at Gangaramaya Temple
The temple is one of the most distinguished Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and a specimen of historical importance which dates back to a century bygone. As you enter the main sanctorum, you will be spellbound to behold the colossal Buddha figure and the miniature paintings on the walls depicting various stories of Buddhism.
The statue of Lord Buddha exudes characteristic brilliance and serenity that pervades the whole interior of the temple. Inside the temple premises, there is a museum where you can also see relics of architecture belonging to India, Myanmar, China and Thailand.
02. Explore Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a sprawling expanse of green settled between the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel and Galle Face Green Hotel which is frequented by tourists and locals for fresh air walking sessions. The velvety green promenade of Galle Face Green was built in 1859 as to safeguard the place from Portuguese invasions.
Standing at the Galle Face Green beach, you can watch the stunning sunset across the vista and call it a day.
03. Visit Lotus TOwer Colombo
The tallest skyscraper of Sri Lanka – Colombo Lotus tower is also known as “Nelum Kuluna” in Sinhala. Colombo lotus tower is one of the most famous tourist sites in the town of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Standing at a height of 356 meters and this is the tallest tower in South Asia, 11th tallest tower in Asia and 19th tallest tower in the world. It has become one of the major tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and popular among tourists.
04. Colombo Fort Railway Station
If you are traveling from Colombo to the beaches on the Southern shore or to the hill country by train, arrive to the station a bit early to wander around. Otherwise, just buy the cheapest ticket (no more than 20 rupees) in any direction to enter (you can only enter with a valid ticket).
06. The Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque)
One of the oldest mosques in Colombo, completed in 1909, Jami Ul-Alfar mosque reminds me of the colorful, candyland-like churches of Russia. It takes up almost a whole block in Pettah market and is best viewed from the Main Street or the Second Cross Street. Whether you can enter it as a woman is up for discussion.
06. Try Your Luck At Casino
Looking for some crazy fun-filled activities to do in Colombo trip if you are travelling with your chums? Try your luck at the adrenaline-charged casino games and enjoy live music performance by the Sri Lankan artists and DJs to buck up your energy level.
Once you hit any of these casinos, don’t ever miss out the chance to pamper your taste buds with an array of gourmet seafood they serve. Some of the famous casinos at Colombo are Bally’s Casino, MGM Colombo, The Ritz Club and Stardust Casino.
Location: Across the city
Timings: Most of the casinos remain open for 24×7 days.
07. Visit National Museum
While preparing your itineraries for things to do in Colombo, a visit to the National Museum has to be in your bucket list for being one of the leading cultural institutions of the country. As soon as you enter the interior of the museum, you will be greeted by a smiling Buddha figurine which dates back to the 9th century.
There are galleries that store relics, busts and artefacts, swords, palettes and other miscellanies belonging to the colonial era. You can enjoy your favourite cuppa in the cool and relaxing ambiance of the museum cafeteria once you have rambled through the different galleries of the museum.
Location: Albert Crescent, Colombo
08. Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Leisure World Water Park
If you’re visiting Colombo with your family or friends and confused about what to do in Colombo, visiting this park is one of the best activities to do in Colombo. Leisure Water Park in Colombo has tons of water slides and amusement activities for you to have a blast with your friends and family.
The park also features many pools, rides and activities exclusively for kids and some exclusive for adults. The water rides here include Aqua Trail, Boomerang Slide, Kiddies Pool, Multi-Lane, Lazy River, Wave Pool, Thunder Cruise and much more- all absolutely safe to ride.
The amusement activities in the park include several thrill rides, family rides and kids rides for the entire family to have one hell of a time.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
