Colombo is the administrative center of Sri Lanka. It is not only the country's economic hub but also a cultural melting pot, showcasing various aspects from colonial times to modern development. Additionally, it serves as a starting point for trips to other areas.
Contents
◦ City Attractions
01｜Town Hall
The Town Hall of Sri Lanka is nicknamed the "Mini White House" because its design is inspired by the United States Capitol. Across from the Town Hall is the famous Viharamahadevi Park.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 0830-1615 Dr CWW Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo
02｜Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park is the largest park in Colombo. It features a prominent golden Buddha statue, vast green spaces, tropical plants, and fountains. The lush greenery makes it a popular spot for picnics and wedding photo shoots.
Opening Hours: 0600-1800
03｜Independence Square
Independence Square is where Sri Lanka's independence ceremony was held in 1948. In front of the memorial hall stands a statue of Don Stephen Senanayake, Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister.
04｜Galle Face Green
Stretching half a kilometer along the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green is a scenic seaside promenade. In the evenings, many vendors set up stalls selling balloons, fried seafood, and various street foods. It is a great place to see the sunset.
05｜One Galle Face Mall
Opposite Galle Face Green, there is a shopping center with many international brands. One Galle Face Mall has restaurants, a cinema, and amusement facilities, offering a complete shopping and entertainment experience for both locals and tourists. The supermarket downstairs is also a great place to buy souvenirs!
Opening Hours: 1000-2200 1A Centre Road, Colombo
06｜Colombo Lotus Tower
Completed in 2018, the Lotus Tower is a TV tower built with loans from China. It has become a symbol of the close relationship between former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Beijing.
07｜Pettah Market
Located across from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Pettah Market is surrounded by Front Street, Main Street, 5th Cross Street, and Olcott Mawatha. It is the busiest market in Colombo.
Whether you want to experience the joy of shopping in a traditional market, taste local food, or buy souvenirs, Pettah Market can meet all your needs!
◦ Religious sites
01｜Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
The red and white striped mosque, located north of Pettah Market, is a historic and well-known landmark in Colombo. Visitors should enter through Gate 3. A guide will give a brief tour, explaining the history and features. The red and white colors are inspired by the pomegranate, a fruit often mentioned in the Quran.
Opening Hours: 1030-1200、1300-1500、1615-1800 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo
02｜Sri Ponnambala Vaneswarar Kovil
Not far from Pettah is the Sri Ponnambala Vaneswarar Kovil. Unlike typical colorful Hindu temples, it is made of impressive white granite. During the visit, a ceremony was taking place, with everyone raising their hands in prayer—a spectacular sight.
Opening Hours: 0500-1200、1700-2030 38 Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo
03｜Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, located further from the city, is a sacred site where Buddha is said to have preached after enlightenment.
The murals inside, painted by artist Solias Mendis, depict Buddha's life and key events in Sri Lankan Buddhism and are worth seeing.
Open hours: 24 hours
04｜Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple combines elements from Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and China. It includes a library, museum, and Buddhist school.
Opening Hours: 0600-2200 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo Entrance: 400 LKR (04/2024) The same ticket allows entry to Gangarama Seema Malaka.
05｜Gangarama Seema Malaka
Gangarama Seema Malaka, which looks very much like a villa, is also known as the "Water Temple" and is mainly used for meditation.
Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo
◦ Restaurants
01｜Ministry of Crab
Sri Lanka's main exports include well-known tea and Sri Lankan crabs. To keep crab dishes in Sri Lanka so locals could also enjoy the delicious local crabs, Chef Dharshan Munidasa established the Ministry of Crab.
Six oysters for just $15 USD is a deal you can't miss! With a bit of lemon juice and special hot sauce, they taste amazing!
Next, the main event: the crab! After choosing the size of the crab, you can select your preferred flavor, such as black pepper, butter, garlic chili, or curry. As a first-timer, I chose the popular garlic chili flavor. The crab meat is fresh, sweet, and tender. The dish’s soul lies in the flavorful garlic and crab-infused olive oil! I don’t usually like bread, but I ordered more just to soak up all the delicious oil.
Opening Hours: 1200-2230 Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo ➤ The Menu ➤ Book Now
02｜ Mihiri Bake Mart
Mihiri Bake Mart, which has 11 branches in Colombo, sells a variety of pastries. The branch on Main Street is not far from Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, making it a great place to take a break.
Opening Hours: 0600-1900 129 Main St, Colombo
03｜Jaya Gandhi Lodge
This is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant! The owner, who is from South India, has brought delicious curries here. But what amazed me the most was the tasty Paal Kappa! Paal Kappa is a traditional food from Kerala in southern India, made mainly of cassava and coconut milk, with a bit of salt or spices for extra flavor.
Opening Hours: 0600-2200 200 Galle Rd, Colombo
◦ The Anam Hostel
While a bit far from the city center, this place offers spacious rooms at affordable rates, making it a budget-friendly choice. Additionally, it has a simple kitchen and complimentary access to a washing machine, which is a considerate amenity for travelers! The only downside is that the hot water can be a bit weak at times.
The Anam Hostel Double room with air conditioning (for single occupancy) 29A Wellawatta Station Rd, Colombo Price: 19 USD per night (04/2024)