Sri Lanka Cost of Travel
Numerous locations include Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Memorial Hall, Beira Lake, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Seema Malakaya, Dutch Period Museum, Old Parliament Building, World Trade Center, Paradise Road, Pettah Floating Market, and more.
Since Colombo is the country’s capital, there are many different places to see there. Colombo’s lengthy and complex history may be due to its successive domination by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. The numerous monuments in Colombo may speak to the extraordinary patchwork of various ethnic civilizations that has resulted as a result.
Aside from some magnificent historical structures, this area is also known for its natural getaways, museums that house relics, and houses of worship that display laudable details. In Colombo, you can see how well diverse cultures have blended. Additionally, you can partake in a variety of activities while visiting Colombo, such as scuba diving, shopping, and water park activities. Colombo is the most popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka because there are so many places to visit there.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Colombo that you shouldn’t miss are Gangaramaya Temple, which is the most recognizable Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, Beira Lake, where you can check out artifacts and manuscripts in a stunning building with Italian architecture, and Beira Lake, where you can experience adventure, pilgrimage, and picnicking all in one location. For those who enjoy adventure and animals, wildlife tours in the Attidiya Bird Sanctuary and the Dehiwala Zoo are highly recommended.
The Gangaramaya
The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, one of Colombo’s most important places of worship, is just a short stroll from the picturesque Lake Beira. Both residents and tourists are drawn to the shrine because of its religious significance. The temple is another architectural wonder, combining aspects of Chinese, Indian, and Thai styles.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green, a lovely expanse of open space tucked between the busy Galle Boulevard and the Indian Ocean, is one of Colombo’s most well-liked picnic spots. Particularly on weekends, when there are a lot of sellers around luring the kids with all kinds of toys, the location saw a lot of foot traffic.
One of the greatest spots to partake in Colombo’s street-food culture is the neighborhood, which is lined with street-food vendors. Galle Face Park, which is cared for and maintained by Sri Lanka’s urban Urban Development Authority, also guarantees you an amazing sunset!
Viharamahadevi Park
The largest park in Colombo, which bears Queen Viharamahadevi’s name, is called Viharamahadevi Park. The park is one of the most tranquil locations to visit in Colombo since it combines picnic areas, waterfalls, a public park, a zoo, nature paths, and much more. It is one of the select few locations that, no matter how frequently you visit, never fails to surprise you.
This location is a must-visit when visiting Colombo because of the serene, calming effects of nature and the thrilling thrills. The park is popular with children, but it also draws adults looking for a break from the monotony of daily life.
The Independence Memorial Hall
The Independence Memorial Hall, which was built in 1953, is one of Colombo’s most visited attractions. The hall, which was constructed as a memorial commemorating the country’s freedom from British domination, annually holds Independence Day celebrations as well as several other national events. There is a museum on the property that is located in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens and serves as a memorial to the valiant individuals who fought for the country.
The hall also doubles as an open area for physical activities like jogging, cycling, aerobics, and gym use.
National Museum of Colombo
This largest museum on the island was founded in 1877 and is unquestionably Sri Lanka’s national treasure. Some of the most exquisite and unique collections of the illustrious Kandyan dynasty monarchs can be found here. One of the most well-known locations to visit in Colombo, the museum features spectacular reflections of Italian architectural style and is home to numerous artifacts dating back several centuries that depict the cultural and natural characteristics of the nation.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
A magnificent mosque called Jami Ul-Afar is located on Colombo’s Second Cross Street. With its red and white striped exterior that almost resembles candy, the mosque is highly noticeable and stands out. The mosque, one of several locations to see in Colombo with a rich cultural heritage, was constructed by Habibu Labbe Saibu Labbe. Here, you can observe a beautiful fusion of Gothic, Neoclassical, Indo-Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. This place is a cultural treasure.
Beira Lake
Beria Lake, one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Colombo, is created when you combine the components of picnic, adventure, and pilgrimage. Beria Lake, located in the center of the city, is bordered by the fabled Gangaramaya Temple and has a stunning temple called Seema Makala Temple in its center.
Beautiful Buddhist and Hindu deity idols can be found inside the local temple. Despite its lack of religious appeal, the lake is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and photographers, especially in the evenings when a stunning sunset illuminates the sky. The lake, which is close to 160 acres in size, is well-known for rowing among other sports.
Colombo Lotus Tower
The Lotus Tower, one of Colombo’s most distinctive structures, stands nearly 350 meters tall and towers over Slave Island. The structure’s top is reminiscent of the named flower. The tower serves as a transmission hub, with the goal of improving transmission communication and broadcast quality.
While this is Lotus Tower’s primary goal, it also includes observation decks, shopping centers, restaurants, and banquet halls. It is one of Colombo’s lesser-known tourist attractions.
Old Parliament Building
The Old Parliament Building in Colombo, one of the most important government offices in Sri Lanka, reflects Neo-baroque architectural styles. Many stories, rooted in history and politics, contribute to the building’s reputation. The building was constructed in 1930 and designated as the Parliament of Sri Lanka in 1977.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viraha is a Buddhist temple known for its magnificent sculptures. Despite being demolished by hostile forces from India and Portugal, the temple stands tall and proud about 10 kilometers from Colombo. The temple, built along the banks of the Kelaniya River, is one of Colombo’s most sacred spaces.
Mount Lavinia
Mount Lavinia is arguably Colombo’s most popular heritage hotel, with some of the best ocean-view rooms that are almost always booked out unless you arrive early. If you visit Mount Lavinia during festivals or peak seasons, the hotel offers a variety of appealing packages, such as wedding packages, sunset deals, national holiday offers, and more. The rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Laccadive Sea and is ideal for a quiet getaway, especially during the sunrise and sunset hours.
