Sri Lanka is a land of legends. Believed to be the home of Ravana from the Indian epic, Ramayana, the sandbanks of Adam’s Bridge reputedly once linked this island nation to India. Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo, reflects this legacy, offering a great mix of the past and the present.
About Colombo
Grid
Map
Sight Seeing
National Museum
Sri Lanka’s premier cultural institution houses art, carvings and sculptures that tell the stories of the country’s ancient past, as well as from the Colonial era. Look for the magnificent royal throne made for King Wimaladharma in 1693, and the 9th century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals.
Time : 9:00 AM
Fort
An actual fort during the European era, today, this precinct is a curious mix of modern structures and venerable red-brick institutions from the Colonial era. Don’t miss the clock tower at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha, which was originally a lighthouse.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
This temple has a dramatic past; Gautam Buddha is said to have visited the site of this temple on his last visit to Sri Lanka. King Maniakkhika invited Gautam Buddha to broker peace between two rulers who were at war over a precious throne. This throne was later enshrined within the original stupa.
Time : 7.30 AM or evening after 8pm
Activities To Do
Have a quiet afternoon
Stroll along the meandering walkways of Viharamahadevi Park, home to brilliant flowering trees that bloom from March through early May. Recently spruced up, Colombo’s largest park features a beautiful, large statue of Gautam Buddha, detailed landscaping and playgrounds for kids. Elephants used for ceremonies sometimes spend the night here.
Time : 10:00 AM
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7:00 PM
Take in a beautiful sunset
Join the locals as they watch the sun set from Galle Face Green, a long stretch of manicured lawns facing the sea immediately south of Fort. It was originally cleared by the Dutch to give the cannons in Fort a clear line of fire, and is now a great place at which soak in some local energy.
Time : Evening sun-sets
Go exploring
Experience a delightful afternoon wandering the streets of Pettah. A tour conducted by Colombo City Walks lasts up to four hours, and will take you through bustling bazaars and past Colonial mansions, accompanied by beautiful stories based on Sri Lanka’s past.
Time : 10:00 AM
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7:00 PM
Shopping
Discover a Sri Lankan treasure
Located in a charming old villa, designer Barbara Sansoni’s Barefoot is popular for its bright hand-loomed textiles inspired by Sri Lanka, fashioned into bedspreads, cushions, notebooks, lampshades and other household items. The books department within houses a carefully curated range of books.
Time : 10:00 AM
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8:00 PM
Shop your heart out
The glitzy Odel is a maze as much as a department store. You will find everything, from fashion to cosmetics and souvenirs here, from international as well as top local brands. Odel is always buzzing with both visitors and the local elite.
Time : 10:00 AM
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10:00 PM
Find a slice of paradise
Paradise Road is renowned designer Shanth Fernando’s high-end boutique, and showcases a lovely selection of Colonial and Sri Lankan collectables, in addition to original homeware and designer products. The Paradise Road Gallery Café shop, too, is worth visiting for its small, artistic displays.
Suggested Itinerary
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